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.