Thomson Reuters names eight Keystone Law partners in its Stand-out Lawyers Guide 2026
Andrea James, Andrew Darwin & Anna McKibbin
“Tom Phillips is a fantastic committed passionate construction professional and he absolutely takes the time to understand the client’s business and what he can do to help and address any issues.”
- The Legal 500 2022
Tom is an experienced lawyer who specialises in the non-contentious aspects of construction, development and finance law. His work includes drafting, negotiating and reviewing construction contracts, agreements from performance bonds to collateral warranties, professional appointments, and development finance documents. He routinely advises on bespoke as well as standard JCT, NEC and PPC contracts and has a track record in development projects ranging from small multi-unit developments up to multimillion-pound mixed-used projects. Tom has acted for developers, funders, landowners, professionals, registered housing providers, and blue-chip contractors. Clients have previously included ISG, Barnwood Construction, C&G, London & Cambridge Properties, Lincoln College Oxford, Baxalta UK Limited, The Oxford Science Park, Magdalen College Oxford, Lloyds Bank, L&Q, and City West Housing Trust.
Tom advises on large-scale UK housing developments, including sheltered and extra care projects. He drafts and negotiates construction and maintenance contracts, representing housing trusts, funds, and public sector clients.
Experience
Tom advises on construction for UK retail, hospitality, and leisure projects, including industrial parks, hotels, leisure clubs, and nightclubs, handling contract drafting, negotiation, and risk management for developers and contractors.
Experience
Tom provides construction contract risk reviews and advises on project documentation for major redevelopment and refurbishment projects across sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, energy, and mixed-use developments.
Experience
Tom advises on large-scale education construction projects and infrastructure, including major UK universities and schools. He drafts and negotiates building contracts, professional appointments, and manages complex campus network and PFI developments.
Experience
Tom advises on construction and fit-out contracts for hotels, nightclubs, fitness centers, and leisure developments across the UK, ensuring risk management and investor-friendly terms for developers and contractors.
Experience
Tom advises on construction contracts for NHS hospitals, extra care developments, and healthcare facilities across the UK, managing projects valued up to ÂŁ200 million with expertise in PFI and PPP schemes.
Experience
Tom advises on property development projects, drafting and negotiating construction and promotion agreements, funding arrangements, and bespoke maintenance contracts for housing trusts and large-scale residential and regeneration developments across the UK.
Experience
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognised by The Legal 500 for South West: Construction 2020 -2026
“Jon Close and Tom Phillips are fantastic committed passionate construction professionals and they absolutely take the time to understand the client”s business and what they can do to help and address any issues.”
The Legal 500 2022
Tom qualified as a solicitor in 2002. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2018, he worked at the following firms: