Jerome Phillips: The Standard by Zac Shaffer

When you think of Toledo’s best attorneys, Jerome “Jerry” Phillips
almost always tops this list. I first learned Jerry’s name when I told my
dad, a former Toledo Police Officer, that I was going to law school. Now
that I am a practicing attorney in Toledo, I’ve had the experience and
pleasure of knowing Jerry and discovering why he is a pillar of Toledo’s
Legal Community.

Jerry graduated from the University of Toledo in 1966, when it was
known as Toledo University. He initially had no intention of going to law
school. It wasn’t until his junior year that the thought even crossed his
mind.

Jerry took a business course where he and the professor would openly
discuss and debate topics of interest. One day after class, his professor
pulled him aside and asked if he had thought about going to law school.
He had planned on studying business or becoming a CPA. Instead, he
enrolled at The Ohio State University College of Law. He received his J.D.
in 1969.

He began his practice at Phillips & Wittenberg, alongside another legend
of the legal community, Sheldon Wittenberg. When he first began
practicing, he was like any other young attorney grinding away and
working on building his reputation and his clientele.
His father, Willie, was the owner of the infamous Surf Club restaurant,
and Jerry used those relationships to build his practice. His partner,
Shelly’s father, was a Lucas County Commissioner, which also helped
them grow their practice. They continued practicing together until
1978.

During this time, Jerry began working part-time as a prosecutor for the
City of Toledo. Jerry was still able to take on criminal defense cases, just
not in Toledo. He became fully immersed in criminal law, learning and
developing his skills, which also allowed him to network and forge
relationships with judges, attorneys, and police officers.

After 8 years at the prosecutor’s office, serving the last four years as the
City of Toledo’s Chief Prosecutor, Jerry faced the choice of working
full-time as a prosecutor or focusing on private practice. Ultimately,
Jerry decided to step down as a prosecutor and began practicing at
Lackey, Nusbaum, Phillips & Harris.

Soon after, multiple Toledo Police officers faced criminal charges and
turned to Jerry for help. The case came with significant publicity.
Fortunately for the officers, Jerry successfully defended them and
proved their innocence. His well-established legal reputation grew even
greater following these cases.

In 1984, he rejoined his friend and former partner, Shelly Wittenberg,
along with Jeff Levy, and formed Wittenberg, Phillips & Levy. Jeff Levy
has since retired, but Jerry and Shelly still work together.

“I’ve known and watched Jerry practice since I was a young attorney,” says
Charles Boyk. “He is one of the greatest criminal law attorneys and the standard
for professionalism.”

Jerry was President of the Toledo Junior Bar Association in 1979. He served as
Vice-President of the Toledo Bar Association from 1993-1996, President from
1996-1997, and on their Board of Trustees from 1981-1998.

Jerry was a member of the Executive Committee for the Inns of Court
from 1996-2001 and served as Inns of Court President from
1999-2000.

In addition to his involvement in the local bar associations and
organizations, he had the honor and pleasure of guest lecturing. As a
remark to his professionalism, Jerry was asked to be a guest lecturer on
ethics at the Ohio Legal Center Institute, the University of Toledo College
of Law, and other locations.

One of his most rewarding experiences was his time working with the
Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Commissioners. In 1998, Jerry was
nominated to serve on the Clients’ Security Fund, which helps to
compensate individuals who were wronged by their attorney. He served
as the Chairman of this committee, and is the only individual nominated
for this position twice. True to his character, Jerry’s professionalism
always shines through.

Jerry is also known for his culinary prowess and his passion for art. An
avid cook and baker, Jerry loves sharing joy with his baked goods. He is
renowned for his lemon squares, and for the past 30-40 years, he has
taken his desserts to the courthouse to share with the court staff,
bailiffs, and attorneys.

Jerry and his lovely wife, Diane, also share a passion for art: specifically
modern art and glass sculptures, and they continue to grow their
collection together. They promote local artists by purchasing their art
and donating to the art commission.

He and Diane have known each other since high school and were
married when he was finishing his 3rd year of law school. They have two
children, Kimberly and Brian. Jerry was never the parent to push his kids
toward law, but Kimberly followed in her father’s footsteps and is an
attorney. Brian, while not an attorney, went to law school as well.
Passion, devotion, and heart sum up everything that Jerry does. Simply
put, Jerry is “The Standard” for professionalism, work ethic, and
character. He is an inspiration to me and everyone around him.