Hess, Philip M.

Phil received his undergraduate degree, double majoring in economics and philosophy, at Rockhurst College in Kansas City (1980) and his law degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia (1983). Phil graduated from Crystal City High School. While in high school he was a page in the U.S. Senate for Senator Stuart Symington.

Phil is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA), elected to its Board of Governors and their Executive Committee. He also serves on MATA's Legislative Review Committee. He is the past chair of MATA’s Workers’ Compensation Legislative Issues Committee. In 2003, Phil received MATA’s President’s Award for his “tireless efforts” on behalf of the organization.

Phil is a past two term chair of the Missouri Bar's Workers' Compensation committee. He is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) and is a past two term chair of its Workers’ Compensation committee. He is also a member of the Lawyer’s Association and the Jefferson County Bar Association, and in 2009 Phil was inducted as a Fellow into the national College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers.

Phil is a frequent author and lecturer on workers’ compensation issues. He has presented over 25 continuing legal education seminars to hundreds of lawyers throughout the state of Missouri. Phil routinely volunteers his time and effort advocating for the rights of injured workers and their families before the Missouri Legislature. He has testified before committees in both the Missouri House and Senate on workers' compensation legislation. Phil is one of a state wide group of attorneys representing over 70 unions challenging the constitutionality of the 2005 pro business overhaul of the Missouri Workers’' Compensation Act.

Phil has received an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, the organization's highest rating of legal ability based upon a survey of other practicing attorneys. They recognized him as a legal professional that follows strict ethical standards and is acknowledged for his exceptional legal ability.

Phil was born and raised in Crystal City, Missouri. He now lives in St. Louis County with his wife and their three sons.