Philip grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi and graduated from Gulfport High School. He received his B.A. in History in 1989 from Louisiana State University and received his J.D., cum laude in 1993 from the University of Mississippi School of Law. While in law school, Philip was the Articles Editor for the Mississippi Law Journal, served on the Moot Court Board and was a member of Phi Delta Phi.

Philip was an associate with the Jackson, Mississippi law firm of Wise, Carter, Child and Caraway from 1993 to 1995. He was an associate and shareholder with the Jackson office of the regional law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman and Caldwell from 1995 to 2002. In June of 2002, Philip formed Philip W. Thomas, P.A.

In addition to his law practice, in 1996 Philip was a Clinical Instructor for the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Philip's practice has always focused on civil litigation. He has tried multiple cases to verdict in state and federal courts. A detailed description of his experience is contained in the Experience section of this Web site.

Philip is a member of the Mississippi and American Bar Associations. He has served on multiple committees for the Mississippi Bar Association.

Philip is committed to the delivery of legal services to the poor. He currently serves as chairperson of the Delivery of Legal Services Committee of the Mississippi Bar. He is also a founding member of the board of directors for the Mississippi Legal Services Foundation and currently serves as its vice-chair. In 2001 Philip received the President's Award as the Mississippi Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyer of the Year in recognition of pro bono legal work for the poor. In 2003 he received the Jackson Young Lawyers Association Pro Bono Award. He regularly accepts pro bono cases through the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project.