Constantine Law expands with new hires

Constantine Law, a consultant-led employment and regulatory law firm renowned in Chambers and Legal 500, has announced the recruitment of two senior partners: James Baker, previously Head of Employment at Lee & Thompson, and Julie Goodway, a partner at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors. This addition elevates the firm’s employment partner tally to 12, contributing to a total workforce of 20 partners and 27 fee-earning staff.

James Baker brings over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation as an employment lawyer, having previously led Lee & Thompson’s employment team and expanded the employment team at Teacher Stern significantly since 2009. His expertise encompasses both contentious and non-contentious employment law aspects, with specific focus areas such as business protection, confidentiality, and TUPE regulations. James is adept at negotiating various employment relationship stages for both employers and senior executives, as well as providing ongoing employment advice. He enjoys recognition in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK for his work with senior executives, with Legal 500 2026 asserting, “He puts clients at ease but is also tenacious. He sees angles and strategic advantages and moves that other lawyers do not.”

Julie Goodway, also a notable addition, is respected for her experience in employment and discrimination law. She provides advice across a spectrum of employment issues, including dismissals, grievances, whistleblowing, and performance management, while also specialising in securing advantageous settlement agreements for employees and senior executives. Her success in the Employment Tribunal and negotiations with employers from SMEs to PLCs has distinguished her in the field, earning her a place in The Legal 500's recommendations.

John Hayes, Managing Partner at Constantine Law, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, “We warmly welcome both James and Julie to the firm. They are both experienced and high calibre partners and their wide-ranging knowledge brings added depth to our growing employment team and heightens our expertise in advising senior executives, in particular.”

The firm’s growth reflects its reputation and the appeal of a progressive working environment. Hayes elaborated, “Our ability to recruit partners of James and Julie’s level shows both our growing reputation and the attractions of working for a progressive, collegiate firm like ours without the fixed costs and targets of many firms.” He emphasised how the firm allows lawyers to develop their practices in ways that suit them best while benefiting from the broader support of a team. As Constantine Law continues to flourish, with five new partners added in 2025 alone and ongoing recruitment efforts, the firm is positioned for an exciting future in employment law.