Scott Michael Phillips, Construction Attorney in San Rafael, California
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatPhillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP
San Rafael, CA
Practicing construction in San Rafael since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Scott Michael Phillips?
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Quick answer
Scott Michael Phillips is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Real Estate. Scott has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Rafael, CA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Construction · Estate Litigation · Real Estate
- Handles Construction, Estate Litigation, and Real Estate matters from San Rafael, CA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Scott Michael Phillips: Scott Michael Phillips is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Real Estate. Scott has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Scott takes on
Scott concentrates on construction, estate litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Scott handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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Estate Litigation
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Real Estate
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Construction cases in San Rafael, California
Scott takes construction matters in San Rafael, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in San Rafael, California
Scott takes estate litigation matters in San Rafael, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in San Rafael, California
Scott takes real estate matters in San Rafael, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Scott Michael Phillips — construction lawyer in San Rafael
Scott Michael Phillips is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Real Estate. Scott has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Scott Michael Phillips is a lawyer practicing real estate litigation, construction law, real estate development and 1 other area of law. Scott received a B.A. degree from California State University, Chico in 1979, and has been licensed for 42 years. Scott practices at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP in San Rafael, CA.
Working with Scott on a construction matter
Scott Michael Phillips is a lawyer practicing real estate litigation, construction law, real estate development and 1 other area of law. Scott received a B.A. degree from California State University, Chico in 1979, and has been licensed for 42 years. Scott practices at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP in San Rafael, CA.
Who Scott represents
Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, estate litigation, and real estate matters in San Rafael and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of San Francisco Law School
J.D. · 1983
California State University, Chico
B.A. Public · 1979
Jurisdictions
Scott's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Scott studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco Law School and B.A. Public in California State University, Chico.
Law school and academic background
Scott completed J.D. in University of San Francisco Law School and B.A. Public in California State University, Chico. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Scott runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Scott has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Scott's professional memberships and bar associations
Marin County Bar Association Northern California Association of Defense Counsel Edward J
membership
McFetridge Inn of American Inns of Court
membership
Locations
Scott Michael Phillips's office in San Rafael
Scott's primary office is at 55 Shaver St., Ste. 330, San Rafael, CA, 94903. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP
55 Shaver St., Ste. 330
San Rafael, CA 94903
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Scott Michael Phillips — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Scott. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in San Rafael.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Scott Michael Phillips claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Scott Michael Phillips — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Scott usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Scott charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Scott's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Scott will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in San Rafael, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Scott
Scott discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Scott confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Scott's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Scott Michael Phillips
How much does it cost to hire Scott for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Scott walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Scott offer a free consultation?
Scott charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Scott's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Scott's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in California typically take?
Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Scott gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Scott take my case if I'm outside San Rafael?
Scott is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Scott will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Scott?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Scott will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Scott accepting new construction clients right now?
Scott's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving San Rafael, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Scott handles construction matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
- San Rafael1,118 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in California
If Scott's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in San Rafael handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Mark S. Drobny
Sacramento, California
5.0· 395

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jeffrey Robert Loew
San Mateo, California
5.0· 47

Steven A. Kronenberg
San Francisco, California
5.0· 43

Michael Brett Abramson
San Diego, California
5.0· 39

John David Williams
Westlake Village, California
5.0· 29