About Richard
Richard Phillips is a attorney based in Batesville, Mississippi, specializing in personal injury law. He is a founding partner of Smith, Phillips, Mitchell, Scott & Nowak, LLP, a firm known for its experience in representing plaintiffs and insurance policyholders nationwide. The firm handles cases involving personal injury, business law, products liability, appeals, government and administrative law, insurance claims, and municipal law. A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1972, Phillips served as President of the Law School Student Body and was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal. His legal career spans over four decades, during which he has been instrumental in landmark cases that have shaped Mississippi's legal field. Notably, his work has contributed to the abolition of sovereign immunity and the establishment of rules governing automobile insurance in the state.
He has also played a significant role in expanding the application of punitive and extra-contractual damages in insurance regulation and contract enforcement across the United States. Phillips has served as Lead Class Counsel, Co-Lead Counsel, and as a member of Plaintiffs' Steering Committees in nationwide class actions and Multi-District Litigations. These cases have encompassed areas such as life insurance deceptive sales practices, interest crediting practices, supplemental health insurance, cancer insurance, institutional investment and financial products, and personal injury/defective products. His multi-million dollar jury verdicts in individual cases have been recognized in the National Law Journal's "Top 100" verdicts, as well as in publications like the Wall Street Journal and LawyersUSA. Beyond his litigation achievements, Phillips is a prolific author and lecturer. He has presented papers nationwide for organizations such as ALI-ABA, ACI, the American Inns of Court, various Bar Associations.
Professional groups like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). His contributions to legal education and practice have been widely acknowledged. In addition to his professional endeavors, Phillips is deeply involved in community and religious activities. He serves as an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee at Batesville Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of the University of Mississippi Law School Alumni Association's Board of Directors and holds membership in the University of Mississippi Lamar Order. His leadership extends to the William C.
Keady Chapter of the American Inns of Court, where he has served as President, and to the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association, where he has held the position of President. Additionally, he has been the President of the Panola County Industrial Development Foundation, reflecting his commitment to both the legal profession and his local community. Phillips is admitted to practice in Mississippi, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Mississippi State Bar, the American College of Coverage and Extra-Contractual Counsel, the American Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar Foundation, and the Panola County Bar Association. His experience and dedication to his clients and community underscore his reputation as a leading attorney in his field.
