Phil Wilson

Partner
Location: Oueenstown Department: Private Client, Property DDI: +64 3 450 0422 Fax: +64 3 442 5136 Mobile: +64 274 328 382 VCard: Download
phil.wilson@awslegal.com

Phil Wilson is a rarity in the legal profession, building a successful law practice on the back of a lengthy retail career.

Phil commenced work in the retail sector in Dunedin in 1975, while part way through his law degree. He continued studying law part-time at Otago University, managing a growing hardware business at the same time.

“I really enjoyed retailing and the challenges associated with it – one of those challenges was the many legal issues which arose, giving me the opportunity to put my legal training into practice,” he says.

Moving to Queenstown in 1981, the father-of-five finished his law degree two years later. Running successful hardware, timber and electronics businesses, he called on his legal grounding daily.

In 1994, Phil was invited to dust off his degree and practise law full-time. Eight years later, he joined AWS Legal as a Partner and opened the doors of its now burgeoning Queenstown office.

“I had always intended to practise law and the opportunity presented itself just at the right time,” he says.

“I like to think that my experience in Queenstown, both in business and law over 23 years, has given me the ability to be able to advise people from the 'been there, done that' point of view.”

Specialising in commercial and residential property transactions and trusts, Phil’s work ethos ensures his clients make informed decisions, with all the legal facts at their disposal.

“I enjoy helping people and believe it’s vital they know exactly what they’re getting involved with,” he says.

A former Queenstown Lakes District Councillor, Phil continues his strong community involvement as a Lions’ member and has previously served as Chairman of the St Joseph’s School Board of Trustees and President of the Queenstown Bridge Club.

In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, with boating, fishing, rugby, skiing and thoroughbred racing among his interests.