Phil completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Criminology) from Deakin University. Prior to joining Hutchinson Legal, he worked in administrative roles and legal intern roles in both Criminal and Civil Law firms.
Phil joined Hutchinson Legal in 2021 and has a keen interest in all forms of Court Litigation, practicing primarily in Criminal Law, Intervention Orders and Civil Litigation. He has experience working on a broad variety of Civil disputes at all levels of the Victorian jurisdiction and in the Federal Court, including Breach of Contract, Building and Construction, Residential and Retail Tenancy, Defamation, Australian Consumer Law and Professional Negligence claims.
Phil practices regularly in Criminal Law and accepts matters in all levels of the Victorian jurisdiction as well as Commonwealth offences. He also has experience representing accused persons in regulatory prosecutions, including Local Council and Australian Taxation Office prosecutions.
Phil is a Solicitor-Advocate and regularly appears in the Magistrates’ Court in Criminal and Intervention Order hearings. He primarily appears at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court but has appeared at almost all metropolitan venues of the Magistrates’ Court, and some regional venues.
In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing drums, attending live music, going to the movies and spending time with family, friends and his two cats.
Staff Spotlight – Autumn 2024
Embracing a childhood inclination for arguing, my journey to becoming a lawyer was spurred by my father's insight into channelling my passion into a career. While initially drawn to acting, the realisation of the instability in the field led me to law.
Within the legal realm, my passion lies in various facets of court litigation, including criminal law and civil claims. The problem-solving aspects offer immense satisfaction as I apply my skills to secure favourable outcomes for clients, be it in criminal sentences or monetary settlements.
I prioritise client support by maintaining open communication throughout legal processes, ensuring clients are well-informed at every stage. Simplifying complex legal jargon is crucial – as lawyers, we can sometimes forget that we are speaking “legalese”.
For those navigating legal representation for the first time, my advice is straightforward – if you have a legal problem, enlist a lawyer. It's our duty to shoulder your concerns and guide you through the complexities. Even a preliminary discussion with a lawyer can alleviate worries and set you on the right path.
Beyond work, my passion extends to playing drums in a band, where coincidentally another litigation lawyer is a bandmate. Additionally, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and indulging in culinary arts.
