Gillian Lumb’s experience and expertise are extensive, and include advising and supporting global corporations in effectively managing large-scale retrenchments. These critical processes, if not handled in compliance with the law and with sensitivity, can detrimentally impact a business, its employees, their families, and communities. Lumb provides strategic counsel and representation to clients in a multitude of employment disputes, including organisational rights and collective bargaining disputes.
All of Lumb’s experience was gained with her previous firm, but in January, her journey took an exciting turn as she joined Norton Rose Fulbright SA, an opportunity she says has given her a renewed energy and one which she is delighted to have accepted.
“It was an exciting opportunity that I could not resist when Norton Rose Fulbright SA approached me to join them. It allows me to collaborate with a new team and continue to work with existing clients while growing my client base. And, it goes without saying, with the firm's extensive global footprint, there's an even greater chance to cultivate relationships with clients worldwide,” Lumb commented.
Lumb’s decision to join Norton Rose Fulbright was fuelled by several compelling factors: their expansive global reach, the diverse leadership within the firm, the exceptional calibre of lawyers, and, notably, how well the firm aligns with her specialised focus on employment law.
Brent Botha, the CEO of Norton Rose Fulbright SA, stated that their intention behind acquiring Lumb and the other new partners they’ve added over the last three years, was to grow the business both organically and laterally. He noted that Lumb’s experience and expertise would add greatly to their national employment and labour team based in Cape Town.
“There was a natural synergy between Gillian’s clients prior to her joining Norton Rose Fulbright, and those for whom we already do work. Her years of experience and having been able to attract her is a major boon for us,” Botha said.
According to Lumb, she is not only bringing her wealth of experience to Norton Rose Fulbright, but also clients who have retained her as their go-to person for strategic employment-law advice and representation in litigious and non-litigious employment-related matters.
Having focused on employment law throughout her career, Lumb says it’s an area which is both rewarding and challenging, as the law is continuously developing and having to adapt to the changing world and workplace. An example of this is the reported judgement before the Labour Court relating to the status of drivers who make use of Uber’s app in South Africa. This is a seminal case in which Lumb represented Uber.
Lumb attributes her success to her passion for this specialised area of law which she finds intellectually stimulating. She considers herself privileged to work with an array of fantastic public- and private sector clients, many of whom she has had the pleasure of collaborating with for years.
“You have to understand the business of your clients very well and their approach to employee relations so that the advice you provide is of value to them. Law is tough and you have to be passionate about it to withstand the challenges. I am glad that I chose the path of employment law where I deal with people and get opportunities to develop the law and jurisprudence,” Lumb said.
In addition to her work as a lawyer, Lumb also serves as an acting judge of the Labour Court, an experience she says helps her understand the importance of how you present your client’s case and how you can assist judges in what can be an arduous task of adjudicating cases.
Now settled in at her new firm, Lumb says she is enjoying working with her new colleagues and hopes to make a positive contribution to the team and the firm.
“I want to inspire young legal professionals and show them that law is a rewarding career. It’s a profession where you can continuously challenge yourself and the team you work with, and keep learning,” she added.
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