Phil Mitchell is a Wellington lawyer specialising in Employment Law, Criminal Law and Limited Licences, based on Level 5 of 24 Johnston Street in Wellington CBD. Since graduating in 1997, Phil has worked as a lawyer in Wellington, Nelson and Europe, establishing his own litigation practice in 2003.
On the employment law side, Phil has acted for both employers — including large corporations, national charities and small businesses — and employees, giving him an understanding of how both sides approach a dispute. His work covers personal grievance claims, restructuring, employment disputes, and employment agreement revision and compliance for organisations of varying sizes.
Phil is also an experienced criminal lawyer, with criminal law experience dating back to 1986, having appeared in matters ranging from minor traffic prosecutions through to major criminal jury trials. He also assists clients who have lost their driving licence but need to drive for work or family reasons, advising on limited licence applications. Phil is a member of the New Zealand Law Society and has been recognised by Top Reviews among Wellington's best employment lawyers.
On Level 5 of 24 Johnston Street in Wellington CBD, Phil Mitchell has built a legal practice around three core areas: employment law, criminal law, and limited licences — a combination shaped by nearly three decades in the profession.
Phil graduated in 1997 and has worked as a lawyer across Wellington, Nelson and Europe. In 2003, he established his own litigation practice, and has since built up experience acting for both employers and employees — a rare position that gives him insight into how both sides of an employment dispute think and approach negotiation.
On the employer side, Phil has represented large corporations, national charities and small to medium-sized businesses, assisting with restructures, employment disputes, and the revision and compliance of employment agreements. For employees, his work centres on personal grievance claims, including unjustified and unfair dismissals, as well as redundancy, disciplinary processes, and harassment and bullying matters. Having acted for both sides over the years, Phil brings a practical understanding of how each party is likely to approach a dispute — something that can be valuable whether he's negotiating on behalf of an employer or fighting for an employee.
Alongside his employment law work, Phil is an experienced criminal lawyer, with criminal law experience going back to 1986. He has appeared in a wide range of criminal matters, from minor traffic prosecutions through to major criminal jury trials, and has a track record of achieving strong results for his clients in serious cases.
For clients who have lost their licence but still need to drive for work or to care for their family, Phil also advises on limited licence applications — a specific, practical area of law that can make a significant difference to someone's ability to keep working and supporting their household.
Client testimonials point consistently to Phil's availability and dedication. One client, Pierre Marchant, noted that he didn't know any other lawyer who answers his phone on weekends or after hours. Tim Coker, a former Central Regional Manager who came to Phil after becoming the subject of a corporate employment investigation, described Phil taking over correspondence with the company as "a huge stress relief" for him and his family.
Jim Moriarty MNZM, Chairman of Te Rakau Hua O Te Wao Tapu Trust, credited Phil with representing him through a five-month ordeal involving police interviews after complaints of assault at a charitable trust — with no charges ultimately brought. Another client, referred to as David G to protect his identity, described a 14-month case spanning both criminal charges and an Employment Relations Authority matter, in which Phil negotiated a reduced charge, secured a discharge without conviction and permanent name suppression, and remained available throughout — including on weekends.
Phil offers a Zoom meeting option alongside phone, email and an online contact form, making it straightforward to get in touch regardless of location or scheduling constraints. He is a member of the New Zealand Law Society and has been recognised by Top Reviews among Wellington's best employment lawyers.
Based at Level 5, 24 Johnston Street in Wellington CBD, Phil Mitchell offers a combination of employment law, criminal law and limited licence expertise that's well suited to anyone facing a workplace dispute, a criminal charge, or the practical problem of needing to drive without a full licence.