Commercial Litigation

Philip Wills

Philip Wills, Solicitor joined the firm in 2010 After completing the CPE, LPC and a Master of Laws degree with distinction (chancel repair liability) at Northumbria University, Philip qualified in March 2010 at Smith Roddam in Bishop Auckland where he practised as a lawyer specialising in ecclesiastical law.

He was responsible for advising the Bishops and clergy of the Diocese of Durham on matters relating to church property, trusts, burial and marriage law and clergy discipline. He continues to conduct training courses for clergy on legal matters and remains a Surrogate for granting marriage licences. He is a member of the Ecclesiastical Law Society.

As a member of the Dispute Resolution team Philip specialises in civil litigation with a particular emphasis on housing law, property disputes, repossessions, debt and breach of contract and planning disputes. He also deals with Town and Village Green Inquiries and has also acted as a consultant to parishes wishing to register chancel repair liability at the Land Registry.

As Clerk to the Durham City Freemen (the trades guilds established within the city), Philip is
responsible for managing the legal affairs of the Trustees.

Philip is married with two children and enjoys rugby, cricket and mountaineering.