As the head of the firm’s Wills and Estate Practice, Phil is a multi-skilled lawyer with experience across several fields. Phil currently assists clients in the areas of Wills and Estate and Family Law. Practical and straight-talking, Phil’s down to earth manner means you will receive clear and concise advice.

With 35 years experience as a lawyer, Phil initially practised as a commercial lawyer in Sydney for 16 years before retraining as a family lawyer. Whether it be in the planning, dispute resolution or litigation stage, Phil applies this expertise when assisting clients in complex family law property disputes or estate matters. With his knowledge in commercial fields including banking, finance, insolvency and commercial litigation, Phil can deliver multilateral strategies and creative solutions to help you achieve the best possible outcome in complex family law property and estate disputes.

Phil’s strategic planning expertise is applied to structure your estate effectively and minimise future claims against your property and assets from spouses or relatives. Phil’s drafting skills are second to none and you will see this in his written work, particularly in his special interest area - preparing Binding Financial Agreements for family law clients.

While Phil is an accomplished litigator and can represent you in family law and estate litigation, he is also a nationally accredited mediator and is the Deputy Chair of the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM). Understanding the benefits of the early resolution of disputes, Phil adopts a settlement focussed approach to your matter. His passion for alternate dispute resolution processes can assist you in avoiding the stress and expense of litigation.

Awards

Preeminent Wills and Estates Litigation Lawyer - Canberra, 2023 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer - Canberra 2023 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Preeminent Wills and Estates Litigation Lawyer - Canberra, 2022 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer - Canberra 2022 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Preeminent Wills and Estates Litigation Lawyer - Canberra, 2021 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer, ACT 2021 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Preeminent Wills and Estates Litigation Lawyer - Canberra, 2020 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer, ACT 2020 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer, ACT 2019 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Recommended Family & Divorce Lawyer, ACT 2017-2019 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer, ACT 2018 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Preeminent Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer, Australia 2018 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Family Law Mediator, ACT 2016-2018 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Recommended Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers, Australia 2017 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers, ACT 2017 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Preeminent Wills and Estates Litigation Lawyer, ACT 2016 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Family Lawyer, ACT 2016 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Recommended Family Lawyer, ACT 2015 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Leading Family Lawyer, ACT 2014 (Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession)

Qualifications

Accredited Family Law Specialist (Law Society NSW)

Accredited Mediator (Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators)

Masters of Law, Dispute Resolution (University of Technology, Sydney)

Diploma of Law (Solicitors Admission Board)

Bachelor of Arts, South East Asian Studies (University of New South Wales)