Phil Thirlway

Phil joined the Commercial Department at Russells as a Senior Associate in 2025.

Prior to Russells, Phil’s career as a music lawyer encompassed 2.5 years at EMI Records / Virgin Records and over 18 years at Kobalt Music Publishing, which included a 3-year placement in New York helping the General Counsel build the US team. At Kobalt, he was one of the architects of the company’s policies & legal documents and rose through the ranks to lead the company’s ex-NA business affairs operation and look after many of the company’s biggest clients and most complex transactions.

Whilst proud of being a publishing specialist, Phil is enjoying branching out again and advising clients on a range of music-related matters.

“Some people say it’s just rock and roll. Oh, but it gets you right down to your soul.”

– Nick Cave