Phil is a trial lawyer who litigates complex civil and criminal cases on behalf of companies, investment funds, and individuals. He has tried more than a dozen cases in jurisdictions across the country and has first chair trial experience in civil and criminal matters.
On the civil side, Phil’s practice focuses on securities and financial litigation, employment disputes, and general commercial litigation. He is among a small number of lawyers who have tried multiple Rule 10b-5 securities class actions. Some notable victories include a complete defense verdict after a jury trial for Elon Musk and Tesla in the multibillion-dollar “funding secured” securities trial in California federal court, a victory in the Delaware Court of Chancery after a bench trial on behalf of a biotech startup against a big-pharma company, and a victory on behalf of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter after a jury trial in a $70 million contract dispute in New York state court. Phil has deep experience litigating on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants in disputes relating to structured financial products, private equity, and breaches of duty by investment managers.
Phil also regularly obtains favorable settlements and other resolutions for clients outside the courtroom. He is often called upon to help high-profile clients with their most significant issues, and he is adept at navigating media and public-relations considerations while positioning his clients to prevail in the courtroom if necessary.
On the criminal side, Phil represents defendants in high-profile cases in federal and state court, as well as individuals and companies facing criminal investigations by the Department of Justice. He also does substantial pro bono work representing individuals charged with federal crimes in the Southern District of New York. His criminal cases range from public corruption and fraud, to racketeering, to federal robbery and murder charges. Phil’s dedication to criminal defense stems from his time working as a defense investigator in New Orleans, Louisiana prior to law school. During that time, he investigated hundreds of felony cases and prepared for and testified in numerous hearings and trials.
- Fordham University School of Law
(J.D., cum laude)- Fordham Law Review
- Moot Court Board
- Trial Advocacy Team
- Federal Litigation Clinic
- Tulane University
(B.A., International Relations)
- The State Bar of New York
- United States District Courts:
- Southern District of New York