Partner, Covington & Burling LLP
New York
Will Phillips is adept at creating a winning strategy. He has tried cases before judges and juries across the country, and has rarely lost a trial. He uses creative strategies, coupled with a deep involvement in the details of his matters and a highly competitive spirit, to attain a remarkable record of success for clients. These achievements have earned Will recognition as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Will staffs cases leanly, recognizing that clients want his full and personal engagement. His positioning, grasp of his clients’ key concerns at every stage and his tough negotiating posture often create a favorable settlement environment for his commercial cases (which include media, M&A, securities fraud, corporate control, derivative, and contract cases). He has achieved notable trial victories for Commerzbank, Bank of New York, New Media Holdings, the Tennis Channel, and Russian media oligarch Vladimir Gusinski. He also has achieved highly favorable pre-trial outcomes for securities and financial claims brought against SandRidge Energy, Johnson & Johnson, Sterling/PNC, JPMorgan Chase, and Freddie Mac. Will’s clients refer to him as a “real courtroom counsel,” noting his commanding presence at trial and skill in cross examinations. He is co-chair of the firm’s Securities and Financial Litigation practice. Will received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1982 and B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1978.
