It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Rob) Winn Phillips on January 25, 2026 at the age of 54. After battling a prolonged illness with extraordinary strength, optimism and grace, he passed away surrounded by his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Born on December 8, 1971, in Mount Kisko, New York, Rob was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle, loyal friend and business partner. He touched countless lives with his warmth, compassion, generosity, wit and humor, intelligence and overall positive outlook on life.
Rob was a devoted husband to his wife, Elisa Lee, and a deeply loving father to his beautiful daughters, Dylan and Isla, and German Shepherd, Wyatt. His family was his greatest pride and joy. Rob was especially proud to see Dylan follow in his swimming footsteps (they even excelled in the same strokes and events) and to see Isla embrace his love of singing, logic games, puzzles and all things LEGO. Spending time with his family, whether at home in Piedmont, California or traveling the world together, always made him smile the brightest.
Rob spent much of his early youth in Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Liss, England and then to Tokyo, Japan, where he lived for many of his formative years and attended the American School in Japan. His time in Japan profoundly informed his worldview, instilling in him a deep appreciation for culture, language and global connection. Rob became fluent in Japanese and remained passionate about the country throughout his life, returning often with friends and family and sharing that love with his daughters.
A proud double Hoya, Rob earned his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University in 1994 and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999. As an undergraduate, Rob was a highly accomplished four-year varsity swimmer, serving as co-captain, setting the school’s record for the 100 and 200 backstroke, and being a Big East Championship finalist.
Rob went on to become a highly accomplished corporate attorney. Most recently, he was a partner in the San Francisco office of Gibson Dunn, where he advised life sciences, medical device and technology companies. Rob was admired for his technical excellence, sound pragmatic judgment and warmth. His humor and kindness made him beloved by colleagues and clients. Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Rob was also a partner at Cooley for six years and spent more than 12 years as a partner and an associate at Latham & Watkins, where he began his career.
It was at Latham where Rob first met his future wife Elisa, a fellow attorney, and they became friends. Over the years, Rob was fortunate enough to discover that his good friend had become the love of his life, and he won Elisa over with his kind heart, sweet thoughtfulness, penchant for mischief and intrepid curiosity in exploring new foods and spices. His greatest joy came with the births of Dylan and Isla.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rob lived life fully. He was passionate about music (especially ‘80s rock and his vinyl collection), The New York Times crossword puzzles, maps, culinary adventures, excellent wines, travel, shopping and art. In recent years, Rob also caught the tennis bug, enjoyed jamming on his guitar and ukulele and was actively involved as a parent at the girls’ Head-Royce School in Oakland, California. Rob was a loyal friend to so many, with a huge heart. He took great delight in bringing joy, laughter and smiles to those around him. His humor, wit and genuine care were always on full display, as was the big smile that so often lit up his face.
Rob is survived, and always will be cherished, by Elisa, Dylan and Isla, as well as revered by his mother Marcia, brothers Steven (wife Ann) and Paul (husband Bud Lavery), niece Sarah and nephews Robert and John, and was predeceased by his beloved father, Julius Ray.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rob by reaching out to a family member or friend whom you have not spoken to in a while, doing something kind for someone less fortunate or in need, and/or having a really nice glass of wine. Any or all of those would make Rob very happy.
A celebration of life and reception will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Piedmont Community Church in Piedmont, California. We invite family and friends to join us in remembering Rob and the joy that he brought to all he knew.
Elisa – my deepest condolences to you, your daughters, and Rob’s whole family. I have very memories of Rob during our time together at Latham and all the kindness he showed me. Tim and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue and I were so very sorry to hear of Rob’s walking on. We knew him through our son Drew, whose relationship with Rob went all the way back to when they were both in law school at Georgetown. Rob, his beautiful wife Elisa and their wonderful daughters Dylan and Isla visited us a few times at our home for BBQs and fun in the pool. What a sight it was to watch Rob’s splendidly fluid swimming form! We will so miss his gregarious personality, enjoying our times with him and his family immensely. We were fortunate to be able to visit him and his family just a few weeks ago at his home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elisa and his daughters during this very difficult time.
Although (regrettably) we didn’t keep in touch properly after law school, I will always remember Rob fondly and the fun times we had in law school (particularly with our friends at the Irish times!) RIP Rob. I will always remember your big smile! Condolences to Rob’s family at this sad time.
Rob, you’re leaving a gaping hole in all of our lives, but we will forever cherish the moments we got to spend with you and the years for which we’ve known you. Our friendship spanned almost 40 years, which is nothing to sneeze at. Thank you! I love you and miss you and will always treasure and honor your memory.
Rob, with his warm smile and teddy bear heart! You will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew you.