Overview

Phillip (Phil) Stephan is a California litigator with more than thirteen years of experience guiding employers and professionals through complex disputes and high-stakes risk management. His practice spans employment litigation and counseling, professional liability matters, and commercial litigation, with a particular focus on clients in the sports, hospitality, and real estate industries, as well as lawyers, financial professionals, and environmental consultants.

Phil collaborates with his clients to understand their business operations, organizational culture, and the details of each matter. He advises on sensitive employment and professional liability issues, defends clients in contentious litigation, and serves as a steady counselor when matters carry operational, financial, or public-facing consequences. Clients value his ability to assess risk quickly, anticipate how disputes are likely to unfold, craft practical strategies, and evaluate the cast of characters at play.

Phil earned his J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of San Diego in 2011 and his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in 2007. While attending law and business school, he worked as the Extern for Legal Affairs and Risk Management at Angels Baseball LP.

After law and business school, Phil worked in strategic management for a large, international law firm, creating comprehensive plans to generate growth and business development, and presenting strategic option models for implementation.

Phil is deeply engaged in the legal community. He serves as a Director of Lawyers Club of San Diego and is its Vice President of Finance and Fundraising, after chairing the 2025 Annual Dinner. He previously served as Chair of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Business and Corporate Section and on committees focused on strategy and governance. Clients know Phil as a thoughtful, business-minded advocate who treats their matters as if they were his own.