Since joining Tri-Merit in 2011, Phil has worked with more than 350 companies in identifying, calculating, documenting and defending R&D credits at both the federal and state levels. Since being promoted to partner in 2018, his primary responsibilities include project management and leadership of the engineering and audit defense/tax controversy teams.
Prior to joining Tri-Merit, Phil spent five years with Tier-1 and Tier-2 automotive suppliers working as a manufacturing engineer and controls engineer and an additional seven years as an associate attorney with a mid-sized law firm out of Detroit.
Phil holds a Juris Doctor specializing in Intellectual Property and Communications Law from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He is a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan.
Phil serves on the Board of Directors of Techtrades, Inc., which is a Cleveland, Ohio-based nonprofit focused on exposing high school students from diverse backgrounds to skilled trades and manufacturing-based jobs at an early age.
Fun Fact: In his free time, Phil enjoys golf, Michigan State football and basketball, and coaching his two sons’ youth sports teams.
