Helping clients navigate the legal complexities as the Gambling Commission ramps up the odds. Providing the advice that keeps some of the biggest players in the field working within the law and turning a profit.
Taking clients’ applications from their local authority to the Court of Appeal, advising on and determining novel licensing issues in the UK and abroad. Described by a national trade publication as one the 50 most influential individuals working within the leisure sector.
Advising and representing clients both large and small in the taxi and minicab sector - and helping major new corporates enter the arena.
Leveraging his significant commercial expertise when representing professionals before their regulatory bodies.
Representing all parties in inquests and prosecutions; supporting companies in complex due diligence and criminal confiscation issues; and managing nuisance abatement appeals and prosecutions.
Co-author of The Law of Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions: A Practical Guide (2011).
Contributing to the work of the Law Commission and Bar Council as well as various departments of Government, and the Cabinet Office.
Participating in inquiries from footpaths and planning to major national infrastructure projects.
Developing an effective multi-party multi-issue model to mediate between breweries and pub tenants. Acting both as a mediator and mediation advocate in a range of cases to resolve major environmental litigation, and supporting clients with property disputes.
Since volunteering in the Battersea Law Centre in the late '70s and a few years later setting up his first law firm, Jeremy has always believed in the importance of giving back to society. Each year he takes on a limited number of cases and projects without fee.
Jeremy was called to the Bar in 2004 after a successful career as a partner in international law firms. He took silk in 2018.
As a Defence Barrister, Jeremy Phillips KC focuses primarily on gambling, taxi, alcohol and entertainment licensing, acting for international operators in the UK and abroad. He has been a leader in the field for over three decades: he is an International Master of Gaming Law, Editor-in-Chief of Paterson's Licensing Acts and a General Editor of Smith and Monkcom – the Law of Gambling. More recently, he's brought his rigour and expertise to sports and disciplinary law. He sits on the Lawn Tennis Association's Disciplinary Panel and the Teaching Regulation Agency Professional Conduct Panel.Jeremy's interests extend beyond his legal jurisdiction. He is a trustee of the Licensed Trade Charity and a member of the LawWorks review panel. He's a husband and the proudest of fathers. And he loves his dogs and motorbikes…
"Responsive, unflappable and thoroughly prepared, his experience and commerciality make him a real asset."
"His intimate knowledge of the minutiae of licensing law is remarkable."
"His courteous but knowledgeable manner instils confidence in clients, and he exudes gravitas before tribunals."
"He's a great man to have on your side when the questions are awkward."
"He is terrifyingly good …"
"Jeremy did a fantastic job saving a Premises Licence for a North London retailer on a second review called by the police. The result Jeremy achieved was all the more impressive as the decision he managed to get from the committee was directly contrary to the S.182 Guidance."
"I came to Jeremy after a four-year battle against a group of formidable opponents who were supported by a powerful union. I had spent hundreds of hours of my time and thousands of pounds on expert solicitors to obtain a partial ban on noise arising from surrounding commercial properties. In the end I was told it couldn't be done at all. Within 8 weeks, Jeremy procured the circumstances that convinced all opponents that resistance was futile and to agree, in writing, to a total ban on the noise within a mile radius of the property. They all did."
"His advice is always delivered exceptionally quickly, is accessible and pragmatically commercial. We’re a young start-up which moves incredibly quickly and Jeremy isn’t on the face of it someone who would obviously mesh with our staff but perhaps there’s a “so wrong it’s right” phenomenon as he really understands us and has won the trust not just of legal and regulatory colleagues, but of senior commercial staff too."
