Robert N. Phillips

Senior Counsel

Nationally recognized litigator and mediator who combines decades of courtroom experience 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 Phillips is an expert in his field and is incredibly responsive. He guides us through tricky IP questions."

Chambers USA, Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets

"Robert Phillips advocates for leading companies who rely on him to handle high-stakes disputes and their most pressing business issues."

WTR 1000, Intellectual Property

"An outstanding lawyer, he has a clear understanding of the law, has a keen intellect, understands business needs, is strategic and is a strong advocate for his clients’ interests."

WTR 1000, Intellectual Property

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

  • Ranked in Chambers USA for California Intellectual Property, 2026

  • World Trademark Review, Global Leader, 2025-2026

  • World Trademark Review 1000, Gold Band, 2018-2026

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 Francisco County Superior Court, Mandatory Settlement Conference Officer

  • 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

News

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