Brian Phillips, Esq.
White Collar Defense, Tax Controversy, Asset Forfeiture & Professional Licensure Defense
Orlando, Florida 32803
About Brian Phillips, Esq.
Brian Phillips, founding shareholder, entered the private practice of law in 1999 and has represented numerous clients throughout the United States in matters with a white collar focus, including state and federal tax matters (civil controversy, criminal, and collection defense), criminal matters in state and federal courts, asset forfeiture proceedings, as well as the defense of professional licenses held by many of his clients.
Mr. Phillips also holds the position of Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Florida where he teaches Procedures in Tax Fraud Cases in the acclaimed LL.M. in Taxation program and at Barry University where he teaches White Collar Crime and Income Tax I at the J.D. level.
Brian Phillips is a graduate of the McCallie School (1981), Vanderbilt University (B.S., 1985), the University of Tennessee (J.D. and M.B.A., 1989), and the University of Florida (LL.M. in Taxation, 1990). He served as Executive Research Editor of the Tennessee Law Review.
Mr. Phillips served in the United States Department of Justice as a Trial Attorney in the Tax Division (Honors Program) (1990-1994) and as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Florida (1994-1999). During his tenure, Mr. Phillips handled civil and criminal tax matters, served as the lead Asset Forfeiture attorney in the Orlando office of the
United States Attorney, and prosecuted a large number of white collar criminal cases.
Mr. Phillips is a member of the Tennessee and Florida Bars and is also admitted generally in the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, as well as the United States Tax Court. He has been admitted pro hac vice in numerous other federal judicial districts as well.
Active in the Orlando Arts scene, Mr. Phillips holds and has held a several positions in the Central Florida community.
- President and Director, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre
- Director, Orlando Opera
- President and Director, University Club of Orlando
- President, University Club of Orlando Foundation
Education
- McCallie School
1981 - Vanderbilt University (B.S.)
1985 - University of Tennessee (J.D. and M.B.A.)
1989 - University of Florida (LL.M. in Taxation)
1990
In addition to numerous civil and criminal trials in state and Federal courts, Mr. Phillips’ reported cases include:
United States v. Kowalik, 809 F.Supp. 1571 (S.D.Fla. 1992); Boca Airport, Inc. v. United States, 838 F.Supp 576 (S.D. Fla. 1993); Boca Airport, Inc., v. United States, 840 F.Supp. 120 (S.D.Fla. 1992); Macks v. Clinton, 843 F.Supp. 1440 (M.D.Fla. 1993); United Petro/Energy Corp. v. United States, 846 F.Supp. 993 (S.D.Fla. 1994); United States v. Stoecklin 848 F.Supp. 1521 (M.D.Fla. 1994); Kowalik v. Morris, 1993, WL, 484949, 72 A.F.T.R.2d 93-5888, 93-2 USTC P 50, 575 (S.D.Fla., Aug 23, 1993) (No. 92-7209-CIV-MARCUS); Macks v. Clinton, 1993 WL 597112, 72 F.R.T.R.2d 93-6046 (M.D.Fla., Sep 01, 1993 No. 91-1069-CIV-J-20); In re Wines, 122 B.R. 804 (Bankr.S.D.Fla., 1991), modified, 1992 WL 200602, Bankr.L.Rep. P 74, 674 (S.D.Fla., Apr 08, 1992) (No. 91-0433-CIV-MARCUS); Matter of Commonweal, Inc., 171 B.R. 405, 74 A.F.T.R.2d 94-6039, 94-2 USTC P 50,477 (Bankr.M.D.Fla., Aug 12, 1994) (No. 92-6411-8B1, 92-583); U.S. v. Nuyens, 17 F.Supp. 2d 1303 (M.D.Fl. 1998); Noel v. U.S., 12 F. Supp. 2d 1300 (M.D.Fl. 1998); U.S. v. Johnston, 13 F. Supp. 2d 1316 (M.D.Fl. 1998); Cragan v. Campellone, 910 So.2d 363 (Fla. 5th D.C.A. 2005); Edward T. Byrd Co. v. WPSC Venture I, 66 So. 3d 979 (Fla. 5th D.C.A. 2011); and United States v. Tobin, 676 F.3d 1264 (11th Cir. 2012).
Practice Areas
- White Collar Defense
- Tax Controversy
- Asset Forfeiture
- Professional Licensure Defense
- Complex Commercial Defense
Awards
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Contact Brian Phillips, Esq.
(407) 872-0777
912 Highland Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32803
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Reviews
| By David Rose | Confirmed Review
When I reached out to Shawn with some legal questions, he was incredibly responsive and more than happy to assist me. His willingness to take the time to thoroughly answer each of my questions helped to put my mind at ease and alleviate my concerns. Despite his busy schedule, Shawn never rushed me off the phone until he was confident that all of my questions had been fully addressed. I was impressed by Shawn's professionalism, expertise, and commitment to providing excellent client service. His attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to help me better understand the legal issues at hand was greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend Shawn to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and responsive criminal defense attorney.
| By Laura Lauretta | Confirmed Review
Shawn is not only an excellent lawyer, but also a compassionate and kind individual. Throughout my case, he demonstrated a thoroughness and attention to detail that instilled confidence in me that we were working towards the best possible outcome. His assurance that we would get through the case together provided me with an incredible sense of relief during a very stressful time. Shawn's empathy and ability to connect with his clients on a personal level set him apart from other lawyers I have worked with in the past. His commitment to seeing his clients through their legal challenges is truly commendable, and I feel fortunate to have had him in my corner. I highly recommend Shawn to anyone seeking a skilled and compassionate criminal defense attorney.
| By Claudia Braun | Confirmed Review
I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my case, which exceeded my expectations. Facing the possibility of a long prison sentence, I am grateful that Shawn was able to secure probation for me instead. Despite the lengthy nature of my case, Shawn provided unwavering support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring that I was fully informed and prepared at every turn. Shawn's frequent communication throughout the process was greatly appreciated, and his honesty and expertise proved invaluable. He was always forthright about the potential risks and benefits of different strategies, which allowed me to make informed decisions with confidence. I would highly recommend Shawn to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and dedicated criminal defense attorney.
| By Eric Tibosch | Confirmed Review
If you're seeking a criminal defense attorney with a proven track record and outstanding credentials, Mr. Haff is an excellent choice. His reputation in the legal community is highly regarded, and for good reason. He possesses a unique combination of strong analytical skills, unwavering commitment, transparency, and perseverance that sets him apart from others in his field. During my interactions with Shawn, he treated me like family, demonstrating his deep care and concern for my well-being. He worked tirelessly to ensure that my rights were protected and that I received the best possible outcome in my case. I can wholeheartedly recommend Shawn as a criminal defense attorney who will go above and beyond to ensure that his clients receive the best possible representation.
| By Penda Ngom | Confirmed Review
Retaining Shawn as my lawyer was one of the smartest choices I made when I faced legal trouble. A friend of mine who is very knowledgeable about the legal industry highly recommended Shawn, and I can now see why. With my serious felony charge, I knew that I needed a skilled and experienced attorney, and Shawn's impressive track record and reputation made him the obvious choice. Throughout my case, Shawn delivered exceptional work, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome of my case, and I owe much of that success to Shawn's hard work and expertise.