Channing D. Phillips facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Channing D. Phillips
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia
Acting March 3, 2021 – November 5, 2021
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Michael R. Sherwin
Succeeded by	Matthew M. Graves
In office October 19, 2015 – September 24, 2017
President	Barack Obama Donald Trump
Preceded by	Vincent H. Cohen Jr.
Succeeded by	Jessie Liu
Acting May 28, 2009 – February 2010
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Jeffrey A. Taylor (acting)
Succeeded by	Ronald Machen
Acting United States Attorney General
In office January 30, 2017
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Sally Yates (acting)
Succeeded by	Dana Boente (acting)
Personal details
Born	Channing Durward Phillips (1958-03-09) March 9, 1958 (age 67) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party	Democratic Party
Education	University of Virginia (BA) Howard University (JD)

Channing Durward Phillips, born on March 9, 1958, is an American lawyer. He has held important roles in the U.S. legal system. He served as the acting United States Attorney for the District of Columbia multiple times. This job means he is the main federal prosecutor for the Washington, D.C. area. He also briefly served as the acting United States Attorney General, which is the highest legal officer in the U.S. government.

Early Life and Education

Channing Phillips grew up in Washington, D.C.. He went to the University of Virginia and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. Later, he studied law at Howard University School of Law. He received his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1986.

Career Highlights

Starting His Legal Journey

In 1990, Phillips began his career as a trial attorney. He worked for the United States Department of Justice Criminal Division. His work involved dealing with organized crime.

In 1994, he moved to the United States Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C. He returned to the Justice Department in 2010. There, he worked in the Office of the Attorney General.

Serving as U.S. Attorney

Phillips first became the acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. in May 2009. He served in this role until February 2010.

In 2015, after the previous U.S. Attorney resigned, Phillips was recommended for the position. President Obama nominated him. Phillips became the acting U.S. Attorney again on October 19, 2015. He held this position until September 2017.

Brief Role as Acting Attorney General

On January 30, 2017, Phillips briefly became the acting United States Attorney General. This happened automatically due to a special order. This order explains who takes over if the Attorney General position is empty.

However, President Donald Trump soon appointed Dana Boente to be the acting Attorney General. This change happened just a few hours after Phillips took on the role.

Return to U.S. Attorney Role

On March 3, 2021, Phillips was appointed acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. once more. This appointment came from President Joe Biden. His service ended when Matthew M. Graves was sworn in as his successor.

Personal Life

Channing Phillips is the son of Channing E. Phillips. His father was a minister and a civil rights activist. In 1968, his father made history. He was the first African-American to have his name put forward for President of the United States by a major political party.