Licensing
FFL and SOT applications, import and export registrations, and the added licenses a business needs as it grows into new markets.
Attorney at Law
Philip D. Milks
Counsel to the firearms industry for all Gun Control Act, National Firearms Act, and State regulatory matters nationwide.
Phil advises manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers, and ranges on all regulatory matters governing FFLs and FELs; from receipt of raw material through manufacture, distribution, and sales to consumers.
Schedule a consultation Direct line(651) 265-3738
Heard on and featured in Firearms Industry
Conference
Conference
FFL Law
Lead Attorney
Orchid Advisors
Senior Vice President of Regulatory Services since 2016
Remington Outdoor Company
Led compliance for Remington's 20+ firearms and ammunition factories and distribution facility
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Previously worked at the industry's trade association
Practice
Federal and State Firearms Law
Every regulated action with firearms and explosives carries the potential to run afoul of Federal or State law; some actions governed by multiple laws of which FFLs may be unaware. Phil helps FFLs and FELs nationwide understand those laws, manage risk, and implement business processes to avoid violation and achieve the organization's desired outcome.
ATF Inspections
Preparation before ATF arrives, support during the inspection, and responses to findings, through warning conferences and revocation proceedings when needed. Mock ATF inspection services available - remote and in-person.
Variances
Variance requests to obtain products or increase efficiency. Marking, license, armor piercing ammunition, and machine gun transfers are among many variances we can help your business obtain.
National Firearms Act and Product Classification
NFA transfers, paperwork retention, product classification, and planning strategy in navigating current ATF and State NFA enforcement practices.
Import and Export
Import permits (Forms 6 and 6A), export licensing, and Arms Export Control Act support for importers, manufacturers, and distributors purchasing and selling internationally.
Transactions and Due Diligence
Acquisition and/or sale support, complex transactions, acquisition target risk assessment, and corporate transition support during mergers and acquisitions.
Background
From the largest manufacturers to the smallest start-up.
Phil has spent his entire career in the firearms industry. Starting with an internship at the NSSF during law school, following law school he went to Remington Outdoor Company where he ultimately managed the regulatory compliance function for its dozens of facilities and FFLs, including matters governed by the ATF, import, export, and nationwide regulatory compliance.
Since 2016 he has served Orchid Advisors clients as a regulatory consultant and leads Orchid's regulatory services as Senior Vice President. At FFL Law he provides traditional legal services and regulatory support to his clients.
His expertise covers the full life of operation as an FFL or FEL: organization, licensing, product development, manufacture, distribution, consumer sales, commercial transactions, regulated technology, due diligence in M&A, closure of an FFL or FEL and more.
Media and speaking
When ATF rules change, the industry asks Phil
October 2026 Gun Talk RadioRadio interview What's legal now under the ATF's new silencer and short-barreled rifle guidance August 2026 The Outdoor WireFeature article The National Firearms Act after the Silencer Shop ruling January 2026 NASGWIndustry roundtable Future of Firearms 2026, with leaders from Ruger, Lipsey's, and NASGW 2017 to 2023 Firearms Industry ConferenceSpeaker Sessions on the NFA, ATF inspections, and retail compliance, alongside ATF leadership
Discuss your matter with Phil
Licensing, an upcoming inspection, a new product, or a sale of the business. Start with a consultation.
Direct line(651) 265-3738
Emailpmilks@ffllaw.com