Jemima J. McCullum is a Partner in Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP’s Tacoma office and a member of the Firm’s Real Estate and Land Use Practice Group. Jemima has over 24 years’ experience at her firm in work of a transactional nature, focusing her work primarily on commercial real estate, financing and business transactions. An EDB Board Member since 2023, Jemima has received many accolades over the years including making the list of Top Women Attorneys multiple times.

Learn more about Jemima in her own words:

I was asked to serve on the EDB in 2023 when someone else from my firm stepped off, but our firm has been on the EDB board through one attorney or another for longer than I can remember.  When I was recently asked to serve, I was delighted and saw it as a wonderful opportunity to be a part of civic responsibility, participate in new networking opportunities, have a chance to share my professional experience, and serve in a meaningful role that would bring about positive community impact and change.

In my capacity as a business and real estate attorney for the past 24 years at the great law firm of Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP, a firm deeply and historically committed to this region since 1894, I have come to understand what resources and opportunities this region has for new and existing businesses and what makes a business successful here.  I have learned the strengths and weaknesses of the region and met the people and political leaders who make up our community and shape its direction.  Most of all, I have gained a deep understanding of the applicable development and business laws, and by advising clients in all matters of real estate, finance and business negotiation, I have been able to be a part of many exciting projects that have become an important and iconic part of the physical and economic landscape of the region.

The most important element I can bring to this Board is my seasoned legal perspective, but I think my contribution is further enhanced by: (a) my experiences as a successful business person, having advised many of the largest and most successful companies in the region; (b) my connections to the leaders of the community we serve; and, (c) my life’s experiences, such as: (i) being a mother of a teen, which, for me comes with a keen interest in keeping this community safe, interesting, offering quality education and being a provider of good quality jobs and affordable housing; and (ii) having lived abroad in three countries and navigating very different cultures, politics, and economies.  I think my role on the Board is probably also complimented by having served on other local boards, well-known for their respected contributions to the region, including Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region and the Tacoma Art Museum.

Although I’m newer to the EDB Board, I have already participated in several discussions with business leaders in our region on how we can shape local policies that promote business growth, job creation and improved infrastructure.  I look forward to more of these discussions and being a part of supporting long-term prosperity in the region.

Most people know I’m invested in the community, but what they might not have fully realized is that, as a seasoned attorney, I’ve built my entire career on finding solutions where others see obstacles. If it touches or concerns real estate, I have probably advised on it.  Whether its reviewing, advising, strategizing, negotiating, defending, or advocating in unpredictable conditions, I’ve learned how to turn challenges into opportunities. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you!  I can be reached at 253-620-6520 or jmccullum@gth-law.com.