Phillip B Shell

Phil is friendly, knowledgable and genuinely concerned about his clients. You’ll appreciate his sense of humor along with his ability to put you at ease as you learn about your legal options.

He has successfully litigated hundreds of cases throughout the past 35 years. Phil does not charge for an initial consultation and can usually let you know up front whether you have a good case and what you can expect. He knows the judges; he knows the opposing attorneys; he knows the system. He knows how to get results.

Phil is a member of the Utah State Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

He has argued multiple cases before the Utah Supreme Court and the Utah Court of Appeals, and even argued a successful appeal before the United States Supreme Court. He was successful at the Utah Supreme Court in overturning a law which took money from disabled Utah seniors when they began to receive Social Security retirement benefits.

This resulted in a recovery of over 15 million dollars for Utah families. He has also tried other successful cases that have beneficially shaped Utah law for injured workers.

He currently concentrates his practice in the area of Workers’ Compensation – with an active practice before the Utah Labor Commission – as well as in Social Security Disability appeals.

Along with his law partner, Tonya Whipple, he can also help you with a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Let him counsel with you in determining what your best options are. There is no charge for the initial consultation.

Education & Credentials:

• Bar Admissions: Utah, 1982; U.S. District Court District of Utah, 1982; U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit, 1982; U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit, 1986.
• Education: Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School, Provo, Utah, April, 1982 J.D.; Utah State University, Logan, Utah, June, 1978, B.S. Major: Mathematics, Minor: Journalism

Representative Cases:

• Fred Meyer v. Industrial Comm, 800 P.2d 825 (UT Ct App. 1990); Dean Evans Chrysler v. Morse, 692 P.2d 779 (UT 1988); Nathan Merrill v. Utah Labor Commission, (UT 2009)

Additional Experience:

• Member of the Utah Association for Justice; active in the workers’ compensation section of the UAJ.
• Previous legal counsel for the Injured Workers’ Association of Utah, a non-profit organization that services the public by educating workers about their rights under the Worker’s Compensation system.
• Previous pro-tem judge in the Murray and Sandy Small Claims Courts.
• Featured speaker at various seminars concerning workers’ compensation issues.