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Robert J. Phillips began his practice in 1978, focusing on insurance law including defense, coverage, and bad faith. He has tried numerous jury and non-jury cases in areas including automobile, products liability, premises liability, lien foreclosure, construction and insurance bad faith. In addition to trials in State, Federal and Tribal Courts, he has been lead counsel before the Montana Supreme Court, the U.S. Claims Court, the Ninth and Federal U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Phillips has held several leadership positions on local, state and national boards. Professional membership and service includes State Bar of Montana (Trustee, 1986-1994, President, 1994-1995); Western Montana Bar Association (President, 1986-1987); American Bar Association, Montana Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Defense Research Institute, National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, American Board of Trial Advocates (President Montana Chapter 2004-2006, national board member), International Association of Defense Counsel, and University of Montana School of Law Clinical Board of Visitors. He earned an "AV" rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. Mr. Phillips frequently serves as Settlement Master, has taught Trial Tactics at the University of Montana Law School, and is an adjunct professor of law. He is regularly called on to present seminars regarding insurance coverage claims handling. He was instrumental in the design and implementation of "Rookie Camp," a mentoring program for new lawyers.

Mr. Phillips has an extensive history of civic involvement and service, including United Way, Missoula Children’s Theater, Salvation Army, Missoula Lions Club and Planned Parenthood. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Community Medical Center since 1998, Chair, 2005-2009.

He continues a family tradition of playing bagpipes, and enjoys spending time with his family, including skiing, golfing, travel, scuba diving, and appreciating special dining and wine experiences.