Phipps earned both a Bachelor of Science in physics and a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Dayton, summa cum laude, and earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where he served as the managing editor of the Stanford Law & Policy Review.

He also served as a law clerk to Judge R. Guy Cole Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Earlier in his career, Phipps spent three years as an associate at Jones Day, where his practice focused on civil litigation.

Before becoming a judge, Phipps served as senior trial counsel in the Federal Programs Branch of the United States Department of Justice Civil Division.

President Trump nominated Phipps to the seat vacated by Terrence F. McVerry, who assumed senior status on September 30, 2013.