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- Interviews | Constantine Law
Interviews Any interview with an investigator – whether internal, with a regulator, the police or with prosecution authority lawyers – is daunting and stressful, whatever your situation. Our team of experts have attended hundreds of different types of interviews with the police, the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, HMRC and other investigatory authorities, as well as ‘in house’ with company lawyers and corporate investigators. We know how to assess the situation, advise you and what strategy to deploy – from arrest through to post-interview advice. Interviews in criminal investigations can take a number of forms – voluntary, compulsory or ‘under caution’ (possibly whilst under arrest) – and can include an internal interview with an employer. It is essential that anyone called for interview seeks specialist legal advice as early as possible. Interviews of any nature should not be under-estimated as there are serious ramifications that can flow from them – both for an individual and a corporate. One risk is that an unrepresented person thinks they will ‘improve’ their situation by appearing to be helpful and agreeing to a quick interview. A hasty interview whilst unprepared can inadvertently worsen the position. Every interview is different and the advice we give is bespoke and unique to our client, the situation, their status, the evidence, the level of seriousness and the suspected offence. In every interview, whether you are compelled to answer questions or not, preparation is fundamental. You cannot be over prepared and the last thing you want is to be under-prepared. Many clients under-estimate the amount of preparation time required and the seriousness of the situation in terms of the level of risk and the ramifications when interviewed. Typically in fraud or financial crime interviews, detailed questions are asked in relation to events that may have occurred years ago and in relation to emails, texts, instant message, conversations, events, document that have long disappeared from short term memory. Interviews can take place over days – not hours. We typically go through a process with clients to help them refresh their memory with documentary material if it is available. When answering questions in interviews you cannot lie or mislead. However, interviews under caution, are different because a person may if they wish ‘exercise their right to silence’. Interviews under caution are conducted when there are grounds to suspect the interviewee may have committed a criminal offence. The situation is serious as it can lead to individuals being charged and at worst convicted of a criminal offence. The right to silence is a fundamental right that is provided to preserve the right against self-incrimination. We assess the situation very carefully and provide strategic advice to clients to help them deal with an interview under caution. It may be that we advise you to exercise your right to silence if it is an option and make ‘no comment’. Compulsory or compelled interviews are where a person is required by law to answer the questions – and if they refuse the risk is there may be a penalty of at worst imprisonment. With compelled interviews it is very important to seek legal advice to assist you with the process and prepare for the interview. We cannot overstate how important it is to seek specialist advice if you are called for interview of any nature. We are recommended by company lawyers to act as ‘independent legal advisors’ if employees or senior executives are being interviewed. As well as focussing on the interview we assemble a team from our experts in business crime, regulatory and employment to provide tailored advice and de-risk the situation. If the interview is overseas then we recommend trusted international lawyers to co-counsel with us. 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 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.
- Executive Negotiations & Settlement | Constantine Law
Executive Negotiations & Settlement Agreements Appointing or removing senior executives can be complex and fraught with difficulty. Getting it wrong can prove very costly, particularly where the executive also has rights as a shareholder or regulatory obligations, such as those in the financial services sector. Main contact Caroline Glacken Number +44 (0) 20 3696 8230 We can assist you through: Drafting and negotiating the terms of service agreements and non-executive director appointment letters. Preparing bonus and commission schemes as well as long-term incentive plans for incoming executives. Advising on employee shareholder arrangements, which can yield valuable capital gains tax relief. Providing strategic advice on the exit of a senior executive, taking into account shareholder issues and regulatory issues. Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements for corporate and individual clients. Case study Advising a private-equity firm on appointing a new Chief Executive to run one of their portfolio companies. Drafting the directors’ service agreement and negotiating detailed restrictive covenants and bonus provisions. Advising a leading insurance broker on the terms of his settlement agreement and successfully negotiating favourable amendments to his restrictive covenants. Achieving a creative solution for a senior female executive to include a high ex gratia payment and an agreed reference and leaving announcement. Working in conjunction with accountants and tax specialists to structure the settlement in the most tax efficient manner.
- Catherine Wilson | Constantine Law
Catherine Wilson Catherine Wilson has over 30 years of experience as an employment solicitor whose expertise stretches across a wide range of both public and third sector employment sectors. This enables her to provide pragmatic and wide ranging advice and support. Position Partner Contact +44 (0)7850 054111 catherine.wilson@constantinelaw.co.uk Catherine began her career as a barrister in 1988 before qualifying as a solicitor in 1995. She specialises in employer/ respondent work, most recently, in the manufacturing/professional services/charity and arts sectors. Catherine has particular expertise in discrimination and whistleblowing cases but also works with commercial clients’ HR Directors and Senior Management Teams to deliver advice on corporate restructuring, transfer of undertakings, redundancies and reorganisations. She has also developed a specialism working for private estates and agri businesses. Catherine also has a strong track record in advising high net worth/senior executives on severance, bonus and deferral issues, guiding them skilfully through the process and securing the best possible terms for her clients. Prior to joining Constantine Law, Catherine has headed up the regional and national Employment teams of several large national law firms. A regular commentator in the media for several years, Catherine has been published in several newspapers and HR journals including LexisNexis, People Management, The Financial Times, The Yorkshire Post and IBA Global Insight. Catherine has also worked regularly with BBC Radio Sheffield , BBC Look North and Radio 5 live. Catherine is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA). When not at work, Catherine has a keen interest in serving her community and supporting education and has served as a Trustee of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust and Chair of Governors at St Oswald’s Church of England Primary Academy and Westminster Primary School. Catherine also served as a Governor of the Leeds College of Building and a was member of the Development Board of Opera North. FTSE 100 DIRECTOR "“Catherine Wilson’s highly strategic approach is extremely effective for advising high profile executives…she has a unique ability to understand her client’s needs and flexes her style to the particular circumstances. Extremely knowledgeable and innovative “ Previous Next
- Zahra Mahmood | Constantine Law
Zahra Mahmood Zahra is an Associate in the Employment team with extensive experience in both Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strong commercial awareness, Zahra delivers practical, solutions focused advice to a wide range of clients, including law firms, financial institutions, charities, and property management companies etc. “Super responsive. Helpful. Insightful." — Head of UK International entity Position Solicitor Contact + 44 (0)7711 485 173 zahra.mahmood@constantinelaw.co.uk Zahra’s High Court practice includes acting on urgent interim relief applications, particularly in relation to post-termination restrictions and misuse of confidential information. During the past year, Zahra along with John Hayes, successfully completed four High Court injunctions and represented the defendant in Tom James UK -vs- Max Potter, which was widely reported in the national and legal press. Zahra regularly advises on the procedural and strategic aspects of Employment Tribunal proceedings, guiding clients through every stage, from pleadings and disclosure to witness statements and settlement strategy. Beyond contentious matters, she partners with HR teams to with all employment law matters, helping organisations avoid costly and reputationally damaging claims. Zahra also advises individuals including senior executives, employees and self-employed individuals on all aspects of employment law matters ranging from disciplinaries, grievances, redundancies, capability and performance management processes and negotiating exit packages when relationships break down to Employment Tribunal claims. Zahra qualified as a solicitor in 2020. Experience Highlights: Part of a team who advised over 300 employees on their settlement agreements following a large-scale redundancy exercise brought about during the Covid-19 pandemic Advised a senior manager who was dismissed for refusing to allow his team to travel to an international event during the outbreak of Coronavirus Advised a company on managing an underperforming employee with serious health issues Successfully secured a financial settlement from two co-respondents following complex legal arguments around employment status Part of the legal team who advised and represented a London based Embassy and property management company in the Employment Tribunal on a discrimination and unfair dismissal dispute with a former employee Successfully represented a large property investment company in the Employment Tribunal defending a claim for unlawful deductions of wages HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, INVESTMENT BUSINESS BASED IN LONDON Thanks Zahra for your help. You were a true professional from start to finish, and it felt nice to have someone in my corner given the circumstances. Previous Next
- Jemma Sherwood-Roberts | Constantine Law
Jemma Sherwood-Roberts Jemma Sherwood-Roberts is an experienced litigator with over 10 years’ experience. She advises and represents individual and corporate clients in a range of financial, tax and business crime and regulatory matters. “Professional, kind and tough.” — A recent client Position Partner Contact + 44 (0)7882 155 664 j emma.sherwood-roberts@constantinelaw.co.uk Jemma has considerable experience of advising and representing individuals facing investigation or prosecution by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the National Crime Agency (NCA), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). She is highly skilled in assisting those facing allegations of business crime, including offences of false accounting, fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption. Jemma has also advised companies dealing with section 2 and disclosure notices served by the SFO, as well as providing tailored advice, such as how to deal with dawn-raids. She has also advised and represented corporates and individuals required to attend interview under these compulsory powers. The breadth of Jemma’s experience across a variety of criminal offences, means that she is very aware of the potential impact of investigations for professionals and particularly regulated individuals. She has represented employees at every level, at both large international companies as well as smaller and sole-trader businesses. Her experience means that she is adaptable, personable and always trying to be one step ahead, working out the best strategy to stop investigations or prosecutions, if possible, or to get the best outcome achievable in any event. Jemma is also an accomplished regulatory lawyer, providing advice and representation to professional individuals being investigated or facing cases by regulatory bodies. Her previous work includes cases brought by the FCA, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC), the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Trading Standards and the Prosecuting Solicitor of Companies House. The range of her experience means that Jemma is highly capable of dealing with most legal, healthcare and financial regulatory investigations. Jemma previously worked in a top-tier boutique criminal and regulatory firm specialising in both business and general crime. Jemma qualified as a solicitor in 2011. 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
- Caroline Glacken | Constantine Law
Caroline Glacken Caroline is an experienced employment lawyer and a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500. She advises HR professionals, business owners and senior executives on the full spectrum of employment law issues, combining technical excellence with pragmatic, commercially focused advice. She is known for building long-standing relationships with clients and for providing clear, strategic advice in high-stakes and reputationally sensitive matters. “Like having my own employment GC at the end of the phone." — HR director of national recruitment client Position Senior Consultant Contact + 44 (0)7468 566 349 caroline.glacken@constantinelaw.co.uk Caroline works closely with HR and senior leadership to navigate complex workplace matters, including internal investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, restructurings and the preparation of contractual documentation and staff handbooks. She is regularly instructed by business owners and shareholders, advising on sensitive board-level disputes and the protection of business interests, including restrictive covenant and confidentiality matters. She has substantial experience in Employment Tribunal litigation, where she regularly represents clients in unfair dismissal and complex discrimination claims. Caroline also frequently acts in High Court proceedings, particularly in relation to injunctive relief and post-termination restrictions. Caroline also acted in the Court of Appeal case of Lutz v Ryanair DAC and Anor, a high-profile employment status case concerning the self-employed status of pilots within the airline industry. Caroline’s client base spans a range of sectors. She advises organisations in the aviation, recruitment, technology and education sectors and acts for high-profile charity clients, including the Centre for Sustainable Energy and the London Irish Centre. In addition, Caroline provides integrated business immigration support to corporate clients, assisting with sponsor licences, worker sponsorship and business visitor arrangements. She is a member of both the Employment Lawyers Association and the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association. Caroline is actively involved in Irish business networks in London. Caroline qualified as a solicitor in 2012. "Professional, approachable and always readily available when needed. She is an expert in the field of employment law. " Legal 500, 2026 BUSINESS OWNER Caroline always provides us with sound advice for our businesses. She understands the need for urgency where necessary & also takes into account the commercial reality of situations when providing us with advice. Previous Next
- Lucy Bloom | Constantine Law
Lucy Bloom Lucy has a wealth of experience advising both employers and senior executives on all aspects of employment law, including advisory, transactional and contentious work. She prides herself on providing straightforward, commercial and strategic advice and going the extra mile for her clients "She is meticulous and extremely motivated to provide a Rolls-Royce service to her clients." client feedback, Legal 500 2026 Position Partner Contact + 44 (0)7793 007 395 lucy.bloom@constantinelaw.co.uk Lucy regularly works with HR Directors, General Counsel and Board Members of SMEs and large companies to provide practical, commercial and creative legal solutions to their business requirements. She has particular expertise in advising clients on managing workplace conflicts, internal investigations, redundancy exercises, TUPE, changing terms of employment, dismissals, discrimination, whistleblowing, High Court injunctions, the enforcement of post-termination restrictions and the protection of confidential information. Lucy is a highly experienced litigator, advising and representing employers and senior executives in high value and complex Employment Tribunal and High Court proceedings. Lucy’s clients come from a wide range of sectors, including financial services, retail, hospitality, media and luxury lifestyle. Lucy also acts for senior executives, Founders, C-Suite Executives and Partners on grievance and disciplinary issues, internal investigations, discrimination, redundancy, bonus disputes, contract and restrictive covenant matters. She has significant experience advising senior level employees on managing their exits and valuable severance negotiations. Lucy recognises the importance of providing pragmatic solutions led advice which can often be emotionally charged and highly sensitive. Lucy regularly provides bespoke training to her employer clients, has written a variety of articles and enjoys presenting at seminars. Outside of work Lucy enjoys spending time with her young son, trampolining and HIIT training. Lucy qualified as a solicitor in 2010. Areas of expertise: Discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation, bonus disputes, restrictive covenants, confidential information, injunctions, internal investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, dismissals, redundancy and restructuring exercises, TUPE and general contractual issues. HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS “Lucy’s wise counsel and excellent judgement is always well received and gives us confidence that we are in the right hands. Thorough prep, excellent briefings, tactical awareness, and being able to tap the right specialist expertise at the right times are all hugely valuable.” Previous Next
- Case Study Archive | Constantine Law
Case Studies UK immigration programme management Relocation to the UK of HNWI establishing UK presence Opposing injunctive relief proceedings Whistleblowing – Exposing the inconvenient truth Protecting your business and injunctive relief Establishing a UK presence and relocation to the UK Constantine law achieves excellent settlement for high profile journalist (falsely accused) Guiding employees through whistleblowing and discrimination claims Guiding employers through whistleblowing challenges Navigating complex TUPE matters Advising private equity group on purchase of care home division Guiding employees through disability discrimination Confidentiality dispute Confidential Information: protecting what makes your business unique Worker or self-employed contractor: recent case in the Court of Appeal
- 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
- Constantine law achieves excellent settlement for high profile journalist (falsely accused) | Constantine Law
<< Back Employment Case Studies Constantine law achieves excellent settlement for high profile journalist (falsely accused) Client: Senior employee Our client was a senior employee who ran one of the UK’s leading political websites and was dismissed due to unfounded charges against him because of his promotion to the House of Lords. The case involved to allegations relating to “SLAPP” litigation. This case settled, demonstrating Constantine Law’s dedication to providing exceptional legal support and achieving favourable outcomes for our clients in high-stakes cases. This case was led by John Hayes. For employment law advice about “SLAPP” litigation, contact our team for more info. << Back to all employment case studies
- Case Study Archive for Immigration | Constantine Law
Case Studies for Immigration Business UK immigration programme management Individual Relocation to the UK of HNWI establishing UK presence Business Establishing a UK presence and relocation to the UK Individual Advising private equity group on purchase of care home division
- Outsourcing Transactions & Tupe | Constantine Law
Outsourcing Transactions & TUPE Solving the people issues arising on an outsourcing or business sale may be critical to realising the full commercial benefit. The notoriously complex TUPE regulations pose a particular challenge for businesses. They create additional consultation obligations, protect employment terms and limit the ability to make dismissals. However, with careful planning and expert advice at the outset you should still be able to achieve your commercial objectives. Main contact Alan Lewis Number + 44 (0)7814 384 745 We can help your business by: Conducting employment law due diligence on proposed outsourcings and transactions. Drafting and negotiating employment provisions in a wide range of outsourcing and business sale agreements, including indemnity and warranty protection, entry and exit provisions, freezing provisions and wrong-pocket clauses. Advising on the impact of TUPE and providing step-by- step guidance on how to manage a TUPE transfer. Negotiating the terms of any exits or appointments of staff on completion. Post-completion advice such as harmonisation of terms and collective redundancy exercises. Case study Advising on the employment implications of the acquisition of the UK’s largest SIPP business. Advising on the TUPE and collective redundancy issues which arose during integration. Advising a private bank on the outsourcing of its IT function to an off-shore service provider. Providing a steps-plan for management of TUPE and collective redundancy obligations and negotiating employment provisions in the outsourcing agreement to ensure adequate commercial protection. Comprehensive advice and guidance on conducting an intra-group TUPE transfer for a global listed property management firm. Drafting and negotiating employment provisions in the business purchase agreement and supporting post-completion integration, including harmonisation of employment terms.

