Title: Attorney
Company: Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman LLC
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Philip R. Thomas, JD, Attorney at Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman LLC and President at Tip of the Spear Strategies LLC, President of Tip of the Spear Strategies LLC, and Co-owner of Shutter Shack Photo Bus, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements and leadership in Political Law, Civil Litigation and Government Affairs, Consulting and Event Services.
Mr. Thomas has established a distinguished career in law and politics, marked by his extensive experience across various branches of North Carolina’s state government. Currently serving as an attorney at Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman LLC in Raleigh, North Carolina, since 2023, he handles litigation and serves as outside counsel. His expertise in political law, civil litigation and government affairs is well recognized.
In addition to his important body of work at Chamers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman LLC, Mr. Thomas is the president of Tip of the Spear Strategies LLC, a Business Consulting and Services firm in Raleigh. Furthermore, he co-owns Shutter Shack Photo Bus, a photography and event services company in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mr. Thomas’s career trajectory has included significant roles within the North Carolina Republican Party, where he served as the political director and chief counsel from 2020 to 2021 and as the chief counsel and strategy director until 2023. During his tenure at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, he rose from assistant general counsel to deputy general counsel between 2019 and 2020. Earlier in his career, Mr. Thomas contributed as a fraud and compliance specialist at the North Carolina Industrial Commission in 2018 and as a judicial law clerk at the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2017.
In preparation for his future, Mr. Thomas received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Doctor of Jurisprudence with an advocacy track from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 2016. His education was further enriched by certifications from the Institute for the Public Trust in 2016. These academic accomplishments have been instrumental in Mr. Thomas’s success, providing him with the skills necessary to navigate both legal and political landscapes effectively.
Mr. Thomas’s dedication to civic engagement is evident through his leadership roles in various organizations. He serves as the president of Taxpayers for Honest Elections and holds positions on the board of governors for the Republican National Lawyers Association. His commitment extends to volunteering with organizations such as the YMCA Youth & Government program and the American Red Cross. These activities reflect Mr. Thomas’s passion for community service and his desire to make a positive impact.
Throughout his career, Mr. Thomas has been recognized for his contributions to the legal field. In 2024, he received the prestigious Betty Murphy Award from the Republican National Lawyers Association, honoring him as a trailblazer and unsung hero. He was previously named Legal Elite-Young Gun by Business North Carolina between 2022 and 2024 and has been acknowledged as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in legislative and governmental affairs.
Enthusiastic about the future of his career, Mr. Thomas aims to expand his legal practice, increase the number of attorneys in his firm, and enhance his lobbying and business consulting practice. He also plans to expand his international consulting work, assisting companies seeking to do business in the U.S.
Mr. Thomas’s legacy is defined by his dedication to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Having worked with over 30 law clerks and interns, he values maintaining relationships beyond their time with him, supporting their growth throughout their careers. Mr. Thomas’s dedication to mentoring reflects his belief in giving back to others, ensuring that they, too, can achieve success while fostering lasting mutual benefits.
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