Tonya Myers Phillips is an attorney with a passion for social justice and improving the quality of life for Detroiters. In her role, as Executive Director for the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center, she is able to combine her legal skills and love for community work, by facilitating the first Community Court program in the City of Detroit.
Tonya was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Renaissance High School in Detroit, MI. She received her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Michigan. She also went on to attend and receive her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Ms. Phillips has been honored with the Distinguished Young Lawyer Award from the Wolverine Bar Association. She was also a past recipient of the Maryann Mahaffey Public Servant of the Year Award from the United Community Housing Coalition.
Tonya is very active in the community. She was appointed to serve on the City of Detroit Charter Revision Commission from 2010-2012. She is active with the State Bar of Michigan, being appointed to serve on Justice Policy Initiatives Committee and the Character and Fitness Committee. She serves on the Board of Directors and volunteers with several organizations, including the Detroit Chapters of Habitat for Humanity, the National Lawyers Guild-Detroit, and the New Leaders Council. Tonya enjoys reading, arts performances, and spending time with family and friends.
Prior to joining the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center, Tonya worked as a staff attorney with Michigan Legal Services. Tonya has also worked in private practice representing nonprofit organizations and small businesses, and with the Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice performing impact litigation