Catalyzes the activation of phenylacetic acid (PA) to phenylacetyl-CoA (PA-CoA). Involved in the phenylalanine metabolism. 2-phenylacetate + ATP + CoA = AMP + diphosphate + phenylacetyl-CoA Optimum temperature is 75 degrees Celsius. The enzyme is heat stable. Aromatic compound metabolism; phenylacetate degradation. Monomer. Belongs to the phenylacetyl-CoA ligase family.