Philip "Phil" Underwood, Bankruptcy Attorney in the United States
Over 11 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Government
Practicing bankruptcy since 2015.
- 11+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Philip "Phil" Underwood is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Government. Philip has over 11 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- over 11 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Government
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Government matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Over 11 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law (2026).
About Philip "Phil" Underwood: Philip "Phil" Underwood is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Government. Philip has over 11 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Philip takes on
Philip concentrates on bankruptcy, business, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Philip handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Government
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases nationwide
Philip takes bankruptcy matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Business cases nationwide
Philip takes business matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Government cases nationwide
Philip takes government matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases nationwide
Philip takes litigation matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Philip "Phil" Underwood — bankruptcy lawyer in the U.S.
Philip "Phil" Underwood is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Government. Philip has over 11 years of legal experience.
Phil has a broad litigation practice with experience in corporate and commercial litigation, including multijurisdictional litigation, shareholder disputes, insolvency, regulatory matters, and arbitrations.
Phil has counselled clients across a wide range of industries, including retail, real estate, energy, insurance, financial services, and telecommunications. Phil has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court and Court of Appeal, the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has been part of the legal teams in some of the largest and most high-profile commercial litigation and insolvency matters in Canada of the past several years.
Clients rely on Phil for his candour and strategic insights. He is able to sift through the details of complex litigation matters to determine the most valuable elements for his clients’ cases and build compelling arguments in both judicial and arbitration proceedings.
Phil previously practised at the New York office of a leading international law firm, acting on several large regulatory investigations, antitrust matters, and international commercial arbitrations, and serving as counsel to a creditor in the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities bankruptcy proceeding.
Philip's approach to bankruptcy cases
Phil has a broad litigation practice with experience in corporate and commercial litigation, including multijurisdictional litigation, shareholder disputes, insolvency, regulatory matters, and arbitrations. Phil has counselled clients across a wide range of industries, including retail, real estate, energy, insurance, financial services, and telecommunications. Phil has appeared before the…
The kind of cases Philip takes
Philip reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and government matters in the United States.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard University
J.D. · 2014
University of Chicago
B.A. · 2010
Jurisdictions
Philip's state bar admissions
Ontario
2015 · ACTIVE
New York
2015 · ACTIVE
Philip studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in University of Chicago.
Law school and academic background
Philip completed J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in University of Chicago. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Philip runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Philip has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate and Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative and Public Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate and Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law (2026).
Locations
Philip "Phil" Underwood's office in Toronto
Philip's primary office is at 145 King Street West, Suite 2750, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Philip "Phil" Underwood
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Philip "Phil" Underwood — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Philip usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Philip charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Philip's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Philip will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Philip
Philip discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Philip confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Philip's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Philip "Phil" Underwood
How much does it cost to hire Philip for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Philip walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Philip offer a free consultation?
Philip charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Philip's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Philip's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in this state typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Philip gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Philip take my case if I'm outside the area?
Philip evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Philip's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Philip?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Philip will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Philip accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Philip's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.