Job Title

Jillian is a partner in the employment team. Jillian's role involves providing a comprehensive employment law service to trades union members, including advice and representation for all aspects of Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and Civil Court proceedings. In addition, she is regularly instructed to defend professionals against misconduct/lack of competence charges before their professional regulator (NMC, HCPC, SSSC etc). Jillian’s role also covers liaison with the firm’s trades union clients.

About Jillian

As a labour and trades union activist Jillian is passionate about fighting for justice for ordinary working people. Working at Thompsons allows Jillian to combine her legal skills with her campaigning and public policy experience.

She particularly enjoys campaigning, influencing policy, and raising awareness of issues affecting workers.

Jillian is a regular media contributor, writer and speaker.

Jillian prides herself on her ability to build excellent relationships with clients. She gives legal advice in a clear, straightforward manner and deals with matters pragmatically.

Jillian completed her traineeship with Thompsons, specialising in employment law.

Prior to working at Thompsons, Jillian worked in the third sector assisting with cases for women and children who were victims of gender-based violence and commercial sexual exploitation. She also worked in the Office of the Solicitor to the Advocate General and as a Campaign Manager for the Alternative Vote Referendum.

In addition, Jillian worked in the Scottish Parliament as a researcher to Jackie Baillie MSP. During this time she played a key role in passing legislation designed to assist disabled people in their daily lives.

Expertise

Jillian currently deals with a mixed caseload of employment and professional disciplinary cases. She is particularly interested in the representation of women who have suffered widespread discrimination in the workplace.

Jillian also has experience of management and representation in relation to politically sensitive, multiple claimant cases and complex discrimination cases.

For example, she acted for a woman dismissed due to pregnancy. Through mediation, a written commitment was secured that the employer would review their policies in relation to pregnant women and provide training to all staff regarding maternity rights. It is hoped that this will assist in ensuring what happened to the client does not happen to other women in the future.

What your Clients Say About You

"I can't thank you enough for your tireless support through the entire journey of my case" - A nurse found guilty of dishonesty before the NMC. Jillian secured a short suspension and then return to unrestricted practice.

"Can't thank you enough for your efforts in representing me in my case against the NMC. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my account of the incidents and ploughing through all the papers." - A Health Visitor accused of six charges of misconduct. Jillian secured a finding of no misconduct and therefore no sanction.

"Your advice, support, professionalism and dedication to my case has been invaluable. I am and will be forever grateful to you for your help."

Qualifications

2013, Notary Public

2011, Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Strathclyde

2010, LL.B (Hons) Law, University of Dundee

Professional Memberships

Member of the Law Society of Scotland

Member, the Association of Professional Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)

Member, Scottish Medico-Legal Society

Member, Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Young Academy Of Scotland (YAS)

Associate Member of the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dance

Vice Chair of Board of Directors, Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre

Member of Board of Directors, Scottish Sports Association

Vice Chair, Abortion Rights

Member of GMB Scotland