Anthony Philips joined Arken two months ago following the departure of longstanding CEO Dave Newick.
Today’s Wills and Probate checked in with Anthony to learn more about the person steering the ship at Arken. From his thoughts on the future of legal tech to what gets him out of bed in the morning (besides coffee), here’s what he had to say…
TWP: Anthony, welcome. What made you say yes to joining Arken?
AP: Thanks. It’s been a brilliant first couple of months. Arken sits in that sweet spot where purpose meets innovation. The idea that we can use technology to make estate planning simpler, more accessible and less intimidating really resonated with me. Add to that a team full of energy and talent and it was a very easy decision to join.
TWP: What’s your vision for Arken? Where do you see us going next?
AP: Our focus is on becoming the must-have drafting platform for professional estate planners. We’re already operating at a level of complexity, flexibility and depth of integration that outperforms anything else on the market. Now it’s about continuing to evolve that. With the modernisation of wills underway, our priority is helping professionals stay not just compliant but confidently ahead of the curve. That means making the core product even more powerful, intuitive and indispensable to their daily work.
TWP: Legal tech isn’t always seen as exciting. What excites you about it?
AP: That’s exactly why it’s exciting. It’s an area that’s ready for transformation. Legal tech, especially in estate planning, hasn’t always kept pace with the world around it. The work drafting professionals do is deeply meaningful to individuals. If we can make that work easier, faster and more precise through tech, then we’re making a real difference.
TWP: What stood out to you about Arken before you joined?
AP: The product is rock solid and the relationships with clients and within the industry are genuine. That’s rare. But what really stood out was how comprehensive Arken Professional is as a product. The simplified exterior hides a huge amount of detail and complexity. Also, Arken isn’t a surface-level tool. It’s embedded in our clients’ workflows because it has the kind of sophistication professionals need to work at pace and with precision. That depth is a serious competitive advantage.
TWP: What’s your leadership style like? What can the team expect?
AP: I’m big on clarity, trust and open communication. It’s a really strong team, I’m not here to micromanage, I’m here to support, challenge and empower people to do their best work. I ask a lot of questions. I’ll listen. But most importantly, I want to create an environment where people feel energised and supported.
TWP: Any challenges you’re ready to tackle head-on?
AP: Absolutely. The big one is supporting our users through industry reform. The modernisation of wills is a huge shift and we want to make sure Arken is not just keeping up but leading. That means continuing to strengthen the core platform, anticipating the needs of drafters and ensuring we remain the most reliable, future-proofed solution on the market.
TWP: What role do you see AI playing in Arken’s future?
AP: A big one. But always responsibly. AI should support professionals, not replace them. We’re looking at ways it can reduce admin, improve accuracy and streamline the user journey. But in estate planning, where there’s emotion and complexity involved, human judgement is essential and always will be.
TWP: What gets you fired up about coming to work each day?
AP: The people. Whether it’s our team, our clients or the individuals ultimately benefiting from what we do. This work has impact. Helping professionals deliver peace of mind at such a critical moment in people’s lives is a great reason to show up every day.
TWP: How would you describe Arken to someone who’s never heard of it?
AP: We’re the trusted tech partner for estate planning professionals. We help legal experts create documents faster, smarter and with total peace of mind. Our platform is deeply integrated, highly configurable and built with a level of legal sophistication that’s unmatched in the market. As the industry evolves, Arken is here to support, guide and lead the way.
TWP: Lastly. Any fun facts about you?
AP: I’ll give you two. I enjoy bluegrass music and making curries, occasionally at the same time.
Anthony Philips was talking to Today’s Wills and Probate
