Philip L. Willman

Phil devotes his trial practice to defending physicians, medical schools, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, psychologists and other healthcare providers in medical negligence and healthcare lawsuits and medical device manufacturers in medical device litigation.

Phil is a trial lawyer. He devotes his trial practice to defending healthcare providers and medical device manufacturers. He has tried more than 100 cases to a conclusion as lead counsel in jury trials in state and federal courts in both Missouri and Illinois. In 2019 alone, he tried eight cases to a verdict.

He is a leader of professional organizations dedicated to the support of the civil justice system and the defense bar. Currently he serves as President of DRI, the largest international member organization for lawyers who represent individuals and businesses in civil litigation. He has served on the Executive Committee of DRI as an officer for four years. And, he held the position of Mid Region Director on the DRI Board of Directors for three years. He is also on the Board of the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, which provides state supreme court and appellate judges with educational programs that enable them to perform at their highest level. And, he is a Director for Lawyers for Civil Justice, a national organization that promotes excellence and fairness in the civil justice system.

In recognition of his leadership and his success in the courtroom he received the Influential Leader Award from Missouri Lawyers Media in 2020.

Phil also is active in the education of the defense bar and its clients. He has been program co-chair for the DRI Complex Medicine Seminar and program chair for the DRI Medical Liability Seminar. He also served as the chair and vice-chair of the Medical Liability & Health Care Law Committee from 2007-2011. He has written and presented on various topics related to trial tactics, medical professional liability and risk management. He has provided presentations for DRI, Washington University, Saint Louis University, St. Luke’s Hospital, The Medical Protective, Medical Assurance, ProAssurance, PIC-Wisconsin and Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company.

Phil gives back to the community by his involvement in charitable and religious institutions. Currently he is President of Peter and Paul Housing Corporation, Commissioner for the Archdiocese of St. Louis Peace and Justice Commission and Secretary for Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Parish Council.

Phil obtained his Bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Duke University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University in 1978. From 1978 to 1979, he was a Research Fellow in Environmental Law at the University of Illinois College of Law. From 1979 to 1984, he served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental Control Division for the Illinois Attorney General, handling numerous trials and administrative proceedings involving civil and criminal environmental prosecution to conclusion.