Yulia Barnes, managing partner of Mayfair-based firm Barnes Law, is passionate about finding seamless solutions for her high-flying clients
Words: Charlotte Pasha
With her international background and first-hand experience across diverse global contexts and cultures, Yulia Barnes – managing partner of Mayfair-based Barnes Law – understands what it takes to launch and grow a successful business in the UK. Having faced the same opportunities and challenges as many of her clients – a number of whom are global business leaders – she uses this perspective to provide tailored, personal and comprehensive legal support, and is known for her pragmatic approach to legal strategy.
“Being pragmatic means getting to the heart of what my client truly needs and building legal strategies that actually work in the real world,” Yulia says. “It’s not about throwing standard templates at them – it’s about understanding their business, their vision and even their cultural context. “I try to make sure the legal side of things supports their bigger goals, whether that’s growing their market share, managing risks, or attracting the right investment.
My background, including my time at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College Business School, has given me tools to approach problems with practicality and creativity.” When it comes to the unique contexts and risks associated with new ventures, Yulia’s experience has made her knowledge indispensable. This is key in founder disputes. “When tensions ran high between co-founders in one business, I helped them find a way to resolve their issues without derailing the company,” she says. “It wasn’t easy, but in the end, they maintained their partnership and kept the business on track.”
It has also proved vital for investor negotiations. “I worked with a client preparing for their first big funding round,” she says. “They were nervous so I helped them refine their pitch and structure the terms in a way that would resonate with the investor but still protect their business. The deal went through, and they were able to scale up significantly.” Elsewhere, her knowledge of expanding into the UK market has helped clients. “One international startup I supported needed help navigating UK regulations and cultural differences,” she says.
“We tackled employment laws, set up compliant contracts and adjusted their messaging to connect better with local partners. It was a big learning curve for them, but they’ve settled in well now.” Yulia’s experience of living and working in several countries has taught her how cultural differences can shape business practices. “It’s not just about knowing the laws; it’s about understanding unspoken norms and expectations,” she says. “How you approach a negotiation in the UK might be very different from how it’s done in other parts of the world. I’ve seen clients struggle because they didn’t account for these cultural nuances, and that’s where I can help.”
Indeed, roughly 60 per cent of Yulia’s clients are international. “They’re often entrepreneurs or business Yulia Barnes, managing partner of Mayfair-based firm Barnes Law, is passionate about finding seamless solutions for her high-flying clients leaders trying to establish or expand operations in the UK,” she says. “What I enjoy most is helping them bridge the gaps – whether that’s legal, cultural, or just understanding how things work here. It’s rewarding to see them succeed in such a competitive market.” The Barnes Law team is “small but mighty”, Yulia says. “We have a mix of expertise in corporate law, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance, but what I think sets us apart is our flexibility.
We don’t just follow the textbook; we adapt to each client’s needs. Everyone on the team brings something unique to the table, and we work really well together to deliver a seamless experience for our clients.” She believes her own key strength is an ability to balance logic with passion. “I like to get deep into the details of a problem and really understand it from every angle, but I also throw my whole heart into fighting for my clients. They often tell me I’m relentless – once I’m in their corner, I don’t give up. Sometimes I take things a bit too personally, but honestly, I think that’s what makes me good at what I do.”
The firm, which has an office on Stratton Street, is keen to engage with the local community and is a sponsor of this month’s Mayfair Times Community Awards. “Mayfair is such a special place – it’s this amazing blend of tradition, innovation and global influence,” Yulia says. “Supporting the awards feels like a way to give back to a community that has supported me and my clients in so many ways. Plus, I just love seeing how much talent and creativity comes through this area. It’s inspiring to be a part of it.”
