Robert N. Phillips

Senior Counsel

Nationally recognized litigator and mediator who combines decades of courtroom credibility with a calm, effective approach to dispute resolution

"Robert Phillips is trusted with high-stakes disputes and mission-critical business issues and brings sharp insight, sound judgment, and a track record of delivering results."

WTR1000 Gold Band

Robert N. Phillips (“Rob”) is a veteran litigator and trusted mediator with decades of experience resolving complex business and intellectual property disputes. Named a Global Leader and awarded the coveted Gold Band by WTR 1000, Rob has been described as a “master strategist” and “insanely dedicated to his clients.” He is known as an “honest,” “hardworking,” and “detail-oriented” advocate who is “tough when he needs to be while remaining highly likable.”

Recognitions

  • Selected through peer review for inclusion on the Northern California Super Lawyers list for IP Litigation, 2014-2020

  • The Legal 500, 2008

  • World Trademark Review, Global Leader, 2025

Credentials

Education

  • University of San Francisco School of Law, 1985, J.D., magna cum laude
  • University of California, Berkeley, 1982, B.A., with high honors

Professional admissions & qualifications

  • California

Court admissions

  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Southern District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court - Northern District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court - District of Nebraska
  • U.S. District Court - District of Nevada
  • U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court - Middle District of Tennessee
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Second Circuit

Professional affiliations

  • California State Bar Association, Member
  • Marin County Bar Association, Member
  • San Franisco County Superior Court, Mandatory Settlement Conference Program Neutral
  • Marin County Superior Court, Mandatory Settlement Conference Neutral

  • Alameda County Superior Court, Mediation Program Neutral

  • Alameda County Superior Court, Day of Court Mediation Neutral

  • California Court of Appeal, Sixth Judicial District, Mediation Neutral

  • International Trademark Association, Member
  • International Trademark Association, Directory of Trademark Mediators
  • World Intellectual Property Organization, Mediator

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