The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023: Meet Adam Phillips
Adam Phillips, 36, of Fayetteville, works for the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office
He was nominated for 40 Under 40 because he "is an amazing attorney and even better person. He is a recipient of the Young Lawyer of the Year award and is a former Cumberland County District Court judge," a nominator writes. "He is heavily involved in the community and now works in the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office helping victims of violent crime. He was also a public defender for eight years representing indigent folks from our community. I can't think of a young person in our community right now more deserving than Adam."
Here's what else you should know about this member of The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.
Who are your immediate family members?
My wife, Faith, and my son, Gideon
What does your job entail?
My job involves prosecuting criminal cases that occurred throughout the county and developing action plans to help reduce crime in our community.
Where did you receive your education?
The University of North Carolina for both undergraduate and law school
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?
Cumberland County Bar, Kiwanis International and I serve as the executive vice president of Leclair’s Coffee Club
How do you volunteer your time in the community?
I help with the Reading is Fun program with my wife. My father, who is the pastor of a local church, also organizes a yearly missions fundraiser called Miles for Missions that I help with.
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?
Television makes it look like lawyers all hate each other and everything is a fight to the death. We can usually act like adults and work together professionally. Usually.
What's the best advice you've ever received and/or the worst advice you've ever followed?
"Stop being weird and go talk to her!" A mutual friend telling me to go talk to my now-wife.
What goal have you already achieved and how did you make it happen?
I’m a first-generation college graduate. Hard work is definitely required when you want to accomplish something that people close to you have never done, but I don’t believe I would have made it without seeking counsel from people who were willing to mentor me along the way.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you be?
Probably a barber. I always looked up to my grandpa who was a barber for years and told him I wanted to go to barber school. He’s the one who encouraged me to go to law school instead.
What are five things (not people or pets) you can't live without?
Cold brew coffee That’s it. That’s the answer.
What's something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
I enjoy baking. My favorite is to bake sea salt chocolate chip cookies with my son.
Some responses may have been edited for style and grammar.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 40 Under 40: Adam Phillips, Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office
