Phil is a native Oklahoman, born in Fairview, Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree in 1984 and a Master’s of Public Administration in 1986. He later earned his law degree in 1992 from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is admitted to practice before all State and Federal District Courts in Oklahoma. He is a member of the Oklahoma, and Garfield County Bar Associations.

Phil is a certified mediator and a Guardian Ad Litem who concentrates his practice on family law and civil litigation. He is a member of the Family Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association. Phil has served on a number of local boards of directors and remains active in his church. He and his wife Linda have two adult children and one grandchild.