Philip E. Proud

Philip E. Proud is an attorney at Simmons Hanly Conroy, where he focuses his practice on helping those affected by asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. Philip works directly with clients from the start of their case to its resolution and helps with all aspects of the legal process in between.

“Once I receive a case, my clients can expect open communication, due diligence, honesty and empathy,” Philip explained. “My clients are individuals, families, and I make every attempt to treat them and their cases as I would wish to be treated.”

Over the course of his career, Philip has litigated numerous cases across the country in various state and federal jurisdictions. Before joining the firm, he represented clients in the areas of personal injury, Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), Jones Act, products liability, mass torts, and class actions.

“I’ve seen the suffering families have been put through at the fault of others. It is a privilege to represent families in their time of need and have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives,” Philip said.

Securing Results

As a veteran of over 100 cases, Philip has successfully secured millions of dollars on his clients’ behalf, including the following results for clients affected by asbestos exposure:

• $20 million jury verdict for a Missouri mechanic and his wife against an automobile manufacturer
• $7 million for two steelworkers in Illinois
• $6.5 million for an electrician in California
• $7.5 million for maritime worker in New York
• $3 million for boiler technician in Illinois
• $2 million for a Missouri factory worker’s wife, who was exposed to asbestos secondhand
• $7.5 million for mechanic in New York
• $1.6 million for the wife of a Missouri mechanic, who was exposed to asbestos secondhand

Philip has been recognized by Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed attorney rating system, for his legal achievements in both Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs.

Philip’s Background

Philip graduated from University of Rochester in New York with degrees in Political Science and Business. At Rochester, he was a four-year member of the men’s varsity soccer team and earned All-Northeast and conference team honors. He then earned his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law.

In law school, Philip was elected to the Advanced Mock Trial Team and represented the School of Law in trial competitions across the country. Philip also received the CALI Academic Excellence Award for receiving the highest grade in trial advocacy.

Philip has been a member of the Missouri Bar since 2013, Illinois Bar since 2014, New York Bar since 2021, and Louisiana Bar since 2021. He has first-chair trial experience and is admitted to the United States District Courts for the Northern, Central, and Southern District of Illinois.

“The thing that drove me to go to law school — and continues to motivate me as a practicing lawyer — is helping people,” Philip said. “To meet a client, forge a personal relationship with that person and their family, and be in a position to ultimately help them at the end of the day is incredibly gratifying.”

In his free time, Philip enjoys playing golf, fishing, hunting and being outdoors.