About Darrell Newman
Darrell Newman Phillips brings an uncommon mix of training to his work at the bar. He pairs a background in journalism and the social sciences with formal legal training. That combination shapes how he approaches problems: attentive to evidence, careful with language and conscious of human behavior.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, French and Journalism from Brandeis University and followed that with a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University. He later attended the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 2011. The sequence of degrees offers a track from reporting and analysis to legal practice.
Phillips is licensed to practice in Tennessee. His career path reflects the transition many make from another profession into law; his earlier academic work in reporting and psychology informs his courtroom preparation and client communications. He tends to approach legal questions the way a reporter approaches a story: gather facts, test assumptions, and write clearly so others can understand the issue.
Colleagues and clients note his comfort with complex documentation and an eye for narrative. Those skills translate to drafting pleadings, preparing witnesses and explaining technical points to lay audiences. He also draws on his study of French when matters require attention to language or cross-cultural detail. Membership in professional associations keeps him engaged with peers and current practice developments.
Today Phillips practices in Tennessee. He handles matters that require careful fact development, clear written advocacy and client-oriented explanation. He remains active in professional circles and continues to apply his background in journalism and psychology to the practice of law.
His current practice focuses on advising clients and handling matters in Tennessee law.
