Watch any La Liga or Primeira Liga football match and you’ll be graced with the familiar, elongated monosyllabic cry of “GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!” whenever a player scores, no matter how big or small the game. The enthusiasm of the roar that lasts several seconds is one of the most beloved parts of watching the beautiful game, and a signature component of Spanish and Portuguese-language commentators, who scream the word with an incredible amount of gusto and passion. “When it comes to narrating a goal in football,” says Jose Carlos Araujo of Radio Transamerica, who is known as one of the most famed executors of the celebration, “there’s a big dose of artistry involved.”
For a die-hard football fan like Barnard Associate, Philip Roberts, the intensity and rapture displayed by the players and pundits alike, is a disposition he likes to carry into his own work, including, coincidentally, his budding sports law practice. “I’m reminded of the words of the former Liverpool manager, Bill Shankly; ‘Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you it’s much more serious than that’,” says Philip. “People have a misperception of what practicing law is about. When we get the best outcome for our clients’ matters and we see the difference it makes in their lives and businesses, it brings me a lot of joy. It’s like scoring a goal! That’s what practicing law feels like to me.”
Philip says his parents were always very supportive and encouraged him to follow his dreams and to work hard to achieve his goals for his dreams to be realised. “My parents sacrificed a lot to make every opportunity I got possible. I owe everything to my them. Without their support and advice, I would not have been where I am today.” Perhaps they might have advised him better when he decided to become a Liverpool FC supporter?! (ed’s opinion 😊)
Philip was born and raised in Pretoria and studied at the University of Pretoria. He has an older sister, currently living in Cape Town. His father is an engineer, and his mother was an editor at a renowned Afrikaans Publisher. “Our family is very close. I grew up in a very stable, values driven and supportive household. Our upbringing laid the foundation for my sister and I to become the people we are today.”
Philip credits his late uncle for influencing him to follow a career in law. In fact, it seems that law is in the family’s blood. His grandfather was a Magistrate and Head Magistrate in Cape Town and his uncle was an attorney in Bloemfontein. “My uncle believed that hard work, integrity and respect are the most important values in life and in law. He lived by those values every single day. He inspired me to become an attorney. I owe a lot to him,” Philip reflects.
Philip joined Barnard Inc as a candidate attorney in 2018. His colleagues describe him as a hard-working, respectful and caring person who always puts other first. “From the beginning Barnard Inc believed in me and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities presented to me as a candidate attorney and now as an attorney.” The avid Liverpool supporter and sport lover has set his sights on heading up a successful Sports Law department one day and there is no doubt among his peers that he will achieve this exciting goal.
When Philip isn’t designing new set pieces and developing his skills in his law career, he enjoys playing, watching and analysing a wide variety of sports. He also likes being outdoors – hunting and fishing – and spending time with family and friends. Whatever he does, rest assured his family, friends and colleagues are watching and preparing to celebrate his achievements and triumphs! Gooaaaaaal!
