George J. Phillips is a seasoned attorney and trusted advisor with over three decades of experience representing public and private companies across a wide range of industries. As a partner at Phillips Ralston, George focuses his practice on operating agreements, acquisitions, business transactions, international commercial agreements, and general counsel services. He is known for his practical, business-minded approach to complex legal challenges and his ability to serve as a strategic partner to clients.
George has extensive experience advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, contracts, international distribution and supply agreements, and regulatory compliance. He has served as both outside and in-house general counsel, including for multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies.
Earlier in his career, George was the General Counsel at the Shop at Home Network where he managed legal departments, oversaw major transactions, and ensured regulatory compliance. He also served in the U.S. Department of Justice as Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, where he played a key role in nationally significant litigation and regulatory matters.
George earned his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as Executive/Research Editor of the Tennessee Law Review. He holds a B.A. in Public Policy and Economics from Duke University, graduating magna cum laude.
He is a member of the Tennessee, Nashville, and Sumner County Bar Associations and has served as Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s International Law & Practice Section. George has been appointed by three successive Tennessee Governors to serve on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction. He serves as the general counsel of the Music City Executive Airport Authority and the Sumner County 911 Emergency Communications District. George is a member of the Gallatin and Hendersonville Chambers of Commerce and the Gallatin Quarterback Club.
He and his wife, Patricia, have four sons, Canton, Jordan, Daniel, and Erin, and attend the United Methodist Church in Gallatin. George is an avid Vols and Gallatin Green Wave fan.
