Career
Born in Oneida, Tennessee, Phillips received a Bachelor of Arts from Berea College in 1965, a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1969, and an Master of Laws from George Washington University Law School in 1973. He was in the United States Army, Judge Advocate General Corps from 1969 to 1973. He was in private practice in Oneida and Knoxville, Tennessee from 1973 to 1991.
He was a County attorney (part-time), Scott County, Tennessee from 1976 to 1991.
He was then a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee from 1991 to 2002. On June 26, 2002, Phillips was nominated by President George West. Bush to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee vacated by James H. Jarvis World War II Phillips was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 14, 2002, and received his commission on November 15, 2002.
He took senior status on August 1, 2013.
