Robert Phillips - Partner

Expert profile

Robert is head of the commercial services team. He has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial law and works with a wide cross section of both public and private sector companies, including stock exchange work, company corporate finance and venture capital work.

Robert's specialisms:

• Mergers
• Acquisitions (public and private sector)  
• Stock exchange work
• Business advice
• Overseas work
   

In the hot seat...

How do you see the commercial team developing over the next few years?
As a team we will be continuing to develop our associates and the rest of the team to enable the partners to focus on developing our relationship with the bigger SME businesses in the region.

How would you describe your team?
Talented, hard working, young and all bought into what we are trying to do.

Why did you become a lawyer?
The search for knowledge. It was an academic challenge.

What has been the most challenging legal deal you've been involved in?
A deal I did last year. The acquisition by Tarkett of the Marley floors business. International clients on the buy and sell side and a top international law firm on the other side of the deal.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing our people develop and learn and clients seeking your advice on non legal issues.

Who or what makes you laugh?
People in the office, I laugh a lot with and at people!

What's the last CD you bought?
'Something for the weekend' - Mr & Mrs Smith.

Is there anything you'd change about yourself?
I'd be lighter, I'd be more even paced - I've been accused of binge working! I can be a bit similar at home as well, I would be a bit more balanced.

What are your personal ambitions?
To be part of a highly successful business, to be a good parent and to learn to kite surf!

What do you most enjoy about living in the North East?
Access to the coast, access to facilities and no traffic. People think the traffic is bad here but compared to other places in the country it's not - we're lucky!

What would be your dream day?
A dream day would be walking out of my beach hut, sitting on the beach, doing a bit of fishing. I'd watch the sunrise and the sunset and there would be no phone calls. I actually went to a desert island in the Philippines in between jobs once and that's all I did - it was great!

Direct line: 0191 211 7906
Email Robert