"I have done this lawyering for those who paid me and often spent my own money to provide for a defense. I have never let the lack of money stand in the way of helping people in trouble. My only regret is that I have not been able to do more." - Clarence Darrow

Author and advocate Philip Remington Dunn (Phil) has been a celebrated trial lawyer for more than 30 years in Southern California, where he has defended people struggling in onerous situations. For his work on People vs. Tony Estrada,* in which he proved the innocence of his client – thus overturning a murder conviction and life sentence - he received a "Local Heroes" award from the Santa Barbara Independent, and "Special Recognition" from the California State Assembly and the United States Congress from Assemblywoman Hannah Beth Jackson and Congresswoman Lois Capps.

Inspired by his strong faith, Phil believes that everyone should be treated with compassion and given the opportunity for redemption and recovery. These values, strong since childhood, have carried Phil throughout his professional and personal life, and eventually led him to tell the stories that molded his character and shaped his worldview. Stories like Tony Estrada’s told in his book, When Darkness Reigns.  

Through his writing, Phil reveals a world where truth is certainly stranger than fiction; recounting stories that are just as unsettling as they are true. In spite of everything he has seen, Phil is not cynical. In fact, nothing better encapsulates him than the lyrics “To dream the impossible dream” from the Cervantes-inspired musical, “Man of La Mancha.” For Phil has dedicated his life’s work to not only dreaming the impossible dream - fairness and justice - but also to do everything in his power to achieve it.