Hugh Lumby: Salaried Employment Judge

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“The support of colleagues has been on another level. There is always someone to answer questions and share thoughts. There is a great diversity amongst my fellow judges, but common features are their quality, dedication, and willingness to be there for you. “

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Background

I worked as a commercial property solicitor in the City pretty much throughout my career, becoming head of global real estate. I had a great time, but after 30 years I was ready for a different culture and new experiences. I became a fee-paid judge in the Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal and in the Employment Tribunal in 2021.

The application

The appointment to the Employment Tribunal was largely by accident. It was a combined recruitment exercise, and I ticked the box for it almost without thought. And so, when offered the role, I did ask whether the tribunal had made a mistake, given that I had no relevant legal expertise or court experience.

Fortunately, they insisted there was no error. I loved my experiences as a fee-paid judge. The training received was superb and my mentor gave me so much time, providing practical guidance and real-world advice. Sitting as a judge was completely different to what I had done before, being both a stimulating intellectual exercise and a chance to give back in a way rarely, if ever, possible working for Big Law. In fact, I enjoyed it so much so that by 2023 I had decided to apply to become a salaried judge. This was based on both a desire to escape the world of timesheets and being on call 24/7, and the enjoyment of judging work and a supportive culture that I had not experienced before.

I was given much practical advice and assistance from both my Regional Employment Judge and mentor in making the application to become a salaried judge. What struck me then was how much I had changed and developed as a judge in a short period of time and how comfortable I felt with employment law, in spite of my trepidations only a few years before.

The role

The transition to becoming a salaried judge has been so much better than I expected, and I highly recommend it. The support of colleagues has been on another level. There is always someone to answer questions and share thoughts. There is a great diversity amongst my fellow judges, but common features are their quality, dedication, and willingness to be there for you. Working full time means the quality and range of the work is greatly enhanced and I have become fully involved in the work of the tribunal, rather than dipping in and out. Every day is different and there is no chance of the work drying up.

A great example of the support given was my diagnosis with motor neurone disease between my application and appointment as a salaried judge. This has affected my ability to speak, and I feared this would prevent my judicial career progressing further. Instead, I have been encouraged to continue and adjustments made for me. I am able to communicate through a speak aloud device and, despite my difficulties, have been able to participate in all that the tribunal does. Both the President and my Regional Employment Judge have gone above and beyond to make this happen.

So, I recommend the move to salaried without reservation, for the supportive culture, great work and intellectual stimulation. My only regret is not doing this years ago.

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