Gulnaz Raja: From Employment Tribunal Winner to Empowered Law Firm Owner
Gulnaz Raja is a name that resonates with resilience, empowerment, and determination. A former banking lawyer who fought a landmark employment tribunal case against her former employer, Starling Bank, Gulnaz’s journey from legal professional to entrepreneur is both inspiring and empowering. Her experience in the employment tribunal, representing herself without legal counsel, led her to victory, securing a £1.1 million compensation for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal.
This article explores the remarkable story of Gulnaz Raja, her legal battle with Starling Bank, her transformation into a successful law firm owner, and the lessons her story offers to those in the legal field and beyond.
Gulnaz Raja’s Legal Career: A Journey Through Banking and Law
Gulnaz Raja’s career path was firmly rooted in the corporate world. She entered the legal field after completing her Law degree at City University of London in 2007. She secured her Legal Practice Course (LPC) at The University of Law. Raja worked in various prestigious positions in corporate law, eventually moving to the financial services sector. She held positions such as Regulatory Counsel and Chartered Company Secretary at Vanquis Bank, Coventry Building Society, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, advising senior management on corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
Her time in the banking industry gave her extensive experience in employment law and regulatory matters, skills she would later apply to her employment tribunal case. Her corporate background and regulatory expertise helped her navigate the complexities of her tribunal proceedings.
The Employment Tribunal Case: Gulnaz Raja vs. Starling Bank
Gulnaz Raja’s legal career took an unexpected turn in 2020 when she was dismissed as Deputy Company Secretary at Starling Bank. Raja, who had been diagnosed with asthma, found herself caught between her health requirements and the demands of her workplace. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, she requested the ability to work from home due to health concerns. However, this request was met with resistance from her employer.
Starling Bank had a culture that valued employees working long hours in the office, and Raja’s decision to leave promptly after her contracted hours was criticized. Her supervisor, Matthew Newman, reportedly told her she was “not a Starling person,” leading to her dismissal in March 2020. Raja’s departure from the company was framed as performance-related, but the reality was that her health issues—specifically her asthma—played a pivotal role in her unfair treatment.
After her dismissal, Raja represented herself in a disability discrimination lawsuit against Starling Bank. Despite the immense emotional and financial strain, Raja remained determined. She took on the role of a litigant in person, preparing the case, presenting evidence, and even cross-examining witnesses—without the support of legal counsel. Her courage and persistence paid off, as the tribunal found in her favor, ruling that her dismissal was discriminatory and unfair.
The Legal Victory: £1.1 Million in Compensation
In 2023, Gulnaz Raja emerged victorious in the employment tribunal after years of legal proceedings. She was awarded a total of £1.1 million in compensation, which included past and future loss of earnings and damages for injury to feelings. This ruling was a significant milestone in her career and served as a testament to her strength and perseverance. The tribunal found that her dismissal was primarily motivated by her health issues and requests to work remotely, which Starling Bank did not correctly consider.
This case also highlighted the challenges faced by employees with disabilities, especially in industries that demand high performance and long working hours. Gulnaz Raja’s success is an essential reminder of reasonable accommodations for employees with health conditions and the need for companies to create inclusive and supportive work environments.
From Legal Battle to Entrepreneur: GNR Solicitors
After winning her employment tribunal case, Gulnaz Raja took the next step in her career by founding her law firm, GNR Solicitors, in October 2021. The firm specializes in employment and business immigration law, helping claimants navigate employment disputes and providing legal support to businesses. Gulnaz’s entrepreneurial journey was a natural progression, driven by her desire to use her knowledge of employment law and her experience as a litigant to support others.
Starting a law firm during the pandemic was challenging, but Gulnaz’s determination and legal expertise enabled her to build a thriving practice. Her success as a Business Woman of the Year finalist at the SME National Business Awards in 2022 further cemented her reputation as a successful entrepreneur. Gulnaz now acts as a legal expert and a mentor, guiding other entrepreneurs and legal professionals.
Empowering Women in Law: Advocating for Diversity and Leadership
In addition to her legal practice, Gulnaz has become a strong advocate for women in law. As an AllBright Ambassador for Women in Law, she hosted events for female executives and worked to create spaces for women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her advocacy extends to entrepreneurship and leadership, where she uses her platform to encourage women to pursue their ambitions.
Gulnaz also shares her knowledge and experience as a lecturer at The University of Law, where she teaches postgraduate and LLM courses. This role allows her to contribute to the education of future lawyers and leaders, particularly those interested in employment litigation and tribunal work.
Lessons from Gulnaz Raja’s Story
Gulnaz Raja’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone facing workplace discrimination or seeking to build a career in law:
- Resilience is Key: Gulnaz’s ability to remain determined despite her health challenges and the difficulties of representing herself in court is a lesson in resilience. She turned adversity into an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the legal field.
- Representation Matters: Gulnaz’s success in the employment tribunal demonstrates the importance of confidently representing oneself. While having legal counsel is often necessary, Gulnaz’s case shows that individuals can navigate complex legal systems independently with the proper knowledge and preparation.
- Advocacy for Equality: Gulnaz’s legal battle was not just about her case but about advocating for better treatment of employees with disabilities. Her victory has the potential to inspire others facing similar issues and contribute to a broader conversation about equality in the workplace.
- Entrepreneurship and Leadership: Gulnaz’s transition from a banking lawyer to a law firm owner is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey demonstrates that the legal field offers numerous opportunities for professionals wanting to carve their paths.
Conclusion: Gulnaz Raja’s Impact on Employment Law
Gulnaz Raja is more than just a tribunal winner; she symbolizes perseverance, legal expertise, and empowerment. From her employment tribunal case against Starling Bank to founding GNR Solicitors, her story is one of overcoming challenges and achieving success. As a law firm owner, advocate for women in law, and lecturer, Gulnaz continues to significantly impact the legal industry, inspiring future generations of lawyers and entrepreneurs.
Her journey reminds us that with determination, knowledge, and resilience, we can navigate legal battles, transform personal adversity into professional success, and make a positive impact on the world.
