Professional Experience
A leader in the music industry for over 35 years, Mr. Phillips has earned a reputation for intelligence, creativity and integrity in representing major musicians, recording artists, composers, record companies and publishing companies. Mr. Phillips focuses primarily on contract negotiations within the music industry and acts as the general legal advisor to a multitude of artists and companies in this field.
His clients include a variety of internationally renowned performers including Barbra Streisand, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, The Eagles, Glenn Frey, Kenny Loggins, Randy Jackson, Steve Perry, Tracy Chapman and Yanni. Mr. Phillips' broad base of knowledge enables him to provide his clients with strategic and tactical guidance, as well as the gamut of legal advice ranging from litigation, licensing and corporate issues to copyright, privacy, tax issues and the sale of publishing catalogs, among other matters.
Mr. Phillips began his career as a tax trial attorney with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He started in private practice in California in 1963 and steadily developed his entertainment clientele. In 1977, he joined the firm that was eventually named Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
Memberships & Activities
Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and California.
Member, Board of Directors, Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies (AARC).
Member, Board of Directors, Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).
Member, Board of Directors, Rock the Vote.
Former President and Chairman, City of Hope Music Division.
Lecturer on the subject of legal practice in the music industry for The Practicing Law Institute in New York and California, various bar associations, and Harvard and UCLA law schools.
Honors & Awards
Named by Hollywood Reporter, ESQ. to the Power Lawyers Top 100 - Outside Counsel, 2007, 2008.
Spirit of Life Award, City of Hope Music Division.
The Helen King Award for Philanthropy, National Academy of Songwriters, in appreciation of his contribution of pro bono legal services to the Academy since 1995.
Listed in "Who's Who in Law," Los Angeles Business Journal, 2007.
Named as one of the Top-Ranked Attorneys, Chambers USA, 2006-2007 and 2010-2011.
Named as one of the "Lawdragon 3000 Leading Lawyers in America," 2006.
Named as one of the "Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America," 2005.
Included in The Best Lawyers in America for more than twenty years.