DWF

Philip is a Principal Lawyer in DWF's Corporate and Commercial team, and is the Executive Head of DWF's Melbourne office.

Principal Lawyer / Executive Head (Melbourne)

Philip has been a law firm partner, principal or director for over 30 years; whilst he has been a Managing Partner, CEO & Managing Principal or Managing Director for over 25 years. 

He was a shortlisted finalist and runner up in the inaugural Law Institute of Victoria President's Award for Managing Partner of the Year during 2009 and has been a member of the Law Institute of Victoria's Managing Partners Group for over 15 years.

His prior commercial experience also includes owning and operating a specialist legal management consulting firm for four (4) years where he undertook various  strategic assignments for more than 60 law firms across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane,  Adelaide and Perth.

His legal practice experience covers a broad spectrum including business advisory and strategy, corporate advisory & governance, mergers and acquisitions, structuring and restructuring, insurance and risk management, commercial litigation, commercial leasing and employment law. 

He leads our Commercial and Corporate Advisory team in Melbourne. He has specific corporate and commercial experience including, but not limited to:

Advice on business planning, succession and exits; Acting for purchasers and vendors on business mergers, acquisitions and sales; Preparing Memorandums of Understanding and Terms Sheets; Undertaking company secretarial and compliance work; Advice on structuring and restructuring; Advice on financing and refinancing; Drafting, reviewing and negotiating Partnership Agreements, Shareholder Agreements and Constitutions; Drafting, reviewing and negotiating Terms & Conditions Drafting reviewing and negotiating various agreements including consultancy, distribution, franchising, licensing and supply. Drafting, reviewing and negotiating Employment Contracts; Preparing Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manuals; and Drafting, negotiating and reviewing Commercial Leases and sub-leases. 

English

Law Institute of Victoria Member of Law Institute of Victoria Sections – Litigation Lawyers and Employment Law Member of Law Institute of Victoria Managing Partners Group (2002 to 2011) and (2016 to present) Former member of Law Institute of Victoria Ethics Liaison Group (2002 to 2007)

Monash University (Bachelor of Jurisprudence & Bachelor of Laws)

On the weekends, Philip loves spending time relaxing with his family and friends, getting outdoors as he is an avid gardener, and going to weekly AFL games for his beloved Collingwood Pies.