PHILLIP A. MICHAEL

Phillip A. Michael is an experienced litigator and a member of the firm’s Civil and Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment Law groups. With a proven track record in the courtroom, Phillip has successfully tried cases to jury verdict in both state and federal courts, and has briefed and argued appeals before Pennsylvania’s Superior and Commonwealth Courts.

Phillip’s practice encompasses a wide range of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, contract enforcement, real estate and property disputes, civil rights claims, and employment and labor matters. He advocates for both individuals and businesses in a variety of forums, including trial and appellate courts, arbitration proceedings, and administrative tribunals. As part of his employment law practice, Phillip conducts internal investigations—including Title IV matters—and regularly advises employers on compliance, workplace policies, and discrimination issues.

Phillip brings a tenacious yet practical approach to litigation, understanding when to advocate forcefully in the courtroom and when a timely resolution best serves his clients. While always prepared to take a case to trial when necessary, he understands that favorable settlements that avoid protracted litigation are often in his clients’ best interest. His strategic judgment allows him to strike the right balance between aggressive advocacy and practical resolution.

Prior to joining Appel Yost, Phillip served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. There, he represented Commonwealth agencies and officials in complex litigation, handling cases involving administrative law, civil rights, employment discrimination, and education law. Notably, he successfully defended the Pennsylvania Department of Education in a constitutional challenge to its background review process for teaching permit applicants.

Earlier in his career, Phillip served as an Assistant Public Defender in Lancaster County. Based on his training and extensive complex trial experience, Phillip was capital counsel qualified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to represent individuals charged with death-penalty eligible offenses, a distinction currently held by fewer than a dozen attorneys in Lancaster County.

Phillip earned a B.A. cum laude in Political Science and English at Gettysburg College and a J.D. cum laude at Temple University Beasley School of Law.  At Temple, Phillip won graduation prizes for both his writing and oral advocacy. He also completed internships at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the Philadelphia City Solicitor’s Office and the Philadelphia Federal Community Defender’s Office.

Phillip is a member of the Lancaster and Pennsylvania Bar Associations and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the LBA’s employment law group. Areas Practiced:   Civil Litigation, Education Law, Employment and Labor Law

E-mail at pmichael@appelyost.com