Recognized for undisputed political acumen & selfless service
(Washington, D.C.) – The Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) is pleased to announce Philip R. Thomas as the recipient of the 2024 Betty Murphy Award, which will be presented at the National Policy Conference on May 17 in Arlington, Virginia.
The Betty Murphy Award is given each year to an unsung hero, member, trailblazer, with entrepreneurial spirit, a community service leader, an organization builder who inspires others' efforts.
“Philip Thomas is an outstanding attorney who did incredible work to build up the North Carolina GOP’s legal and election integrity programs while serving as the Party’s Chief Counsel,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley. “I am proud to call Philip a colleague and a friend and he is richly deserving of this award.”
RNLA President and Executive Director Michael Thielen added, “Philip embodies what the Betty Murphy award was created to recognize. Under his leadership, our North Carolina chapter became the model for other RNLA state chapters across the country. Thomas helped us recruit and train hundreds of lawyers and law students, hosting numerous events and professional networking opportunities, including one that featured a U.S. Senator. Philip made RNLA a well-known group across the state.”
As the Chief Counsel and Strategy Director for North Carolina’s Republican Party, Thomas guided his party to victories in 23 of 27 statewide elections. Having served in every branch of state government, few are as knowledgeable about Tarheel State politics as Thomas. This award recognizes not only his undisputed political acumen, but his selfless service to fellow Republicans. He has been a friend, mentor, and advisor to countless candidates across the state.
Thomas is a Partner at Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman, LLC where he focuses his practice on the intersection of law, politics, and government at the federal and state levels.
Prior to his tenure at the NCGOP, Thomas served as the Deputy General Counsel for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He also worked with the Lt. Governor's general counsel, the NC State House, the NC State Senate, the NC Court of Appeals, and several administrative agencies. In addition to his work for state and congressional campaigns, Thomas chairs the RNLA’s North Carolina Chapter and is a member of the RNLA Board of Governors.
Betty Murphy was a longtime Washington, D.C. attorney who in 1975 became the first female member of the National Labor Relations Board. Following her many years of government service, Murphy joined the Washington firm of Baker and Hostetler, LLP where she was a partner and a leader of the firm's labor and employment group.
RNLA is the national organization of Republican attorneys. The mission of RNLA is to advance professionalism; open, fair, and honest elections; career opportunity; and Republican ideals. For more information, please visit: http://www.rnla.org.
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