Samuel L. Phillips

Samuel Phillips is a Partner at Borton Petrini, LLP’s San Jose Office. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco in 1985.

His particular areas of expertise as a San Francisco and San Jose lawyer include transportation cases, agricultural law, church law, landlord-tenant, habitability, antitrust, and employment litigation.

Sam’s legal practice has provided him with experience in numerous categories of legal matters. He has more than 31 years of experience in litigation.

In addition, he has handled numerous construction cases including those involving large and small projects, condominiums and land subsidence. Other cases he has handled as a San Francisco and San Jose lawyer include appellate work, discrimination/wrongful termination, general farm law, insurance coverage, commercial matters (trademark and trade secrets), product liability, real estate errors and omissions, subrogation, and public entity defense (including police brutality).

Sam also is a published author, contributing to the body of legal knowledge with such articles as “The Empty Chair Defense,” published in the Fall 1995 issue of California Defense magazine, and “Should Parents Be Liable for the Intentional Acts of Their Children,” published in the Summer 1999 issue of California Defense magazine. His knowledge in Spanish is another enhancement to his legal practice.

Sam has jury trial experience in over eight California counties concerning areas such as construction, trucking, toxic mold, personal injury, and civil rights matters to name a few. He has appeared before the California Supreme Court in the published case of Etcheverry v. Tri-Ag Service, Inc.

Sam is affiliated with several academic and professional organizations. His university days were the beginning of his membership in the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society. His professional affiliations include membership in the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute.

He is a member of the California State Bar Association and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern and Central Districts of California, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Sam is an active participant in the life of his community and is a member in the William A. Ingram Inn of Court affiliated with the American Inns of Court. His concern for education is reflected in his past service on the St. Stanislaus School Board. He was also a special advisor to the Cerebral Palsy Association.

Sam is married to Anita Gildea-Phillips, and they have two sons, Patrick and Sean.

Publications:

“The Empty Chair Defense,” California Defense, Fall 1995

“Should Parents Be Liable for the Intentional Acts of Their Children,” California Defense, Summer 1999

Etcheverry v. Tri-Ag Service, Inc.

Articles:

“And the Defense Win’s - DRI Today, Volume 10 Issue 2, January 12, 2011