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  • Whistleblowing | Constantine Law

    Employment Whistleblowing Whistleblowing claims have increased significantly in the last few years, particularly within regulated businesses. Whistleblowing claims are not subject to a cap on compensation and are amongst the most high-value claims brought in the Employment Tribunal, as well as being some of the most reputationally damaging. The financial services sector has seen a raft of new regulation designed to increase the accountability of those in senior leadership for encouraging whistleblowers to come forward and acting on their disclosures. Reviewing or drafting whistleblowing policies and related contractual documentation to ensure they are effective and legally compliant. This includes advising on the new whistleblowing requirements which apply in the financial services sector. Training your staff on whistleblowing obligations and procedures in order to reduce the risk of a claim arising and delivery of a Whistleblowing Tool-Kit. Advising you on how to investigate and respond to whistleblowing allegations. Defending whistleblowing claims brought against the company or its staff or representing individuals wishing to pursue a whistleblowing claim . Case study Advising one of the UK’s leading private banks to resolve a complex whistleblowing claim and working alongside the bank’s HR Director and General Counsel. Conducting an internal investigation for a FCA regulated business in relation to a whistleblowing claim brought by a former employee, mitigating the risk in relation to the same and achieving a favourable settlement. Advising a senior manager in a high-value whistleblowing claim, drafting his claim and representing him at a preliminary hearing before the case settled. Get in touch Get in touch with one of our team members today. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help. Contact

  • Establishing a UK presence and relocation to the UK | Constantine Law

    << Back Immigration Case Studies Establishing a UK presence and relocation to the UK Client: Management consultancy business and overseas nationals Rebecca acted for both the overseas national looking to relocate to the UK with their spouse, and the overseas management consultancy business in establishing a UK entity in London. This involved obtaining a Skilled Worker sponsor licence for the company. Advising on both the application process and the associated compliance advice and support. Once the sponsor licence had been secured, assisted with the Skilled Worker application for overseas national and spouse. This case was led by Rebecca Tester For immigration law advice and assistance contact our team for more info. << Back to all immigration case studies

  • Corporate Crime | Constantine Law

    Corporate Crime Businesses, particularly household names or firms in the regulated sector, are under greater scrutiny and are likely to be obligated to investigate or report allegations of financial or business crime. Sometimes businesses are contacted by law enforcement following whistle-blower reports alleging criminal conduct. There is a trend for corporates to be prosecuted, or to enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA). We are smart and highly regarded senior lawyers working at the cutting edge of the criminal investigations space. We have been involved at the sharp end of many important financial crime and regulatory cases of the last decade. Our lawyers have worked in private practice, in-house with financial institutions and with government and regulatory authorities. We have understanding and insight of how the police and prosecuting authorities such as the Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority, HM Revenue & Customs, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Competition & Markets Authority operate and what their current priorities are. We give practical and strategic advice to limit the impact if you, your business or your senior executives or employees are at risk of or involved in a criminal investigation or prosecution. Our aim is to keep your matter, particularly if it is high profile or at risk of being reputationally damaging, under the radar if possible. We know and work closely with many other lawyers in the UK and co-counsel with overseas lawyers if there are cross-border investigations in other jurisdictions (in particular Europe and the US). Whilst we act for businesses, we often act for directors and senior executives who require separate ‘independent legal advice’ from their company. We also work closely with our regulatory and employment law colleagues – particularly when there are whistleblowing, internal investigation, disciplinary or resignation issues to advise on. If there is a public law issue to challenge, say by way of judicial review, we can represent you in those proceedings too. How we can help Advise and assist you conduct an internal investigation Assist with notification and dialogue with law enforcement and regulators Advise on deferred prosecution agreements, the process and negotiation Defend a corporate if prosecuted Advise on remediation, compliance and corporate governance Co-counsel with in house and external corporate lawyers If your company is worried about the risk of potential criminal liability then please contact one of our team. Our Experience Advised a UK regulated solicitors firm as to potential criminal offences committed by the firm and taking steps towards remediation, including the filing of a SAR. Advised a Greece based shipping company (with UK subsidiaries) as to potential criminal offences committed under the Bribery Act 2010. Acted on behalf of a UK company being investigated and prosecuted by the Trading Standards Institute. Acted in prosecutions brought by Companies House in respect of various offences under the Companies Act. Acted on behalf of a UK company, and its director, investigated and ultimately prosecuted by Trading Standards in respect of aggressive commercial practices. Successfully negotiated with the prosecution to discontinue the more serious criminal offence of blackmail. Advised corporates and company directors served with SFO compulsory information request ‘section 2’ notices in relation to ongoing criminal investigation. Advised corporates under investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and police for corporate manslaughter, including attending interviews under caution with senior management. Defending prosecution of participating in a fraudulent business by Trading Standards. Acting on behalf of a farming business that owned multiple farms, accused of conducting a fraudulent business by submitting false and misleading information in relation to animals in order to make significant gains. Acted for company and directors in regulated business under investigation for alleged cross border bribery and corruption, failing to prevent bribery, money laundering and involvement with organised crime. Contact It’s important to get specialist advice as early as possible. Get in touch with: Sarah Wallace +44 (0)7808 899 657 sarahwallace@constantinelaw.co.uk or Jemma Sherwood-Roberts +44 (0)7882 155 664 jemma.sherwood-roberts@constantinelaw.co.uk and find out how we can help you.

  • In-House & Special Projects | Constantine Law

    Employment In-House & Special Projects We all know that the demands on in-house legal teams and HR departments can fluctuate significantly, for example, when faced with major legislative developments, due diligence projects or change management programs. Contracting specialist employment lawyers and HR consultants can provide a flexible solution to your resourcing challenges and provide the expertise you need at a reasonable price. We can help your business through supplying: Contract employment lawyers, experienced in working in an in-house environment, to work on an ad hoc or project basis. Typically, we will work with clients to support due diligence exercises or to implement change programs. Senior HR consultants who can provide strategic input on projects or specific issues. This may be appropriate where internal HR resource could be viewed as having a conflict of interest or where additional HR resource is required for a limited time. Competitive fixed fees are available for the above services. Case study Supplying an HR Consultant to investigate a complex race discrimination grievance raised by a senior employee against the Managing Director and HR Director. Providing an employment lawyer to work as in-house employment counsel for a large employment business. Supplying an employment lawyer to work as in-house employment counsel for a peer-to-peer lending institution. Get in touch Get in touch with one of our team members today. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help. Contact

  • Webinars | Constantine Law

    Immigration webinar - Right to work changes Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied The ERA – What’s next on the horizon Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Managing Redundancies Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied 2026_04_22 Constantine Law - Webinar Recording - The New ERA of Sickness, Recruitment and Performance Management Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied

  • Opposing injunctive relief proceedings | Constantine Law

    << Back Employment Case Studies Opposing injunctive relief proceedings Client: CEO of a services provider Constantine Law acts for a former founder, director and shareholder of a conference provider to the private equity industry. Our client faced injunctive relief proceedings initiated by the employer in the High Court for an alleged breach of post-termination restrictions. Constantine Law wrote a letter outlining the reasons to oppose the injunction application. This letter defeated the injunction application. Our work in this case exemplifies Constantine Law’s dedication to providing exceptional legal support in complex, high-stakes cases, ensuring our clients receive the best possible representation. This case was led by John Hayes and Ben Payne . For employment law advice about injunctive relief proceedings, contact our team for more info. << Back to all employment case studies

  • Rebecca Tester | Constantine Law

    Rebecca Tester Rebecca is a highly experienced immigration solicitor, offering clients clear and practical advice on all aspects of UK immigration law. “Rebecca’s can-do attitude and passion for immigration law shines through” Business Immigration Partner at West End law firm Position Partner Contact + 44 (0)7939 495475 rebecca.tester@constantinelaw.co.uk Rebecca qualified as a solicitor in 2011 and has particular expertise in business immigration. During her career, Rebecca has provided strategic immigration advice to global organisations, SME clients and high-net-worth private individuals, offering her clients support on a full range of applications covered by immigration rules, including; Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, permanent settlement, naturalisation and investment-led applications. She also provides advice to businesses on right-to-work requirements, how to secure and maintain a UK sponsor licence, and the immigration implications of corporate restructuring. Rebecca’s focus is to understand the personal and business aims of each client to allow her to actively support individuals to reach their career goals and help businesses to access key talent from across the world to achieve their commercial aims. Rebecca operates in all sectors, providing support to clients across a range of industries, particularly the financial and professional services, as well as retail, technology and manufacturing sectors. Recent work includes: Securing a sponsor licence and subsequent Skilled Worker applications for SME client establishing a UK presence for the first time. Advising on Overseas Domestic Worker application for high-net worth individual. Providing HR Teams with guidance and training on topics such as Right to Work and Sponsor Licence compliance. Rebecca is a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association and International Bar Association. Outside of work, Rebecca is married with two young children and enjoys the balance of family life alongside her legal career. She enjoys cooking, going to the gym and travelling. HR BUSINESS PARTNER Rebecca has been a great partner to our HR team, helping us with both reactive problem solving and pro-active risk management Previous Next

  • Guiding employers through whistleblowing challenges | Constantine Law

    << Back Employment Case Studies Guiding employers through whistleblowing challenges Constantine Law acted for an investment management firm in a highly complex whistleblowing case (interim relief application). We defended claims for whistleblowing detriment, automatic unfair constructive dismissal, and ordinary unfair constructive dismissal brought by a former hedge fund analyst. The case was particularly complex, involving disputes about privileged documents, a threatened High Court injunction to secure the return of documents unlawfully retained by the Defendant, and the unfortunate death of one of the management respondents. We supported our client in defending a claim for interim relief and successfully negotiated a swift and favourable settlement for our client. This case was led by Alan Lewis and Will Clayton . For employment law advice about whistleblowing matters, contact our team for more info. << Back to all employment case studies

  • IR35 | Constantine Law

    IR35 Constantine Law advises on employment status issues, every week. We are one of the main firms in the country advising employment agencies and temporary workers. Constantine Law is a member of APSCO ((link) and has appeared in a recent Court of Appeal case on employment status ((link here to Judgement when it comes out). John Hayes (link) has delivered ELA’s only evening session on IR35. What is IR35? IR35 is a set of tax rules aimed at stopping individuals from avoiding income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) by working through an intermediary, usually a personal service company (PSC), when they are, in effect, working like an employee. Under IR35, the intermediary must assess each contract to decide whether the worker would be considered an employee of the client if the PSC didn’t exist. This is known as a status determination. If the worker would be classed as an employee, the PSC must treat the income received as deemed salary, regardless of whether it’s paid out as dividends or kept in the company. Tax and NICs are then calculated at the end of the tax year, with certain deductions allowed (such as salary already taxed through PAYE). Why IR35 Matters HMRC introduced IR35 to tackle arrangements where individuals work through PSCs mainly to reduce tax, particularly employer NICs, rather than because they are genuinely self-employed. Who is Responsible? Since 6 April 2021, the responsibility for determining IR35 status shifted to the end client in the private sector (unless they qualify as a small company). This means medium and large businesses that engage contractors through PSCs must now assess whether those contractors fall within IR35. How We Can Help with IR35 At Constantine Law, we offer expert legal support to help businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the IR35 regime. Whether you're an end-user engaging contractors or a contractor operating through a personal service company (PSC), our team provides clear, practical advice tailored to your needs. Our IR35 Services Include: Status Determination Reviews We assess working arrangements and contracts to determine whether they fall inside or outside IR35, helping you understand your obligations and risks. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts We prepare and review consultancy agreements and related documentation to ensure they reflect genuine self-employment and minimise IR35 exposure. Support for End Clients Since the 2021 reforms, medium and large private sector organisations are responsible for determining IR35 status. We assist with: Preparing compliant status determination statements (SDS) Advising on reasonable care obligations Implementing robust internal processes for engaging contractors Advice for Contractors and PSCs We help contractors understand their IR35 position, manage risk, and respond to HMRC enquiries or disputes.

  • Jemma Sherwood-Roberts | Constantine Law

    Jemma Sherwood-Roberts Jemma is an experienced criminal and regulatory solicitor specialising in general and serious crime, business crime, financial crime and professional regulation. She advises and represents individuals, professionals and businesses facing criminal investigations, regulatory investigations, disciplinary proceedings, interviews and prosecution. “Jemma Sherwood-Roberts is a very clever lawyer" - Legal 500, 2027 Position Partner Contact + 44 (0)7882 155 664 j emma.sherwood-roberts@constantinelaw.co.uk Jemma's experience covers a broad range of criminal and regulatory matters, including cases involving the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), National Crime Agency (NCA), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as well as a wide range of professional and specialist regulators. General & Serious Crime Jemma has extensive experience advising and representing individuals facing criminal investigation and prosecution across a broad range of offences, including serious and complex crime. She provides advice from the earliest stage of an investigation, including police enquiries and interviews, through to criminal proceedings and prosecution. She understands the potentially significant consequences of criminal allegations and provides clear, practical advice designed to protect her clients' interests at every stage. Business & Financial Crime Jemma has particular expertise in business crime and financial crime, advising and representing individuals and companies facing allegations including fraud, false accounting, money laundering, bribery and corruption, financial misconduct and other complex business and economic crime offences. She has considerable experience dealing with investigations by the SFO, CPS, NCA, HMRC and FCA. Jemma also advises companies and individuals dealing with SFO compulsory powers, including Section 2 notices and disclosure notices. She provides practical advice on responding to compulsory requests for information and documents, as well as dealing with SFO dawn raids and searches. She has represented both corporates and individuals required to attend interviews under compulsory investigative powers, helping clients prepare effectively and understand their legal position. Professional & Regulatory Investigations Jemma is also an experienced regulatory lawyer, advising and representing professionals and regulated individuals across a wide range of professions. Her regulatory work includes representing: Financial services professionals Accountants and auditors Doctors and other healthcare professionals Solicitors and other legal professionals Individuals subject to investigation by specialist and niche professional regulators Jemma has experience dealing with investigations and proceedings brought by a wide range of regulatory and professional bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Trading Standards and the Prosecuting Solicitor of Companies House, as well as professional accountancy and other specialist regulatory bodies. The breadth of her regulatory experience means that Jemma is able to advise clients across a wide range of professions and regulated sectors, including where an investigation involves professional misconduct, disciplinary allegations, fitness to practise, regulatory breaches or concerns about professional conduct. She understands that regulatory proceedings can have consequences extending well beyond the investigation itself, including loss of professional status, restrictions on practice, financial consequences, damage to reputation and the potential impact on a person's career or business. Strategic & Practical Advice Jemma takes a strategic, practical and client-focused approach to every case. She works closely with clients to understand the circumstances, identify the key issues and develop an effective strategy from the outset. Where possible, her objective is to prevent an investigation from progressing or avoid prosecution or regulatory action. Where this is not possible, she works to protect her client's position and achieve the best outcome realistically available in the circumstances. Her experience across criminal, business crime and professional regulation means she is particularly well placed to deal with cases where criminal and regulatory issues overlap. Experience Jemma previously worked at a top-tier boutique criminal and regulatory law firm specialising in business crime, general crime and serious crime. She qualified as a solicitor in 2011 and has since developed extensive experience across general crime, serious crime, business crime, financial crime and professional and regulatory investigations. INDIVIDUAL CLIENT I would highly recommend using the legal services of Jemma Sherwood-Roberts of Constantine Law Limited who has dealt with my recent legal issues, in (not only) a professional manor but also in the most kind and caring way possible. This has been paramount in easing the pressure, I have faced during a very difficult period in my life. The costs incurred have also been fair and transparent. Previous Next

  • Fraud | Constantine Law

    Fraud "Really good on complex financial services and fraud work" — Chambers 2024 Our lawyers are respected experts in the field of white collar crime and serious fraud. We act for companies and individuals caught up in investigations or prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Police, National Crime Agency, Crown Prosecution Service, FCA, Insolvency Services and BEIS. Some of our lawyers have worked for these organisations in the past so know the process from both perspectives. Some of our cases are cross-border involving overseas agencies particularly in Europe and the US. We also know and work closely with other law firms – for example when we are co-defending or are asked to act as an independent legal advisor for witnesses or employees of companies with separate company lawyers. Whether you are suspect, witness, victim, whistle-blower or company investigator, we can assist you with any stage of the criminal investigation and defence process from arrest, interviews to conducting internal investigations, self-reporting advice to the police, SFO or your regulators, through to a criminal trial. We advise in dawn raids where investigators attend at your home or business premises unannounced to seize property (typically business and financial records, computer, phone and other IT devices) and will often wish to interview you on the same day or soon after. We can represent you if you are arrested, interviewed under caution or compelled to attend for interview. We are adept and highly skilled in acting in and managing lengthy investigations and trials. We help navigate ancillary issues such as regulatory or employment problems for those facing criminal allegations. We form multi-disciplinary teams, bespoke for you, to respond to and improve the situation. We can also recommend and work closely with civil fraud lawyers and barristers to support you or your organisation that suspect fraud or financial crime committed by directors, employee or related professional advisors or third parties. Our Experience Advised company director subject to compulsory interview in relation to the SFO’s investigation into the business and accounting practice of AIM-listed company Quindell plc. Advised bank trader under SFO investigation including interview under caution for interfering with the Repo Rate to manipulate the Bank of England Special Liquidity (SLS) lending scheme to help banks following the financial crisis. Advised former UBS trader under SFO investigation and interview under caution for alleged LIBOR interest rate manipulation resulting in no further action. Represented a senior executive in a US based company in a complex tax and fraud investigation carried out by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (Offshore Corporate & Wealthy) Team. No further action taken against client. Represented two individuals at trial in proceedings brought by the SFO, pertaining to fraud offences (acquitted) and two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Funding We can discuss the funding options, the proposed scope of work and budget with you. Depending on the situation, you should check whether you have any legal expenses insurance (for example under professional indemnity, Directors’ & Officers’ or household insurance policies) or consider whether a third party, such as an employer, will contribute to your legal fees (eg under an indemnity). Contact Whether you are whistle-blower, suspect, witness, investigator or in-house lawyer, it’s important to get specialist advice as early as possible. Get in touch and find out how we can help you: Contact the team

  • Sarah Wallace | Constantine Law

    Sarah Wallace Sarah is a leading corporate crime, professional discipline and financial services investigations lawyer with over 20 years’ experience. She represents clients under or at risk of criminal or regulatory investigation or prosecution. “An impeccable eye for detail allowing her to see strategic moves that outsmart her opponents— Legal 500, 2025 Position Contact Partner + 44 (0)7808 899 657 sarahwallace@constantinelaw.co.uk She gives expert legal, personal and practical advice to senior executives and corporates and specialises in FCA, SFO, CMA, CPS, ICO, HMRC, DOJ, SEC, police and professional discipline investigations eg the SRA, ICAEW, IFoA and FRC. Sarah represents senior executives and firms through the stressful, uneasy and challenging time when faced with a criminal, regulatory or internal investigation or regulatory problems that can impact on careers, reputation, health, wealth and business performance. Her aim is to protect reputations and extricate a client from their involvement with an investigation or solve the regulatory concerns as quickly as possible. Her clients can be a suspect, under or at risk of investigation or prosecution, whistle-blower, witness or victim and cases often have a cross-border element. Sarah advises on internal investigations, responding to information requests, interview advice, self-reporting, regulatory breaches, compliance monitoring, training and M&A due diligence. She has extensive experience defending complex FCA civil, criminal and regulatory cases for senior executives and firms. High profile FCA cases include LIBOR, Newton Investment Management, and insider dealing cases eg Neutec Pharma, Operation Tabernula, Operation Saturn, Oce/Mizuho. She helps firms with systems and controls improvement, compliance monitoring, mis-selling, remediation and customer contact exercises. The high profile SFO investigations Sarah has been involved in recently include ENRC, GSK, LIBOR (Barclays, Lloyds), BAT, Rolls-Royce, Autonomy, Quindell, Unaoil and overseas bribery matters. Clients are from the financial services, pharmaceutical, energy, engineering, professional services and aerospace sectors. Sarah is quoted in the FT, Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, PA and is an expert commentator for BBC News. She speaks regularly at industry events. She is interested in work culture and writes about diversity, inclusion and well-being in workplaces in national press and social media. She has been a 'CityInfluencer' to encourage cultural change in the City, and speaks at events roundtables for employers to share best practice. Sarah has expertise across a range of contentious regulatory and financial crime matters. She is especially noted for her handling of FCA investigations. "The incredibly innovative team provides a bespoke client service to individuals, in particular, subject to internal investigations and enforcement actions." Financial Services, Legal 500, 2025 "Sarah is absolutely brilliant at finding new defences, she is dogged in her pursuit and stands out for that reason." Financial Crime, Chambers 2026 “She is technically very brilliant and takes a very reasoned approach to matters". Professional Discipline, Chambers 2025 "WIthout doubt, one of the best regulatory lawyers in the country" Professional Discipline, Legal 500 2025 Noted for her technical expertise in fraud and insider dealing investigations. Prior to joining Constantine Law, Sarah was a partner and led the Regulatory & Criminal Investigations Group in a large national law firm. SENIOR CIVIL SERVANT Sarah Wallace at Constantine Law was recommended to me by another Barrister. I was a Respondent in a high-profile high value civil case. When I first met her, I was struck by her professionalism and her grasp of the case. Sarah immediately put my mind at rest. Over the course of our relationship, she laid out all my options, and took on board my own suggestions. As a result of her work the Plaintiffs removed my name from the case. I would happily recommend her to anyone. Previous Next

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