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- Compliance | Constantine Law
Compliance "Top quality advice and support received at good-value hourly rates" — Legal 500 2024 Are you fearful of compliance? What keeps you awake at night? What can we help with to alleviate the burden? Our team provides bespoke, practical advice that is cost effective and accessible to businesses of all sizes – whether it’s AML compliance or a GDPR policy review. We help you and everyone in your business understand the importance of risk management and complying with professional or industry regulations. We help you: Understand what regulations affect you Assess which of your services and employees are regulated and which are exempt Assist you in getting authorisation to begin regulated activities Draft or enhance internal policies and procedures Stay up-to-date with regulatory changes Deliver training to your board and workforce Make notifications to regulators Conduct Anti-Bribery, Modern Slavery and AML risk assessments Audit your business for existing compliance issues or control weaknesses Conduct pre and post-transaction due diligence Comply with information requests Prepare for and handle interviews with your regulator Manage regulatory investigations and fitness to practice hearings. You can instruct us on a discrete issue or we can assist with all your regulatory obligations. We form multi-disciplinary teams, bespoke for you, for example with compliance professionals or forensic investigators as necessary. Our Experience Advising a listed company on its Modern Slavery Act obligations including the drafting of a due diligence questionnaire and potential criminal liabilities. Advising a chain of pubs under investigation in relation compliance with Health and Safety at Work Act and Food Safety Regulations. Advising a restaurant prosecuted for Food Safety breaches. Undertook in house Data Protection Officer role and advising reactively on a range of matters and leading on audit work. Drafting anti-bribery and dawn raid policies and procedures. Drafting and updating modern slavery and human trafficking statements for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions, specifically taking into account legislation in the EU and Australia. Also helping businesses identify modern slavery and human trafficking risks within their supply chain. Reviewing financial crime business risk assessments and recommending improvements to controls in place for online gambling entities operating in multiple jurisdictions. Acting for a payroll business providing services in the US and UK. Conducting a business risk assessment, gap analysis and drafting bespoke policies, procedure and controls documents in relation to the corporate offence of failing to prevent facilitation of UK and non UK tax evasion. Advising start-up businesses in relation to financial crime frameworks and conducting risk assessments, gap analysis, training and drafting policy documents. Identifying how to deal with financial crime compliance issues identified during due diligence exercises and following mergers and acquisitions. 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 or Emmeline Coerkamp +44 (0)7500 935 206 emmeline.coerkamp@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.
- 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
- Diversity and Equality | Constantine Law
Diversity and Equality Successful management of equality and diversity issues can play a major role in talent attraction and retention. It will greatly reduce the risk and cost of litigation. However, many businesses struggle with what is a very complex area of law. Main contact John Hayes Number +44 (0) 20 3696 8230 We can help your business by: Reviewing or drafting equal opportunities and family friendly policies to ensure they remain up to date and are not inadvertently discriminatory. Advising on the management of equality and diversity issues such as flexible working or shared parental leave requests. Training your staff on equality and diversity issues in order to reduce the risk of a claim arising. Advising you on how to investigate and respond to allegations of discrimination under disciplinary or grievance procedures . Defending discrimination claims brought against the company or its staff or representing individuals wishing to pursue a discrimination claim . Case study Advising a regulated business on conducting a robust grievance investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Providing guidance on the outcome of the investigation and negotiating the exit of members of staff. Advising on investigating allegations of bullying by the managing director of a regulated business and his subsequent dismissal. Defending the following litigation and achieving a highly favourable settlement of the alleged claims. Representing City-based women and disabled workers in a number of complex and hard-fought discrimination claims. Achieving outstanding settlements which included payment of their legal costs.
- Financial Services Regulatory | Constantine Law
Financial Services Regulatory "Very efficient and responsive to client needs and timescales, an excellent professional all-round service." — Legal 500 2024 The FCA have many rules and firms are intensely regulated. When you need a helping hand, or a situation seems impossible, we build a team of specialists to provide bespoke, accessible advice for your firm as and when you need it. We help you with one-off queries, or deal with when one issue impacts another. We have worked with wealth managers, asset managers, peer to peer lenders, banks and introducers and unregulated firms. We are used to working with and having a dialogue with financial regulators. We care about our clients and the outcome. We help with: Applying for authorisation, appointed representation arrangements or variation of permission Advising individuals on Form A completion - Senior Manager or Appointed Representative applications, particularly if FCA minded to refuse, requested for interview or queries raised Advice fitness and propriety (FIT), culture and conduct Implementing Senior Manager & Certification Regime (SMCR) and training on Conduct Rules Governance reviews Advice on disclosure of convictions and cautions Drafting Regulatory References Notification and reporting obligations, and interactions with the FCA/PRA Perimeter, regulated activity (RAO) and financial promotion advice AML controls and financial crime compliance CASS and SYSC compliance, advising on operational resilience Drafting policies and procedures, advising on regulatory change, gap analysis Mis-selling and unsuitable advice concerns Responding to Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS complaints) Preparing for FCA meetings or interviews Advice regarding s166 skilled person appointments Remediation, redress, customer contact or due diligence programme Customer complaint handling including Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) complaints You can instruct us on a discrete issue or we can assist with a range of your regulatory obligations. We form multi-disciplinary teams, bespoke for you, with regulatory compliance consultants, forensic investigators and expert lawyers. Our Experience Advised broker in relation to FCA Supervision voluntary requirement (VREQ) and remediation strategy following s166 skilled person report. Advised individuals applying for AR Controlled Functions, assisting with Form A completion and advised on concerns raised by FCA approvals team. Acted for IFA firm subject to voluntary variation of permissions (VVOP), s166 skilled person review, and remediation programme regarding pension mis-selling and compliance systems upgrade. Advised individuals as to whether convictions, cautions or other matters are disclosable to FCA, firms or overseas regulators when applying for regulatory approval, firm new joiner onboarding or annual fitness and propriety declarations. Advice to a mobile network operator subject to enquiry by the FCA for allegedly carrying out consumer credit activities and regulated activities without authorisation. Advised on the prudential regulatory requirements for both capital and liquidity of banks, investment firms and insurers based in the UK, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Jersey, and Guernsey. Significant regulator liaison eg FCA, PRA, ICO, Gibraltar and Channel Island financial and data protection regulators as required, in particular regarding capital, liquidity data and documentation requirements and in respect of SREP and other visits. Member of in-house Compliance leadership team responsible for CASS framework enhancement and oversight and prudential regulatory compliance. Implemented the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) for a dual-regulated firm and for four solo-regulated entities (core and enhanced) including the development of all documentation, systems, processes and the design and delivery of training. Oversight of FCA change in control approval process for two regulated entities including overseeing and editing the business plan and the submissions for the new senior managers. Oversight of the implementation of remuneration arrangements including the compliance with three different FA remuneration codes and the operation of three remuneration committees. Established a Training & Competency framework and assisted with launch. Drafted compliance manuals, policies and key documents for CASS, financial crime and compliance. Contact 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
- John Hayes | Constantine Law
John Hayes Constantine Law was founded by John Hayes, one of the UK’s leading employment lawyers, recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers . He is busy scaling the UK’s leading employment law boutique. John completed six High Court injunctions during 2025 and is currently acting in London’s biggest whistleblowing case. He advises businesses, law firms, senior executives and lawyers on complex restrictive covenant, strategic advisory, discrimination and team move cases. 'He is very understated, but he's brilliant with tactics and really holds his nerve', Chambers 2027 Position Managing Partner Contact + 44 (0)7769 137 176 john.hayes@constantinelaw.co.uk Tenacious and direct, John is also one of London's leading solicitors in restrictive covenant disputes and an experienced High Court practitioner. He has obtained numerous injunctions for a range of corporate clients, in the High Court, in recent years, including in employment agency, wealth management and retail sectors. During 2025 he represented a national employment agency business in the Court of Appeal on an employment status case. During the past year he has represented and won in the High Court for three high profile senior executives including in the Tom James -vs- Max Potter case, which was widely reported in the national and legal press. John and Constantine Law are active members of the Employment Lawyers Association and John is a mentor to younger lawyers through ELA. He has also appeared on various ELA working parties, including the current Government consultation on restrictive covenants. John qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and as a barrister in 1993. John counts as his client base some of London’s best established and owner-managed recruitment, construction, legal, wealth management and public affairs businesses. He is an entrepreneur and he networks with and supports the work of our entrepreneurial community. Constantine law is an integral part of that community. He has great experience in the arena of employment status, including consultancy agreements, IR35, CIS and the tax implications of each. He works closely with leading accountants to provide joined-up solutions for his clients. John writes regularly in the national and trade press on employment law subjects and you can access some of these articles here. He contributes regularly on the TV and radio. John is married and lives in Hampstead, London. He is a member of the Hampstead Triathlon Club and raises money through Olympic distance triathlons. His other main passions are public affairs, his local (north London) football team and London's cultural scene. OWNER MANAGER OF ONE OF THE UK'S LARGEST PRIVATELY OWNED RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCY BUSINESSES He is a wonderful person to have in your corner and I think genuinely cares about securing outcomes for his clients. John handles all of our restrictive covenant cases and has obtained a number of injunctions for us in the High Court to enforce restrictive covenants. Next
- Alan Lewis
Alan Lewis Alan Lewis With more than twenty years’ experience as an employment lawyer and an additional decade in the corporate law arena before that, Alan is renowned among clients for his dedicated approach and attention to detail. Position Partner Contact +44 (0)7814 384 745 alan.lewis@constantinelaw.co.uk Type of work Employment Law He mainly advises employers and his clients range from small SMEs to larger companies with thousands of employees. Whether a client's concern is a complex TUPE service provsion change, a senior leaver trying to poach customers in breach of restrictive covenants or a potentially damaging employment tribunal claim, Alan has helped to steer tens of companies to a successful outcome. Initially having practised as a corporate lawyer, Alan has a keen interest in the commercial issues surrounding a corporate client's given situation and he draws on that interest to focus on solutions to minimise disruption to the client's business and its reputation. Alan advises employers on how best to streamline their management of staff and resources so that managers reduce the amount of time spent on areas where they add little value to the business. He also assists directors and other senior executives in negotiating contracts with their employing company, or in forging a favourable exit deal if they are looking to move elsewhere. Clients facing particularly challenging and stressful situations are delighted with Alan's style. A senior director says: "His caring yet forensically detailed approach put me at ease, and ensured that I achieved the best possible result." The HR Director of a retail company with more than 800 UK branches says: "He comes up with unique, creative solutions that you cannot find in a text book or from your average solicitor off the street. He is able to do this because of his ability to truly understand the needs of his clients and due to the outstanding level of care that he delivers." Alan is married to Donna and they have three grown up children. Alan and Donna have been keen brass musicians, playing key roles with some of the UK's premier bands. Alan is a keen networker and published a book on networking back in 2012. May I record my many thanks to all at Constantine law for all the help, time and effort, especially Alan Lewis who has been outstanding. I would have no hesitation in recommending Constantine Law in the future SENIOR EXECUTIVE WHO SECURED A SUBSTANTIAL SETTLEMENT SUM ON EXIT Alan is one of the most caring and intelligent Solicitors I have ever had the pleasure to meet. As a fellow solicitor I am proud to say that I look up to Alan as a shining example of best practice within the profession. Alan was kind enough to advise and help me through a legal issue recently. His caring yet forensically detailed approach put me at ease, and ensured that I achieved the best possible result. One of my favourite things about Alan is his ability to think outside the box. He comes up with unique, creative solutions that you cannot find in a text book or from your average solicitor off the street. He is able to do this because of his ability to truly understand the needs of his clients and due to outstanding level of care that he delivers. DIRECTOR AND OWNER OF A MOTORING LAW FIRM I suffered an unfortunate event whereby both my vehicles were stolen from my driveway. I recovered them but I had not realised until later that one vehicle contained some very sensitive company information relating to my payroll and my staff. This was not recovered. Alan was recommended to me by an accountant and he immediately took action for me on a Saturday morning having assessed the situation and provided me with sound advice. Alan quickly sent off the official forms, legal papers and notifications to relevant authorities so that I felt totally reassured that my business and my personal reputations were protected and I was able to sleep that night. MANAGING DIRECTOR AND MAJOR SHAREHOLDER IN A HOSPITALITY COMPANY IN MANCHESTER One of my clients was in urgent need of good employment law advice. A member of their staff who worked the till was found to have stolen thousands of pounds over a period of several months. The business owner needed to know exactly what steps to take to exit this employee without a claim. She tried to consult several HR professionals, however none was available to meet or advise her quickly enough. Alan put her mind at rest immediately, drafted the necessary letters and made sure she knew exactly what to do. She managed to terminate the employment of the individual concerned without any comeback whatsoever and to protect her business. FINANCIAL ADVISER WHO RECOMMENDED ALAN TO A CLIENT WHO OWNED A LARGE RETAIL BUSINESS IN STOKE Alan, I wish to thank you or your professionalism and guidance in helping me with a legal matter. I was facing dismissal from my executive position with a Premier League football club and one of the largest football clubs in the world. You came highly recommended to me by a friend who is a lawyer in the sports world. I am really glad I contacted you because you helped me negotiate and secure a very good outcome, one that a previous adviser I had spoken with told me would not be possible. SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER AT A PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB Alan has an innovative and collaborative approach to resolving issues for his clients. He is commercial, contemporary and solutions driven ; always looking to add value at every level. Having just finished a project for one of his larger plc clients, the HR and Operations Directors rave about Alan and the service he provides; respecting his blend of acumen and flair, whilst truly understanding their business and operational issues . They value their relationship with Alan highly, as do I - both of us acknowledging him as a vital component in achieving great results. A brilliant business partner to work with whom I hold in the highest regard. MANAGING DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF A GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING COMPANY
- Restructuring and Redundancies | Constantine Law
Employment Restructuring and Redundancies In the current economic climate, businesses are undergoing a huge challenge to maintain profitability and operating efficiency. The ability to effectively restructure your workforce is critical to meeting commercial objectives and managing overheads. We can help your business by providing comprehensive support and advice on restructuring and redundancy programs. This includes advice and support on: collective redundancy issues, such as ‘establishment’ and employee representation; selection pools and evidence-based assessment criteria; redundancy payments and their tax treatment; alternative cost-saving solutions to redundancies; changing terms and conditions of employment Case study Advising on the restructuring of the regional operations of a national construction and utilities service provider including overlapping employment and agency worker issues and selection processes. Advising on the large-scale reorganisation of a UK workforce, involving the creation of new roles and career paths and the implementation of significant changes to terms and conditions. Advising a multi-site engineering and construction business on the implications of a business transfer scenario for a predominantly agency worker, workforce. 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
- Equal Pay | Constantine Law
Equal Pay We believe that we are about to see a huge increase in equal pay litigation in the private sector in light of the introduction of compulsory gender pay gap reporting. This is compulsory for organisations with over 250 employees. However, all businesses should consider conducting an equal pay audit. This enables you to identify any liabilities and protect against litigation which can be damaging to your reputation and very costly (equal pay claims can go back six years). Main contact John Hayes Number +44 (0) 20 3696 8230 We can help your business by: Advising on your gender pay gap reporting obligations and working with your HR and Reward teams to conduct a gender pay audit. Providing legally privileged advice that identifies equal pay liabilities that may have accrued, stress- tests any potential justifications and makes recommendations to address high risk areas. Reviewing or drafting recruitment, promotion and pay review procedures to ensure remuneration is fair and transparent and not inadvertently discriminatory. Advising on the response to Equal Pay questionnaires and defending Equal Pay litigation . Case study Successfully defending a regulated business against equal pay litigation brought by a senior female actuary. The employee’s claim was defeated in the Employment Tribunal and her appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal were also unsuccessful. Delivering interactive training on Equal Pay legislation and the Gender Pay Gap reporting requirements to a client’s line managers and HR team. Drafting an Equal Pay policy with clear definitions, objectives and actions in order to meet a client’s obligations in this area.
- For Employers | Constantine Law
Expertise: For Employers What we offer CLEAR: Constantine Law Employment Annual Retainer Contracts and Handbooks Discipline, Grievances & Investigations Diversity & Equality Employment Litigation Equal Pay Executive Negotiations & Settlement Agreements GDPR and Data Protection IR35 In-house & Special Projects Outsourcing, Transactions & TUPE Recruitment Businesses Restructuring & Redundancies Training Whistleblowing Restrictive Covenants We provide direct, solutions-oriented advice across the full spectrum of employment matters, including: Whether you need day-to-day HR support or strategic advice on high stakes matters, our team is here to help. Contact Us A Modern Approach to Legal Advice We are a modern law firm built for modern times. By eliminating the fixed overheads of traditional firms, we offer competitive rates without compromising on quality. Our agile structure allows us to respond quickly, work flexibly, and deliver practical solutions that align with your business goals. Why work with us? Experienced Team: Our lawyers are recognised experts in employment, business immigration and regulatory law. Client-Focused: We tailor our advice to your business, not the other way around. Cost-Effective: Our lean model means better value for you. Responsive: We act quickly and decisively when you need us most. Get in touch To find out how we can support your business, contact one of our team members today. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help. Email
- Recruitment Businesses | Constantine Law
Employment Recruitment Businesses We are one of the main firms in the UK advising the recruitment industry, especially agency suppliers. We are Trusted Members of APSCO and the REC and we have deep sector-level expertise. We count, as clients, some of the largest privately owned recruiters in the UK. We advise recruiters on: enforcing restrictive covenants/drafting contracts of employment/on CLEAR retainer packages/on IR35 and risk mitigation. We go on a journey with business owners of recruitment firms to make their businesses “future-proof” and fit for sale. We can help your business by: Advising on the Conduct of Business Regulations and Agency Workers Regulations. Advising on self-employment models and the implications of tax issues, such as IR35 and the Construction Industry Scheme. We work with some of the UK’s leading accountants to provide specialist tax advice where required. Drafting or negotiating documentation such as consultancy agreements, umbrella contracts, temporary labour supply agreements and master or neutral vendor contracts. Acting on transfer fee disputes. Business protection advice in relation to the recruitment sector (see our Restrictive Covenant services) Case study Acting for an employment business in the Mercantile Court in relation to transfer fee litigation. Drafting a temporary labour-supply contract for an employment business. Delivering training on the reforms to travel and subsistence allowances and the impact on umbrella company arrangements. 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
- Lean lawyers for lean times | Constantine Law
Lean lawyers for lean times We are an agile and modern law firm. What does this mean? It means that we can meet the demands of these challenging times when businesses and employees can be under severe stress. It means we have reduced overheads so that we can charge out more competitively and flexibly than our competitors so that you, the client, benefit. It also means that our clients have more direct access to our senior lawyers than competitor firms and that our partner-consultants are supported in the work they do by fantastic associate solicitors. We resource work at the right level, at all times. Stripping-out fixed over heads means: We don’t carry a lease: you won’t pay for the atrium - but we will meet you at very smart, outsourced offices or a client’s office We don’t carry any unnecessary support departments: but we do source outstanding specialist suppliers in IT/Finance/PR/Admin/know-how/Compliance. All from the best in the business Charging is geared around the needs of the client and is totally transparent: not the demand for increased “PEP” (profit per equity partner). And we never “over-lawyer” We always adopt latest best practice: whether the latest cloud-based document management system, or online financial platforms or online completion of documents – its about the relentless pursuit of improvement Ultimately, its about driving down cost and putting the client first
