James Townsend

James Townsend has over two decades of experience as a solicitor advising business leaders and HR professionals on strategy, engagement, reward and disputes in the field of employment law.

As an Employment partner, he specialises in statutory and contractual employment disputes, executive terminations, complaints involving the Equality Act, restraint of trade issues and the domestic employment aspects of national and international business mergers and acquisitions.

James acts in cases before the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as, in the County Court and High Court.

James is a trusted adviser and often first port of call on employment matters. His clients operate in a number of different sectors, from those listed on the FTSE to smaller owner managed businesses. Clients include an international motorsport championship organiser, a national television company, one of the UK's largest distributors of wines and spirits, an international IT retailer, manufacturers, developers, high street retailers,  companies operating in construction and a number of privately owned businesses.

During his career, James has been a partner in a top-tier regional firm just outside London and later Head of Employment, London, for a top 100 national firm, where he also headed up the retail and leisure team.  He is an equity partner, sitting on the firm's Corporate Leadership Group. 

A regular commentator on employment law topics, James has been interviewed on BBC Radio regarding discrimination and gender equality issues and is regularly invited to appear as an expert on employment law matters on national television.  

James is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, the East India Club and is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman.