Our Team

Jeffrey Phillips is an experienced trial lawyer and founding partner of Phillips Law Group, the founder of Phillips & Associates Law Firm, and other Phillips & Associates firms. He and his firms have represented more than 155,000 consumer clients over the past 27 years in Arizona, California, Utah, and throughout the nation.

While his primary offices are in Phoenix, Arizona, he handles cases throughout Arizona and nationwide. His primary focus is auto accidents and personal injury claims. Mr. Phillips has represented individuals as lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials, obtaining verdicts in Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties in Arizona, and has achieved outstanding success. Mr. Phillips obtained much of his trial experience early on in his career as a criminal defense attorney, but his practice now primarily focuses on helping those who are injured by the negligence of others.

Mr. Phillips is licensed to practice law in Arizona and works closely with other lawyers throughout the country to represent individuals injured by serious or catastrophic injuries or by harmful pharmaceutical drugs or defective products.

Mr. Phillips is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association – Top 100 for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Mr. Phillips is also a Leaders Forum member of the American Association for Justice, a premiere member of the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, and has received the distinction as one of the “Best Attorneys of America.” He is also a member of the Western Trial Lawyers Association, the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, the Consumer Attorneys of California, and the Orange County Bar Association.

Mr. Phillips has also been included as a Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association – Top 25 member, and the Trucking Trial Lawyers Association – Top 10 member and is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Mr. Phillips is also included as a member of the National Brain Injury Trial Lawyers – Top 25. Phillips Law Group and the Phillips & Associates firms have recovered more than $1 billion dollars for injury victims over the past two decades. Mr. Phillips currently accepts cases in the following areas: auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, all personal injury, serious and catastrophic injury, complex injury from defective products or defective drugs, discrimination, and overtime and employment cases including class and collective actions. Some of the Practice areas in which Mr. Phillips and the firm are accepting cases include:

Mr. Phillips has been well known in the Phoenix, Arizona, area as one of the most recognizable advertising lawyers in the state, and his firms are some of the largest advertising law firms in Arizona and have been for more than two decades. Mr. Phillips is a member of the State Bar of Arizona and a former member of the State Bar of Arizona Fee Arbitration Committee.

Mr. Phillips is a 1986 graduate of Arizona State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honors. He then went on to Law School at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona where he received the degree of Juris Doctor in 1990. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, snow skiing, and the company of his four dogs at home.

Nasser Abujbarah is the Managing Attorney of Phillips Law Group, P.C. Nasser’s family immigrated from the Middle East in 1988 and landed in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has lived ever since. He received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Finance. With a deep desire to stay in the state he loves, Nasser then went to law school at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, once again graduating with honors.

Nasser’s sole focus at Phillips Law Group is to seek justice for those who have been aggrieved by the negligence of others. He is licensed in the state of Arizona. Nasser has represented many clients with different types of claims including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and more, achieving numerous seven-figure settlements and verdicts for his clients throughout his impressive career. Some of his most monumental settlements include auto wreck cases for $3M, $2.75M, $2.5M, $2M, and countless others that recovered over seven figures for his clients.

Nasser’s practice is also focused on helping individuals who were victims of sexual assault; sadly, those victims can include young children. But the work is important and Nasser prides himself on being the voice for those who cannot speak out on their own, and he is immensely proud of this work.

In 2024, Nasser was honored in the 31st edition of Best Lawyers in America for his exceptional work in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. This incredibly exclusive distinction involved a rigorous selection process and is an extremely noteworthy recognition for Nasser and our firm.

In his free time, Nasser enjoys spending time with his wife Marie, their four-year-old, Theo, and their yellow lab, Penny. He is also an avid fan of the AC Milan soccer club.

Nasser’s “Why”

I am a first-generation immigrant from the Middle East. My parents decided to move here because my sister was born with cerebral palsy and the opportunities for her in the Middle East simply were not available so that she could grow and prosper.

When we moved to America my mother’s professional license was not accepted in the States. So my mom had to go back to school and during that time my dad became an ice cream truck driver to support his family. I saw the hard work and dedication he put in every single day to protect us while my mom went back to school. When she graduated my dad then got to go back and continue his education. They are the epitome of the American Dream and they did it so their children could prosper.

I decided to become an attorney so I could continue in my parent’s path — loyalty, dedication, hard work, and creating something bigger than myself.

I became an attorney because when I was sixteen years old, we had a mock trial with our class and it involved a personal injury case. We had lawyers, witnesses, judges, and a jury. I happened to be the lawyer for the injured person. I cannot forget that I lost the trial because we had the student who was supposedly injured dressed up with bandages oozing with blood. The jury could not believe that, knowing the trial would’ve occurred long after the trauma, she still would be wrapped in bandages oozing with blood.

After losing the trial, I said I’d never to lose another one.

I am motivated every day to find the absolute best people, processes, or systems to make sure our clients receive full and fair compensation for their injuries. We know insurance companies are working day and night with an army of people trying to figure out how to pay as little as possible to folks injured. We need to work even harder.

I am inspired by personal injury law because I always root for the underdog, I always want to set the wrongs in this world right, and I am mostly inspired because our clients have misfortune and injury thrust into their lives through no fault of their own, and they need help.

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Tim Tonkin is a partner attorney at Phillips Law Group. He is certified in injury and wrongful death litigation by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and was the 2018-2024 co-chairman of the State Bar of Arizona’s College of Trial Advocacy.

Currently, his work at the firm focuses on sexual assault cases involving young people, rideshare sexual abuse, and institutional sex abuse cases. He is passionate about helping survivors of these atrocities seek justice and find healing with the help of Phillips Law. Since 2003, Tim has continuously sharpened his legal expertise at Phillips Law Group, where he informs all injury victims that he and his team of skilled lawyers have the simple goal of helping people and making the world safer.

In 2017, Tim became an Associate Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, America’s seminal organization charged with the preservation of the civil jury trial. “Justice by the People,” is the primary purpose of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), seeking only attorneys who display skill, civility, and integrity, to help younger attorneys achieve a higher level of trial advocacy and to educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment (right to trial by jury).

Tim has served as a “Fee Arbitrator” for the State Bar of Arizona, and has lectured for the State Bar of Arizona on personal injury matters for other lawyers to attend. He has also lectured at the Arizona Association for Justice’s “Learn at Lunch” seminars. He is admitted to practice in the State Bar of Arizona and the U.S. District Ninth Circuit.

Although Tim currently has a renewed focus on helping survivors with sexual abuse cases – particularly ones involving institutional facilities – he has always been an advocate for change and helping people who have been harmed due to the negligence of others. Since 2014, Tim has helped organize Phillips Law Group’s Title Sponsorship for the M.A.D.D. walk at the City of Phoenix Zoo, benefiting and recognizing members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Tim has been honored to be a speaker at the M.A.D.D. walk kick-off off and he and his two children are proud “walkers.”

Since 1998, Tim has devoted his life to helping people stand up against those who have harmed them, be it corporations, institutions, hospitals, drug manufacturers, nursing homes, product manufacturers, insurance companies, or reckless drivers.

If you need a hardworking and dedicated personal injury attorney, contact Tim Tonkin today.

Michael Blom is a partner with Phillips Law Group. He focuses on personal injury, pharmaceutical drug injury, medical device liability, and mass tort litigations. Litigation topics of special interest that Michael has worked on include Camp Lejeune, hair relaxer, Philips CPAP, Paraquat, NEC baby formula, Elmiron, Zantac, firefighting foam (AFFF), Paragard IUD, Valsartan, Roundup, 3M military earplugs, Truvada, breast implants, hernia mesh, hip and knee replacement implants, Essure birth control, proton pump inhibitors, talcum powder, Invokana, IVC filter, Xarelto, testosterone replacement therapy, and more.

Before embarking on a remarkable legal career, Michael achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in biological-evolutionary psychology from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA in 2006. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2011.

During law school, Michael was a law clerk in the felony trial, misdemeanor, and non-support divisions for the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore, MD. He also acted as a court liaison in the dependency division for abused, neglected, and abandoned children for Guardian ad Litem in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Michael has received The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 – Civil Plaintiff recognition every year since 2018, most recently earning placement on the 2025 list. He was also selected to the Super Lawyers 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, New York Metro Rising Stars list, and received a 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs.

Michael is admitted to the Arizona State Bar, the New York State Bar, Third Department, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers’ Association, and the American Association for Justice.

During his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Tara, and two boys, Noah and Callum. He also likes to travel (Hawaii is his favorite), snowboard, and play tennis.

Montana Thompson is an attorney in the Personal Injury Department at Phillips Law Group. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University where he studied Economics and Math. Montana studied law at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law where he graduated Cum Laude. While in law school, Montana spent a semester in Washington, D.C as a Legal Fellow for Senator Jon Kyl in the United States Senate Judiciary Committee. Montana was also a member of the Arizona State Law Journal.

Montana dedicates his practice to representing real people with real injuries. He also represents families for the wrongful death of a loved one. Montana currently handles several types of cases, including: trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, car crashes, bus crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip-and-fall, trip-and-fall, premises negligence, product defects, tire manufacture defects, design defects and others. Montana represents victims with a wide variety of injuries, such as: whiplash, back injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and other minor and severe injuries. Montana is a fluent Spanish speaker and enjoys serving the Hispanic community.

When he’s not working, Montana is with his beautiful wife and their five children. They enjoy being outside and doing “whatever” as long as they are together. They enjoy doing projects around the house, volunteering at their church and making new friends.

Montana’s “Why”

I was always interested in learning the law and learn how attorneys think. I probably watched too many attorney shows on TV growing up. Plus it seemed challenging and I am always up for a challenge.

I’ve always enjoyed working with individuals. I enjoy talking with people and hearing about their life and what’s important to them. Unfortunately they’re talking to me because something bad happened to them, but that gives me an opportunity to help and try and fix whatever happened. I like being a fixer.

Ruthann James is a Partner Attorney with Phillips Law Group. She was born and raised in New Jersey and received her undergraduate degree in Literature and Communications from Pace University, Pleasantville, NY. She then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at Pace University School of Law, White Plains, NY.

Ruthann moved to the Phoenix area in 1993 and was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona the same year. In 1994 she joined the law firm of Goldberg & Osborne where she practiced plaintiff’s personal injury, wrongful death, and negligence law. Ruthann remained with Goldberg & Osborne as Managing Attorney until 2006.

Ruthann eventually opened her own practice where she continued to represent plaintiffs in actions involving personal injury, wrongful death, and general civil litigation. She later joined the team at Phillips Law Group on June 1, 2009, and continues to pursue justice for victims hurt as a result of another’s negligence.

Ruthann is admitted to practice before the Arizona Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court in Arizona. She is a member of the Arizona State Bar, Maricopa County Bar Association, and the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, and was accepted as a 2016 American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Female Attorney for client satisfaction.

Ruthann’s “Why”

I’m not sure I ever chose to become an attorney. It was more like the law chose me. I always worked my way through school and have held many different jobs. After earning my B.A., I weighed my options and law school seemed to be the best fit and next logical step. I had no idea at the time it would eventually become my life’s work. I passed the bar 30 years ago this year and never looked back.

I am inspired by my clients and my colleagues. My clients fight through tragedy and pain every day. They dig deep to find the strength to carry on even when injured or grieving. My colleagues are equally inspiring. The attorneys and staff at Phillips Law Group prove every day their dedication and passion to helping those in need. I am proud to be a member of the PLG family!

Mr. Finson is an attorney licensed to practice in California, Arizona and Ohio. He has over 40 years of trial and appellate experience representing consumers on all types of serious personal injury matters including auto, truck, motorcycle and work injuries.

Mr. Finson received his BSBA with honors and distinction from Miami University in 1971 and he is also a 1974 Cum Laude graduate of Marshall School of Law at Cleveland State.

Mr. Finson began practicing law in 1974, focusing on personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, employment law and workers’ compensation.

In 2004, he was asked to form a mass tort drug and device litigation department with Phillips Law Group in Phoenix. Along with his wife Karen Finson, a doctor of pharmacology, he created a department, managing 14 employees, 4 attorneys, and grew the department to 15,000 cases. In 2011, Mr. Finson took the California Bar, and the department was moved to Los Angeles. Mr. Finson is still based in the Los Angeles office today and is “Of Counsel” to Phillips Law Group.

Mr. Finson has been litigation counsel in many California Federal and state drug and device mass tort cases, including Crestor, Avandia, Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex, TVM, Infuse Bone Graft, Shoulder Pain Pump, Yasmin, Ortho-Evra Patch, Gadolinium, Zyprexa, Nuvaring, Pseudo Tumor Cerebri, Actos, Accutane, Hernia Mesh, Mirena, Sitagliptin, Januvia, Fosamax, Risperdal, Inovkana, Taxotere, Pinnacle and Depuy Hip litigations.

Mr. Finson is admitted to all Federal and State courts in California, Arizona and Ohio. He was also specially admitted in United States District Courts in Texas, New York, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Massachusetts and West Virginia, as well as in the United States Courts of Appeals in the Second, Fifth, Sixth and Ninth Circuits. He has tried over 200 jury trials to conclusion in Ohio, Arizona and California, and has handled over 3000 arbitrations and other administrative hearings.

Mr. Finson is now actively involved in hundreds of individual opioid cases and has been active in consulting with firms across the country to file individual Opioid cases to assist those whose lives have been ruined by these dangerous drugs.

Lowell’s “Why”

When I was in high school, doing debate and speech, it was clear to me I wanted to be a lawyer. From that day, I never waivered from my goal, finishing undergraduate and law school without taking time off to go in any other direction. Medical injuries can be life altering, and those who suffer must have a voice. I am honored to be that voice.

Kathy AuCoin is a tax attorney at Dayes Law Firm.

Kathy was raised in Maine but moved to Arizona in 1995 to complete her Bachelor of Science at Arizona State University. She later received her MBA at the University of Phoenix before deciding to pursue her Juris Doctorate at Arizona Summit Law School.

Kathy has experience in tax law, family law, real estate law, personal injury, probate, and estate planning. She also has a background in real estate investments, business management, and small business strategy.

Kathy is licensed in New Mexico and is currently pursuing her Arizona license. She is resolute in her focus on finding the best tax strategies for her clients and is steadfastly client-centric. Kathy prides herself on knowing each client’s situation is different and that every case involves an in-depth look at a client’s particular situation to find the very best solution.

In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her two sons and grandson. She also enjoys traveling, golf, snowboarding, live music and dancing, biking, camping, and is a fan of anything involving the outdoors and staying active.

Jose A. Montaño is a founding member and managing partner of Montaño & Associates, P.C. The firm was founded in Phoenix, Arizona. Jose is originally from Hermosillo, Mexico, and is a graduate of Arizona State University with honors and the Arizona State University College of Law in 2003. Mr. Montaño is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, admitted to practice in Arizona, the United States Federal Court of Arizona, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Montaño practices in the areas of serious criminal defense. He has dedicated his primary area of practice to cases in the Federal Court. Mr. Montaño has successfully defended numerous “high profile” defendants in criminal cases involving white-collar crimes and drug-related offenses. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Montaño also has a broad background in Business and Real Estate. Mr. Montaño is currently focusing on Mexico’s Real Estate market. Mr. Montaño represents Non-Mexican Citizens buying or selling Real Estate in Rocky Point – Sonora, also known as ” AZ’s Backyard” in Mexico. Mr. Montaño’s main focus is representing clients purchasing properties via a Bank Trust. He works alongside Mexican attorneys to provide reasonable protection to buyers and sellers. Mr. Montaño is involved in numerous community service organizations and is also a member of the Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association. He is highly recognized and respected for his work in the Hispanic community, and has been featured and interviewed on Channel 3 TV in Phoenix for his legal opinion in local cases.

Dennis Evans is a Social Security Disability lawyer at the law offices of Dayes Law Firm PC, on counsel for Phillips Law Group. Mr. Evans joined Dayes Law Firm after having served in one of the largest disability law firms in the United States.

With members of his own family being disabled and at one point, being unable to obtain the help they needed to secure benefits, Mr. Evans brings a unique perspective to our law firm and provides compassionate and comprehensive legal services to his clients. Mr. Evans studied Business Administration and Human Resource Management at California State University in Sacramento. Mr. Evans studied law at The University of San Diego, where he received his Juris Doctorate and LL.M in Taxation. Mr. Evans has successfully represented thousands of clients in front of the Social Security Administration.

These unique insights help Dennis to understand the needs of each claim and to determine the level of support that each client needs. Dennis is admitted to practice in California, outside of California, limited to Social Security Disability practice and Federal Administrative law.

When he’s not helping others, Mr. Evans is a dedicated family man that enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons.

Aaron Sherrell is an Associate Attorney in the Personal Injury Department at Phillips Law Group. Aaron attended ASU for his undergraduate studies and obtained a degree in communication. After college, Mr. Sherrell spent a couple of years working in IT for a group of Veterinary Hospitals. He attended Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU where he earned his law degree. While in law school, he clerked at two Personal Injury Law Firms, one of which specialized in Medical Malpractice. Mr. Sherrell additionally allocated two semesters with the City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office. He graduated from ASU Law in May of 2020. Mr. Sherrell joined the Phillips Law Group shortly after earning his license. Mr. Sherrell is an Arizona Native who grew up in Glendale, Arizona. Aaron is passionate about helping those in need that have been affected by tragedies. When Mr. Sherrell is not working, he enjoys outdoor activities with his beautiful wife and their Yorkie Maya. He loves spending time with his family and friends in Flagstaff.

Aaron’s “Why”

After my undergrad at ASU, I spent a couple of years working in the IT field. I enjoyed that work but ultimately wanted to do something else for a long-term career. A long-time family friend who is an attorney sold me on going to law school. There’s nothing more satisfying than achieving a positive result for a client who needs our help.

Donato Giovanatto is a personal injury attorney at Phillips Law Group.

Donato is a native of Arizona growing up in Scottsdale. He received his Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and his law degree from California Western School of Law.

Since a young age, Donato has known the value of hard work and dedication, and this has never left him. His determination brought him both success in the classroom and on the field, allowing him to play professional baseball for the Los Angeles Angels Organization. This same determination is what Donato now puts into representing you.

After graduating from law school, he worked for the Arizona Attorney General’s office where he gained valuable courtroom experience and litigated countless cases. Subsequently, he was a managing attorney at another local personal injury firm before joining Phillips Law.

Donato is highly skilled in handling serious injury cases, has settled millions for his clients, and is a skillful negotiator. Donato understands that your injuries have truly affected your life, and will make sure that your voice is heard. Donato will assure, to the very best of his ability, that you are properly treated and fully compensated.

In his free time, Donato enjoys hacking it up on the golf course, attending sporting events, and spending time with his beautiful wife who is also an attorney, and their Goldendoodle, Fonzie.

Donato’s “Why”

Being attorney was a lifelong pursuit of mine that has ultimately enriched my life both professionally and personally. Growing up I have always been competitive and after my professional baseball career ended I needed a new competitive outlet. Fortunately, the legal profession filled that void and it has been both challenging and rewarding. Becoming an attorney has afforded me the opportunity to advocate for others who are facing difficult times in their lives.

Tim LeDuc is an Associate Attorney in the Personal Injury Department at Phillips Law Group. Tim was born and raised here in Arizona where he attended Arizona State University and majored in English Literature. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree Tim moved to Malibu, California and obtained his Juris Doctorate Degree from Pepperdine University. While in law school Tim interned at a Personal Injury Firm, a Corporate Litigation Firm, and spent a semester volunteering at a Legal Aid Clinic that specializes in helping those experiencing homelessness in the LA Area with their legal needs. After law school Tim moved back home to his native Arizona and immediately went to work at a Personal Injury Firm here in Phoenix. Tim joined Phillips Law Group shortly after becoming licensed to practice law in the state of Arizona.

Tim is passionate about helping those who have been injured by other’s negligence and ensuring they are treating fairly by large corporations who normally seek to take advantage of them.

When Tim is not working he enjoys watching sports, reading, and spending time with friends.

Tim’s “Why”

I decided to become an attorney because I wanted to help people who were being taken advantage of by large corporations. I felt like the only people who could afford good representation were rich people and I wanted to be an effective advocate for people who could normally not afford quality representation and plaintiff’s work gave me the chance to do that.

Lucas Frei is an attorney with Phillips Law Group with experience in many areas of law, including tax controversy and litigation, tax planning, estate planning, probate, immigration, business law, and personal injury.

Lucas was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, and earned his Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University before pursuing his LL.M – Master of Laws Degree (Taxation) from the University of Denver.

Licensed in both Arizona and Colorado, Lucas prides himself on client service and on being available to his clients and getting them the results they deserve.

Lucas is married to his wife, Michelle, who is also an Arizona native, and they share two spoiled black labs that are both rescues. He is a big fan of all things Arizona sports, and cheers for the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks, Coyotes, Phoenix Rising, and more.

In his free time, Lucas enjoys traveling – particularly in his home state and in the southwest as a whole – and takes frequent day trips with his wife. He also loves to cook.

Lucas’ “Why”

There are unfortunately a lot of unsavory businesses and individuals out there that will take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable. Personally, I was the passenger in a car accident when I was younger, and dealing with the insurance company was a nightmare. I didn’t use an attorney, and I settled with them, but found out later that the insurance company should have paid me substantially more than they did.

I became an attorney to protect myself, my family, and my clients because they could end up in similar positions where the government, big businesses, or other individuals with bad motives may try to take advantage of them.

Further, I recognize that people often make mistakes, and sometimes they just need a bit of help to get back on their feet. No matter what the circumstances, an attorney can help with legal matters. I found this out the hard way and want to make sure that others know what their rights are so it doesn’t happen to them, too.

Joel Fugate is an attorney at Phillips Law Group. He is a passionate lawyer known for his commitment to helping individuals navigate the complexities of personal injury law. Long before his time with our firm, Joel sought a career that would allow him to problem-solve while making a tangible difference in his community. The law appealed to him for its diversity and opportunities to engage and build relationships with clients from all walks of life.

Before embarking on a legal career, Joel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, obtaining a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He not only excelled academically but also developed decisive leadership skills as the President of the Men’s Rugby Team. Joel went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. A few of Joel’s notable awards and accolades during his time at ASU include a Certificate in Law, Science and Technology and a CALI Award for Academic Excellence.

Throughout his legal career, Joel has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in all stages of the legal process – from pre-litigation, to jury trials, to appeals, and more. He has worked with countless individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. Joel is well-versed in the art of understanding all aspects of a case and has mastered the ability to achieve results, regardless of the situation.

Joel’s work focuses on a wide range of accident, injury, sexual assault, and wrongful death cases. His true passion lies in cases that demand scientific or technical expertise, and he thrives when immersed in the intricacies of a truly complex case. He is inspired by the ability of personal injury attorneys to help people get on the right path — physically, mentally, and financially — after what is often the worst thing that has ever happened to them.

With a unique blend of legal expertise and a genuine desire to positively impact people’s lives, Joel has become a formidable force in the legal field and the courtroom. He cherishes the collaborative spirit of standing “in it to win it” with his clients, a quality that is crucial to his work with the team at Phillips Law Group.

When he is not poring over legal documents or commanding the attention of a courtroom, Joel is an avid outdoorsman, scuba diver, and world traveler. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar, attending concerts, eating at hidden culinary gems, and spending time with his wife and son and their rescue dog, Harlie.

Contact Joel today to discuss your legal needs and receive personalized attention from an experienced and compassionate attorney.

Attorney Tawanna K. Morgan began her legal career in 2008 as an esteemed member of The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, PC, where she practiced criminal defense and personal injury for 8 years and was the firm’s Senior Associate. Attorney Morgan switched from a successful career in engineering to the field of law due to a passion for the community’s need for advocacy. It is Attorney Morgan’s belief that those persons who are often forgotten about because they live within the margins of society, whether due to their socio-economic status, race, gender, etc., deserve a level of representation which will make these same individuals visible to society. It is this belief that fuels the level of passion that Attorney Morgan has for her clients and allows for her to do more than represent… but to truly advocate on her clients’ behalf.

To this end, after receiving her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law, Attorney Morgan later obtained a Master’s in Public Policy and founded MA’AT LAW_Practice of Tawanna Morgan LLC, a firm which seeks to establish Order in the midst of the social disorder created by criminal and civil legal systems by humanizing clients and insisting that clients receive Justice from these often unjust systems. Attorney Morgan has more recently obtained a Master’s in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Public Administration, with the vision of extending legal services outside of the courtroom and into classrooms, with a desire of impacting the consciousness of criminal justice practitioners. To this end, Attorney Morgan is an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University and Georgia Gwinnett College.

Attorney Morgan strives to be, as described by Dr. Martin Luther King in his Feb. 4, 1968 sermon Drum Major Instinct, a “drum major for justice … and for righteousness (because) all of the other shallow things [do] not matter,” seeking “greatness,” in a manner not defined or designated by man, but by community as based on her service.

Chris Stapley is an attorney at Phillips Law Group with deep roots in the Grand Canyon State as a 4th-generation Arizonan. From a young age, he was driven by a desire to make a lasting and meaningful impact on behalf of his family, his future family, and his broader community.

Chris’s academic journey began at Mesa Community College and then on to Arizona State University after he received strong encouragement from his influential high school government teacher. In his last year of completing his undergraduate degree, Chris gained invaluable experience as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives, working directly with the Speaker of the House’s staff. In this role, he learned that the best problem solvers were business leaders and lawyers, solidifying his decision to go to law school and follow his career path. His newfound commitment to the legal profession ultimately led him to earn his Juris Doctor (JD) from Arizona Summit Law School.

Right out of law school, Chris demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding his own practice to help individuals in difficult situations navigate complex legal challenges. He worked hard to hone his skills as a problem solver and trial attorney in his early years, perfecting his skills over the past decade to advocate for bringing justice to those who have found themselves in tough circumstances. During his successful law career, his tireless efforts have contributed to the recovery of millions of dollars on behalf of his clients, a testament to his commitment to securing fair outcomes for those in need.

Chris has proudly advocated for clients at many law firms in Missouri and Arizona. As an attorney, he is committed to helping the less fortunate and clients who are in need to help them find justice and relief when they are hurt, particularly due to the negligence of others. When it comes to personal injury law, he especially loves helping individuals who have been harmed receive more appropriate compensation from their accidents than they would be able to receive on their own. Chris’s extensive experience, combined with his deep knowledge of the legal system, ensures that the clients he takes on as a member of the team at Phillips Law Group secure the highest level of legal representation.

In his free time, Chris is devoted to his wife and four children, and he enjoys spending time with them and his extended family and friends. He also enjoys serving others in his church and community. An avid outdoorsman and enthusiastic supporter of Arizona’s sports teams, Chris proudly cheers for ASU football, the Phoenix Suns, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Chris Stapley’s unwavering dedication to his clients makes him a highly esteemed member of Phillips Law Group and a trusted advocate for those seeking justice.

Bonaventure Akinlosotu Jr. is a dedicated legal professional with experience in real estate, immigration, privacy, and healthcare compliance. He has supported clients through complex legal processes, conducted thorough legal research, and collaborated with attorneys on a range of transactional and regulatory matters. Before joining the team at Phillips Law Group, Bonaventure previously worked with AWO Title, LLC, where he assisted with real estate closings and due diligence, and with leading immigration law firms, including Clark Hill and Haynes Novick Immigration.

Bonaventure also brings government-related legal experience to his work at Phillips, having previously applied his expertise to projects involving federal healthcare regulations. He holds a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), demonstrating his commitment to privacy and data protection standards in today’s legal landscape.

In his free time, Bonaventure enjoys playing soccer and is an avid fan of the Washington Commanders and Chelsea Football Club.