Call: 2025
Philip sat with Laurence Page, Robert Scrivener, Quentin Tannock and Daniel Churcher during his pupillage. Philip appears on his own in Court twice per week on average, including obtaining an injunction restraining the presentation of a winding up petition.
Philip’s work during pupillage included assisting his supervisors in commercial, construction and shipping disputes proceeding in the UK, the Dubai International Finance Centre (“DIFC”), the Qatar Financial Centre (“QFC”) and Gibraltar. Philip also conducted research on a range of issues, such as: for pleadings and advice in shipping disputes; enforcing foreign judgments in the DIFC; contribution claims following the Supreme Court’s decision in URS Corp Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [2025] UKSC 21; and insolvency proceedings and unfair prejudice petitions. In his Court appearances, Philip has made and opposed interim applications, cross-examined witnesses and made submissions in closing and on consequentials.
Philip completed his undergraduate studies in South Africa and qualified there as an attorney and notary public. He worked at a large South African commercial law firm, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc., primarily on construction and engineering disputes. Philip completed his postgraduate studies, including his DPhil, at the University of Oxford – where he also worked as Research Assistant. Prior to starting pupillage, Philip worked part-time at a financial start-up and then full time as a Judicial Assistant to the Rt Hon Lord Justice Coulson.
Philip’s experience includes:
Philip has experience of commercial disputes in England and Wales, the DIFC and Gibraltar.
Assisted (as a pupil) with the preparation of a skeleton argument and submissions in High Court proceedings concerning the interpretation of a contract.
Drafted (as a pupil) a reply and a request for further information for High Court proceedings concerning the repayment of a debt.
Conducted research (as a pupil) on Gibraltar insolvency law, and on insolvency proceedings and unfair prejudice petitions, to assist with insolvency proceedings in Gibraltar.
Conducted research (as a pupil) on the enforcement of foreign judgments in the DIFC, to assist with determining next steps.
Conducted research (as a pupil) on disclosure obligations to assist with preparing a skeleton argument for DIFC proceedings.
Philip has experience of construction disputes in England and Wales, the DIFC and QFC.
Appeared on my own (as a pupil) and obtained an injunction restraining the presentation of a winding up petition in a dispute between a contractor and a sub-contractor. Drafted (as a pupil) a defence and counterclaim in response to a subsequent money claim brought by the sub-contractor.
Assisted (as a pupil) with the preparation of a skeleton argument for an appeal in the QFC.
Made costs submissions (as a pupil) following a summary judgment hearing in a dispute with a contractor.
Philip has experience of shipping disputes.
Conducted research (as a pupil) to assist with preparing closing submissions for an arbitrated dispute regarding the sale of a vessel.
Philip has experience of technology and consumer law disputes.
Drafted (as a pupil) witness statements for strike out / summary judgment applications and defences to consumer law claims brought for defects in or the failure of various devices.
Congratulations to Elena Casale, Luke Broadway and Philip Williams, who have accepted offers of tenancy…
