Spotlight on Phil Moorey

Working as newly qualified solicitor in Geldards’ Commercial Dispute Resolution team in the East Midlands, Phil advises commercial clients on a broad range of contentious disputes. However, Phil’s passion for the law followed an earlier career as a forensic scientist!

We talk to Phil about what motivated him to change career paths and how his transferable skills come in useful.

You qualified as a Forensic Scientist – was this always your ambition?

Like many people, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I was younger. As a teenager, I loved playing football and basketball, and at that time I thought I wanted to have a career in sport. I soon realised that although I enjoyed playing and watching sport, I didn’t want to pursue it as a career. It was only when I finished A-levels and was considering my next steps, that I discovered a passion for science.

Aged nineteen, I enrolled in an applied sciences ‘Access Course’, and as part of the course I spent a year developing core science knowledge and skills to better equip me for university study. Importantly, I also realised I loved learning.

The following year, I started my degree at Bournemouth University studying Forensic Science. Over the three-year course, I learned laboratory skills, took part in mock crime scenes, and learned how to conduct forensic investigations. I found the toxicology module particularly engaging, and that caused me to consider whether I wanted to specialise in drugs analysis.

“Importantly realised I loved learning.”

After graduating with a first-class degree in Forensic Science and a postgraduate degree in Forensic Toxicology, your first job was in a laboratory. Tell us more!

Working as a forensic drugs analyst, the first job of the day was to put on my lab coat, safety specs and gloves, ready to tackle my workload. I was responsible for processing several cases a day, handling casefiles of background information accompanied by exhibit bags – often items seized by the police suspected to be illicit drug materials (powders, liquids, herbs). Occasionally, I’d get something out of the norm like a ‘concealment’ (drugs hidden in a suitcase lining or dissolved into alcoholic spirits) or a prison seizure.

My job was to open, describe, examine and analyse the contents of each exhibit and produce a forensic report setting out my findings, to be used in criminal court proceedings. I was also trained to be an expert witness to prepare me to attend court to give evidence on my findings, if required.

My favourite aspects of my forensic science career were applying my knowledge to the facts, thinking critically and devising strategies. For example, when I was allocated a large and/or complex drugs submission, my first step was to consider the background of the case, inspect the seized items, and put together an efficient analysis strategy.

“My favourite aspects of my forensic science career were applying my knowledge to the facts.”

What motivated you to change career?

Although I loved science – and still do – the progression opportunities in my specialist area were relatively limited. I was struggling to see my job as a long-term career. I felt frustrated that I wasn’t learning or developing as much as I wanted, so I started to consider other options that would offer me a career rather than just a job.

As clichéd as it sounds, I always found the law interesting and thought I might have something to offer as a solicitor. Following several conversations with family and friends, I decided to take the plunge and enrol on the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

 “I always found the law interesting and thought I might have something to offer as a solicitor.”

 Was studying law a challenge?

Putting it mildly, going back into full-time education after six years was quite a shock! I studied for the GDL and the following year, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law’s Nottingham Campus, and it took me while to adjust to a different style of learning. I had to adjust my mindset and approach to things somewhat, which was a challenge.

Studying law is very different to studying science. In my previous job, there was usually a ‘correct’ answer. For example, a white powder is either a Class A controlled drug, or it isn’t. In law, there are often a range of possibilities and interpretations and the ‘right’ answer often depends on a client’s desired outcome and the nature of their business.

However, the transferable skills I had gained in my earlier career stood me in good stead. Attention to detail, clear communication, problem solving, and good time management all play an essential role in becoming a good lawyer.

“I had to adjust my mindset and approach to things somewhat, which was a challenge.”

 Life as a trainee at Geldards LLP

 I first went along to an ‘Insight evening’ at Geldards to learn more about the firm. Chairman David Williams painted a very thought-provoking picture of law in the real world and talked about the work culture at Geldards which really appealed to me. Afterwards, I took the opportunity to network with staff, and I got a very positive and friendly vibe from the people I met.

“I got a very positive and friendly vibe from the people I met.”

I was offered a training contract at Geldards and completed four training seats: Public Sector (Property); Commercial Dispute Resolution; Corporate and Commercial; and Employment.

Importantly, each seat allowed me to learn new skills, observe the different approaches taken by my colleagues, and figure out which areas of law I preferred. I really enjoyed working with a range of people and personalities across the firm. I was lucky to have some excellent mentors during my training contract, who were supportive, provided constructive feedback, and helped me develop my skills as a junior lawyer – I’m very grateful for that.

“I was lucky to have some excellent mentors during my training contract to help develop my skills.”

 You specialise in Commercial Dispute Resolution …tell us more

Commercial Dispute Resolution (CDR) was my second training seat. Funnily enough, Civil Litigation was one of my least favourite areas when I studied the LPC. However, in practice I found it engaging and dynamic, and it seemed to suit my skillset and personality.

It quickly became clear that CDR was an area I enjoyed and which I thought I’d be good at. Although I remained open-minded throughout my training contract in terms of potential areas for qualification – something I would encourage all trainees to do – CDR stood out to me. Thankfully, the feeling was mutual, and I qualified into Geldards’ East Midlands CDR team towards the end of 2025.

“CDR was an area I enjoyed and which I thought I’d be good at.”

What types of matters do you advise on?

As a newly qualified solicitor, my workload is relatively broad. I assist on a variety of matters including insolvency, property litigation, consumer disputes, and general commercial litigation, such as breach of contract claims, debt recovery, and advising in relation to companies entering administration or liquidation.

Typical tasks include reviewing contractual documentation; considering the client’s legal position; drafting advice or formal correspondence (such as a pre-action Letter of Claim); drafting and reviewing litigation pleadings (such as a Defence); filing documentation with the court; and carrying out legal research.

As I gain more experience, my work will become more specialised.

How do you see your career developing?

I am drawn to general commercial litigation because it is so varied. Business relationships typically involve some form of legal contract, so the potential for disputes between parties is vast. It also gives me the opportunity to find out about different businesses owned by clients from SMEs to large multinationals.

I am also keen to develop my knowledge and skills in relation to insolvency matters. Insolvency law is a highly specialised and technical area, and I enjoy the challenge of getting to grips with the relevant provisions and applying them in practice. I am fortunate to learn from some highly competent and experienced colleagues.

Ultimately, I really enjoy solving problems to achieve an outcome the client is happy with – it gives me great job satisfaction. Making sense of complex issues and advising clients in practical terms is very rewarding.

“I am fortunate to learn from some highly competent and experienced colleagues.”

Working life at Geldards

As with any job, colleagues make a huge difference to your experience at work. People work hard at Geldards but there is still plenty of room for humour and camaraderie. I think some people view solicitors as being quite stuffy and formal, but that’s certainly not my experience at Geldards; people are friendly, approachable and down-to-earth.

I place a lot of value on work-life balance and the ‘culture’. My colleagues are dedicated and hard-working, but it is rare to work extremely long hours at the expense of your personal life (subject to meeting strict deadlines, of course!) Geldards is a firm that understands people have lives outside of work and, as a result, I can honestly say I really enjoy working here.

“Geldards is a firm that understands people have lives outside of work.”