"Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1953, Attorney Philip (Phil) V. McCalister grew up in California. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts (with honors) in United States History (with an emphasis on American Religious History) from California State University Fullerton, he continued his studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he was awarded a Master of Divinity Degree. As an ordained American Baptist minister, he served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Lewiston, Idaho.

He later completed law school at the University of Idaho, immediately passing the Idaho, Washington, and Pennsylvania bar exams. A trial lawyer since 1989, Phil currently maintains a solo practice in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Here, he has earned a reputation for strong negotiation and litigation skills in family law matters. 

Believing that confrontational litigation is not always the best way to resolve differences, Phil is a committed member of the International Academy of Collaborative Law Professionals (IACP) and the Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CLASP). He is also an active participant in numerous attorney professional groups.

Community Involvement

Phil has volunteered/mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters for at-risk children in the New Kensington-Arnold School District and currently volunteers as Chairman of the Board of the Westmoreland County Community College Foundation. He enjoys spending his free time as an aspiring golfer, committed cyclist, and spin class instructor, believing that a good weekend is one spent outdoors.