One of the things that makes the Origin Legal team such a valuable resource is the depth of expertise we offer across different legal markets. Whether you’re exploring a move within your current specialism or considering a new area of law, we’re always on hand to provide advice, market insight and career guidance.

To showcase that expertise, we’re launching a new series introducing the people behind Origin Legal.

First up is Stuart Phillips, our Planning and Environmental law specialist.

Stuart joined the recruitment industry after graduating with a Law degree from Southampton University in 1995. Over the years, he has built an outstanding reputation within the Planning and Environmental legal market, developing strong relationships with many of the sector’s leading lawyers and firms.

Thanks to his extensive network and specialist knowledge, Stuart is often aware of opportunities before they reach the wider market, giving candidates access to valuable insights and early visibility of potential career moves.

Below he has answered a few questions to help get to know him.

What do you like to do with your free time?

I am Parkrun regular with my local ones being Clacton Seafront, Colchester or Harwich. I started in 2017 as something to do with my son and it has become an obsession. I am not especially quick, but I have done 313 and counting. This has also led to me doing other 10k events and half-marathons. I haven’t entered a full marathon yet, but I always put in for the London ballot. Just in case. Now my children are getting older I am also finding time for some bad golf. As is the case with my running I must like it as I am not very good at it but continue to return for more.

Do you follow any particular sports teams?
I follow Ipswich town and look forward to their forthcoming relegation from The Premier League, but it will be a fun ride. I also follow the NFL since it used to be shown on Channel 4 in the 1980’s. I support the New York Giants and remember the glory years of Bill Parcells and Lawrence Taylor. There is a lot less success now.

Can you recommend any good restaurants, either locally or for business meetings?

I love food and eating. A client recommended Los Mochis in Liverpool Street which is excellent for a client lunch, and I use it regularly for a celebration. In Colchester, the North Hill Noodle Bar is an excellent family-owned restaurant cooking fresh Asian food. I love eating food in restaurants that I would struggle to cook myself.

What type of music do you enjoy?

My musical tastes are firmly in the “Dad rock” genre and haven’t really evolved since the 1970’s and 1990’s brit pop. My current favourite is an American band called “The War on Drugs”. I managed to see them at the Royal Albert Hall a couple of years ago and they blew me away.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

From a work perspective it is “break it soonest.” My first boss in recruitment used to say this all the time and it still rings true today. If a deal is unlikely to happen don’t cling on to the bitter end. This applies to all parties.

If you’re a Planning or Environmental lawyer considering your next step, Stuart is always happy to have a confidential conversation.