Philip practised as a lawyer for more than 40 years, latterly as chair of Burness Paull. He also previously chaired the Senior Lawyers Committee of the International Bar Association and the board of governors of the Glasgow School of Art and was a governor of Hutchesons’ Educational Trust.

He currently sits on the board of Dunedin Consort, chairs the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre as well as being a Senior Adviser to Saxton Bampfylde Ltd. In addition, he is a Deputy Lieutenant for Renfrewshire and a member of the GlobalScot community. Philip has written for various publications including The Times, The Herald, The Press & Journal and The Lawyer.

Philip’s interests are travel, loud music and fast cars.