The Law Office of H. Edward Phillips, PLLC

10/18/2024

Today, I wish to honor one ancestor, my first cousin. His name is James Scarboro Duncan of Morgan Co., Tennessee. Our family came (in part) from five counties in East Tennessee: Anderson, Roane, Scott, Campbell, and Morgan. James Scarborough Duncan enlisted in the 7th Regiment of Tennessee Infantry US Army as a Private.

During his time an an infantrymsn, Pvt. James S. Duncan proved his worth and was soon commissioned Captain and then finally attained the rank of Major by 1 January 1863. During his service with the 7th Tennessee, he saw combat notably at Parker’s Crossroads where he faced several of my cousins on the other side of the line in the Confederate Army.

As I understand, according to contemporaneous reports I have read, on 18 March 1863, Major Duncan, along with a contingent of enlisted men and officers from other units were in Kentucky recruiting more soldiers to fill the ranks. During this mission, these men came into contact with a unit of Confederate Cavalry of the 8th Virginia. A trooper from the 8th shot Major Duncan in the chest, one account stated he was shot in the heart and died instantly.

He sacrificed his life for our Country and all of his tomorrows with his wife and children because of his loyalty to the “Old Flag.” May he always rest in God’s eternal peace.

I ask that you remember Major James Scarboro Duncan today.

He is interred at the Davis Cemetery in Pine Knot, McCreary County, Kentucky. This location was near the farm of our aunt and uncle.

10/17/2024

08/26/2021

I have not posted in a while . . . I will do better.

01/16/2019

I was in court in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee last week on behalf of a client, with whom I am glad to be associated. While there, I took photographs of some of the sites, which include the local museum, a very historic site, and a Civil War Confederate monument.

While I truly understand the arguments on both sides of the monument issue, I do remind my friends that I try to be objective. I also divulge several facts: (1) my direct ancestors fought for the Union Army from East Tennessee; (2) my collateral ancestors fought for the Confederate Army from Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina; and (3) I truly believe that we are one people, one nation, one country, with one history -- good, bad, indifferent, glorious and horrific. The facts supporting this belief are many including the fact that I am related to President Obama as we share a common set of grandparents from Maryland.

Nevertheless, I am posting these photos because they represent our common history and our common national identity. Let us never forget it is our responsibility to show kindness, respect and courtesy to all people we encounter.

Enjoy my friends.

07/03/2018

As we are about to celebrate our Nation's 242nd year of Independence, let us remember that our Founding generation stated that:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. . ."

We are one people with one history. . . and I wish you a safe and Happy Fourth!

05/24/2018

Just a few thoughts for those facing difficult decisions in life — always remember that an unwise choice does not define the person you are. Rather, you have to decide if the choices you are making and the people with whom you surround yourself are lifting you up or leading you down the road to perdition.

I am in court weekly helping my clients find a better way forward, and I would be honored to assist you.

03/12/2018

I have not posted in a while. Honestly, I have no excuse. I was in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Specifically, at the county courthouse in Murfreesboro ensuring my client navigated the legal system and we protected his constitutional rights.

For those who do not know, Murfreesboro was named for Lt. Col. Hardy Murfree, of the North Carolina Continental Line. He was a founding member of the Society of the Cincinnatti for the State of North Carolina in 1783.

A few photos are attached

12/21/2017

I am currently reviewing material in preparation for a client meeting tomorrow. In so doing, I am reminded that each person should have a basic estate plan in place, and there is certainly no time like the present to plan for the future.

You should bear in mind that estate documents are essential for decisions regarding your healthcare, finances, power of attorney, and how your assets are to be distributed at the time of your passing. If you believe you are in need of a planning meeting, please contact me and we will schedule you as soon as possible. My goal is to ensure you that at our initial meeting we will begin planning for your future and giving you peace of mind.

With my best for a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all of my clients and friends.

Sincerely,

H. Edward Phillips
Attorney at Law

08/31/2017

As long as I have practiced law, I am typically not shocked by what I see. However, I suggest that if you have a criminal charge pending against you, please do not represent yourself. I say this not because I want to ensure that my fellow lawyers and I have guaranteed employment. Rather, I care about your rights and ensuring the best result can be obtained.

To say it another way, if you needed surgery, would you perform it yourself after you used "Google" to explain the process? Just as you would not take this action, it only makes sense for you not to walk into a courtroom and assume you know the law.

Instead, talk to a few attorneys and determine who can best serve your needs and who understands the particular aspects of your case. Be informed and protect your personal liberty and your constitutional rights. Please, do not go it alone.

With sincere regards,

Edward

06/26/2017

Good morning -- I hope all is well with my clients, family and friends. As many of you know, I ventured back into solo practice on May 26, 2017, opening my law office in Franklin, Tennessee.

Ironically, the day I started my new firm, was my father's birthday. I chose this day with deliberate intent as my dad had advised me in 1999 that I should establish my own practice in Franklin. Now, almost eighteen (18) years later, I followed his advice.

The main practice areas of the firm are: (1) Estate Planning; (2) Criminal Defense; and (3) Administrative Law. Please let me know how my twenty-three (23) years of experience can be used to serve your legal needs.