Born in Texas and raised in Texas, North Carolina, Venezuela, and Arkansas, Phil eventually moved to South Dakota where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After working as a survey technician and as an environmental scientist for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Phil attended the University of South Dakota, School of Law. During his time as a law student, Phil was an editor for the Great Plains Natural Resource Journal. He also interned for the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduation, Phil was selected as a law clerk for the South Dakota Supreme Court, working primarily for Justice Konenkamp.
Phil joined Costello Porter Law Firm in September of 2004. However, in April 2005, Phil was activated with the South Dakota National Guard. He commanded Yankton’s “Charlie Battery” during its tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq from October 2005 until September of 2006. Phil rejoined the firm in October of 2006.

Phil is married with two children and is a 20+ year member of the military. He is a licensed member of the South Dakota Bar Association.