She was formerly a lawyer in private practice, a division chief in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, and an assistant United States attorney.
She was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's 13th congressional district in the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections.
[1] She served as staff counsel for Ford Motor Company and later as a partner with the law firm Feikens, Stevens, Hurley & P.C., before going into private practice.
[4] McPhail was general counsel for a coalition dedicated to recapturing the right to vote for the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
[8] McPhail was named one of Ebony Magazine's 100 Most Influential Black Americans and has received the March of Dimes Humanitarian of the Year award, and the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.