Julian L. McPhillips ’68

Another titan from our class has passed. Julian died April 12, 2025, in Atlanta, of complications of Lewy Body dementia.

He came to us from Sewanee Military Academy in Sewanee, Tenn., where he was active in football, wrestling, and track. At Princeton, Julian was involved with several religious organizations and was a varsity wrestler, becoming an Ivy League champion and All-American. He majored in history (cum laude), was a member of Ivy, and roomed with Retrum and Pajcic in Pyne Hall his senior year.

After earning a law degree from Columbia, Julian practiced at Davis, Polk & Wardwell, while still wrestling as an amateur. He later served as associate counsel for American Express before returning to Alabama as assistant attorney general. In 1978, he founded McPhillips Shinbaum, building a reputation as “The People’s Lawyer” for his fearless advocacy of civil rights, labor rights, and social justice. He successfully challenged discriminatory laws and proudly mentored U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell ’86.

Julian was instrumental in the founding and flourishing of Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Montgomery, Ala. A man of deep faith and unwavering conviction, Julian envisioned the church as a spiritual home rooted in inclusivity, justice, and service. He also authored six books, including an autobiography. In addition to his other endeavors, Julian preserved a Montgomery home once occupied by F. Scott Fitzgerald 1917 and his wife, Zelda, where Julian and his wife, Leslie, founded the Fitzgerald Museum.

The class extends its deepest sympathies to Leslie; their children Rachel, Grace, and David; seven grandchildren; and his many friends and colleagues.