Jeremy, a premier private vehicle hire lawyer, advises and represents large clients large and small, both established clients and start-ups, in the online taxi and minicab sector. He works with both established clients and start-ups, providing accessible and pragmatic advice on complex and business-critical problems, including re-licensing, sub-contracting, insurance, regulatory compliance, civil litigation and professional negligence.

In relation to taxis and PHVs, Jeremy was appointed to sit on the Law Commission  panel into 'fit and proper persons' leading to its important report: Taxi and Private Hire Services presented to Parliament in May 2014. Having directed its London team in securing an operator licence from TfL he currently represents the leading global PHV operator, Bolt. The company is one of Europe's leading ride-sharing platforms and valued at $1billion, used by 30 million passengers a year and active in some 35 countries. Also advised another global transport provider on the securing of a PHV Operating Licence (London) for the purpose of its new executive range private hire services.

At the other end of the scale, Jeremy was proud to represent an individual driver in the Midlands in his lengthy and ultimately successful battle against entire licensing committee of his local authority which had consistently refused his licence application and resisted appeal challenges, ultimately achieving victory in the Crown Court and securing the much-needed licence for his client and substantial costs.

Legal Guides

"the 'vastly experienced' Jeremy Phillips, who is 'utterly reliable, and very good value for money'"

The Legal 500

"He is terrifyingly good – if you're against him he looks at you and you think 'arrrgggh'"

Chambers and Partners

Case Studies & Testimonials Securing London Operator's licence for a major international PHV corporate

Bolt is a leading global transportation company, trading in Europe, Asia and Africa as Taxify. The company approached Jeremy following major difficulties with TfL. Over a period of months, he reviewed all policies and procedures, suggesting modifications to ensure full compliance with the strict requirements of the regulator. Since Jeremy helped them secure their PHV London Operator's licence, Bolt have become one of the leading app-based private hire vehicle operators in the London.  He has been retained by the company to advise on all operational and contractual transportation issues.

" There's not much we don't know.  It's only the thorniest and most business-critical problems which we bring to Jeremy. His advice is always delivered exceptionally quickly, is accessible and pragmatically commercial.  Bolt is a young start-up which moves incredibly quickly and Jeremy isn't on the face of it someone who would obviously mesh with Bolt staff but perhaps there's a "so wrong it's right" phenomenon as he really understands Bolt and has won the trust not just of legal and regulatory colleagues, but of senior commercial staff too…. London is a significant proportion of the revenue of a multi-billion Euro business and Jeremy was instrumental in Bolt being able to enter the market."

Corporate Director of Regulation & Public Policy, Bolt

Crown Court quashes LA refusal: OWBC required to issue new licence to taxi driver and pay £6,000+ legal costs

A successful Leicester City taxi driver applied for a licence from his local authority, Oadby & Wigston BC. Owing to a minor conviction, (conditional discharge), his application was refused. A subsequent appeal and a second application were similarly refused. Instructing Jeremy Phillips KC and Michael Fry by way of Public Access his renewed appeal to the magistrates' court was similarly refused. On appeal to the Crown Court (pursued pro bono) the court accepted that there had been substantial unfairness in his treatment by the local authority. A new PHV O/L was granted and substantial costs awarded against OWBC.