William D. (“Denny”) Phillips

Biography

William D. (“Denny”) Phillips was of counsel to Phillips Froetschel from its founding until his passing in August 2024.   He was a trusted confidante, supremely skilled trial lawyer, and beloved father of Phillips Froetschel co-founder Laura Phillips. 

Denny was born and raised in Washington, Pennsylvania. He received his B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1959 and his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University in 1962. After law school, Denny served two years in the United States Army and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, where he served as Commanding Officer of the 39th Transportation Company. After his honorable discharge, Denny returned to Washington where he worked as an Assistant District Attorney from 1965 to 1967, after which time he entered private practice. He was a co-founder of Phillips and Faldowski, PC, where he practiced with his brother in law Damon Faldowski until Judge Faldowski was appointed to the judiciary. Denny was a partner at Phillips, Phillips Smith-Delach PC in Washington  from 2016 until his passing.

Denny was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization consisting of the “most distinguished and accomplished trial lawyers in North America.” He wasc onsistently recognized by the Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania SuperLawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for his excellence in practice. Denny was a past President and a trustee of the Washington County Bar Foundation, and founding member and former president of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Denny is survived by his loving family: wife Sandra, sons Bill and Dennis, and daughter Laura.  His grandchildren William and Juliet were the light of his life. 

Phillips Froetschel was honored to have Denny as part of our family.