Solicitor – Admitted 2005
James’ advice has been consistently professional and absolutely fantastic. He provides clear, thoughtful guidance and approaches each matter with a high level of expertise and reliability.
James offers very professional and pragmatic advice with good awareness of commercial elements.
James Baker is knowledgeable, responsive and understands our business very well.
Overview
My practice as an Employment law specialist leads me to deal with highly complex, often very sensitive litigation and/or investigations concerning allegations of discrimination, protected disclosures (whistle-blowing), harassment and victimisation. I advise a varied client base including private and public sector organisations and am most commonly instructed by Boards/NEDs or Trustees and high net worth individuals.
The vast majority of my work requires complete discretion and utmost dedication, and I am known for providing a client service that is second to none, across the United Kingdom.
I have worked for Michelmores for over 20 years, including a brief spell in Virginia (USA).
Outside of work, I love nothing more than to be ½ mile off-shore, 15 meters under the surface of the sea, and with a spear-gun in hand.
I am ranked in Band 2 for Employment in Chambers UK, and I am a recommended lawyer for Employment by the Legal 500.
Recent experience
Successfully defending an NHS organisation in relation to high profile multiple whistle-blowing complaints brought by ex-employees against a number of NHS respondents
Advising a client on a complex series of protected disclosures and grievances brought by multiple employees against the employer client and numerous other employees, and involving external referrals to a regulatory bodies. The matter was concluded without recourse of litigation or non-contractual payments being made to any concerned individual
Representing the Secretary of State for Health in relation to a long-standing employment dispute brought before the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeals Tribunal and Court of Appeal
Acting for a director in the construction sector faced with threats of dismissal/blackmail from the CEO of his employer. I managed to successfully ensure that the director retained his post within the business, and the removal of the CEO
Successfully representing an employer client faced with a significant multi-million pound TUPE liability, in having the claims brought by employee representatives withdrawn at a preliminary hearing
