Phillips brings over 25 years’ experience from senior in-house counsel roles across the media and sports industries as well as from private practice.
Phillips was most recently general counsel and company secretary of Leicester City Football Club. Prior to that, he was at BT, where he led the legal and broadcast compliance teams responsible for the BT Sport portfolio of sports channels and the BT TV platform.
Before moving in-house, Phillips was a partner at Olswang, where he advised a wide range of clients on broadcasting and content distribution, media technology, and digital innovation.
His extensive experience across media and elite sport, including in relation to sports regulation, media rights, sponsorship, intellectual property exploitation, and a range of other commercial, financial and operational transactions, brings valuable industry insight and commercial acumen to Reed Smith’s global Entertainment & Media practice.
Elle Todd, co-chair of Reed Smith’s Entertainment & Media Industry Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the team to help lead our sports practice. His unique blend of top-tier private practice and senior in-house experience adds real depth to our offering. With Matt on board, we are exceptionally well positioned to help our clients capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by growth and investment in the UK, European, and increasingly Middle East, sports sectors in particular.”
Brigid North, Reed Smith’s London office managing partner, commented: “Matt’s arrival reflects our continued investment in growing our London office and strengthening our position as a hub for leading talent across our key industries. His appointment further enhances our capabilities in the fast-evolving media and sports sectors and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients both in the UK and globally.”
Phillips added: “I’m so excited to join Reed Smith’s market-leading Entertainment & Media team. The firm’s global platform and collaborative culture provide the perfect environment to support clients across sport and media, and I look forward to helping them navigate the opportunities ahead.”
Reed Smith’s Entertainment & Media Industry Group is made up of 65 lawyers, including 26 partners.
Phillips’ appointment adds to the firm’s ongoing growth trajectory, having welcomed over 200 new lawyers globally this year.