PHILIP HARLEY (1947-2009), Partner

Our beloved friend and partner, Philip A. “Phil” Harley, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 2, 2009. Phil spent his last moments at home, in the company of his loved ones, his husband Mark Harley, their daughters, Sara and True, and Phil’s mother and brothers.

Philip A. Harley was a nationally recognized and certified civil trial specialist focusing in the areas of asbestos, toxic-related cancers and catastrophic injury. In 1990, Mr. Harley’s trial practice began to focus on toxic diseases and other catastrophic injuries. He believed his knowledge and skills were best used to assist those who have been the most severely impacted by corporate misconduct. Mr. Harley was widely recognized by both the Bar and the Bench for his outstanding trial advocacy. Since 1990, his clients have over 100 jury verdicts with many in excess of $10,000,000.

Mr. Harley also supported consumer advocacy programs, including 1) financial support for the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America; 2) an endowment for Washburn University Law School to support trial-related education programs; and 3) political donations for legislators who work to protect consumers, the environment and victims of corporate abuses.

Born in 1947, Phil Harley was raised in Germany and the U.S. due to his father’s military career. Phil completed his undergraduate training and obtained his law degree at the Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where he was a national finalist in both the National and International Moot Court Competitions. During his tenure at law school, Phil was selected Student of the Year in his senior year and was a member of the Order of Barristers. Mr. Harley was first admitted to practice in Kansas in 1974.

Education

• • Washburn University School of Law (J.D., 1974)
  • Washburn University (B.A., 1969)

Bar and Court Admissions

• • Kansas, 1974
  • California, 1990