Philip J. Pence
Partner
Profile
Philip J. (“PJ”) Pence is a partner at Thomas Mamer. His practice includes complex matters in employment law and litigation.
Mr. Pence represents and counsels employers in a wide range of federal and state employment matters, including claims arising under the FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, Title VII, and the ADA. He also advises clients on day-to-day employment issues, including personnel policies and procedures, employment agreements, independent contractor arrangements, employee misclassification risks, accommodations, and restrictive covenants.
Litigation is at the center of Mr. Pence’s practice, handling complex litigation matters from the pre-litigation stage through appeal, both in employment litigation and as a general litigator. He represents clients in numerous industries, including higher education, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, retail, finance, and hospitality.
Through his experience advising employers and professionals, Mr. Pence's practice also includes privacy, regulatory, licensure, and professional code of ethics counseling and representation.
Mr. Pence began his legal career at Thomas Mamer, first as a law clerk while attending the University of Illinois College of Law, and later as an associate after being admitted to the Illinois bar in 2016. He subsequently practiced employment law at a large international firm in Chicago before returning to Champaign-Urbana. He became a partner in 2024.
In addition to practicing law, Mr. Pence is a musician who plays drums with various artists in Illinois and beyond.
Mr. Pence represents and counsels employers in a wide range of federal and state employment matters, including claims arising under the FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, Title VII, and the ADA. He also advises clients on day-to-day employment issues, including personnel policies and procedures, employment agreements, independent contractor arrangements, employee misclassification risks, accommodations, and restrictive covenants.
Litigation is at the center of Mr. Pence’s practice, handling complex litigation matters from the pre-litigation stage through appeal, both in employment litigation and as a general litigator. He represents clients in numerous industries, including higher education, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, retail, finance, and hospitality.
Through his experience advising employers and professionals, Mr. Pence's practice also includes privacy, regulatory, licensure, and professional code of ethics counseling and representation.
Mr. Pence began his legal career at Thomas Mamer, first as a law clerk while attending the University of Illinois College of Law, and later as an associate after being admitted to the Illinois bar in 2016. He subsequently practiced employment law at a large international firm in Chicago before returning to Champaign-Urbana. He became a partner in 2024.
In addition to practicing law, Mr. Pence is a musician who plays drums with various artists in Illinois and beyond.