Our History

Phillips & Ingrum was co-founded in Gallatin, Tenn., in 1979 by John R. Phillips Jr. and Robert G. Ingrum. In 1981, Phillips & Ingrum relocated to their current location on the square in downtown Gallatin. The timeline of events and milestones showcases the firm’s rich history and expertise in the community.

1976

John and Bob graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Law and are admitted to the Tennessee Bar. After graduation, Bob begins working as an Assistant District Attorney in Sumner County, Tenn., and Robertson County, Tenn.

1978

1978

In 1978, John serves as the Sumner County Bar Association President.

1979

In 1979, John and Bob found Phillips & Ingrum Attorneys at Law in Gallatin, Tenn. John also continues to serve as the Sumner County Bar Association President.

1980

1980

Bob serves as the Sumner County Bar Association President.

1981

1981

Phillips & Ingrum moves to its current location at 117 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066.

1983

Bob wins a first degree murder criminal jury trial in Davidson County, Tenn. The verdict for this trial is not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.

1985

John receives a not guilty verdict in the Sumner County murder trial of State vs. Gooch.

1995

John becomes board-certified as a Civil Trial Advocacy Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

1996

Bob wins another first degree murder criminal jury trial in Sumner County. The verdict is not guilty.

1997

John receives an AV rating, the highest rating possible in both legal ability and ethical standards, from Martindale-Hubbell, a comprehensive directory that provides background information on lawyers and law firms across the United States.

2000

2000

Jay Ingrum is admitted to the Tennessee Bar and joins his father in the practice of law at Phillips & Ingrum.

2002

Robert and Jay win a first degree murder trial in Sumner County.

2009

Jay receives a BV rating, the highest rating a lawyer can achieve after admission to the bar for five to nine years including very high legal ability and ethical standards, from Martindale-Hubbell.

2011-2012

Jay serves as Sumner County Bar Association President.

2011-2014

Upon appointment by Chancellor Tom Gray, John serves as the co-receiver for eight Halo related companies.

2012

Jay and his co-counsel win another first degree murder trial in Sumner County. He also continues to serve as Sumner County Bar Association President.

2015

Haley Medley listed as a Rule 31 family law mediator.

2016

2016

Haley Medley was admitted to the practice of law in 2010 and joined P&I in 2016.

2019

2019

Josh Phillips was admitted to the practice of law in 2006 and joined P&I in 2019.

2021

2021

Erin King was was admitted to the practice of law in 2010 and joined P&I on January 25, 2021.

2021

2021

C. Jay Ingrum was named Partner on February 1, 2021.

2021

Jay Ingrum listed as a Rule 31 family law mediator.

2022

Erin King listed as a Rule 31 family law mediator.

2022

2022

Bob formally retires from P&I after a successful 45 years in law practice and is happily spending his retirement with his wife, Carolyn.

2023

2023

Ryan A. Claxton was admitted to the practice of law in 2015 and joined P&I in 2023.