“The times require us to be versatile in trend but firm in principle.”– Bruce Changu Jamu Hatimbula, Snr
Bruce C.J. Hatimbula, Snr is a Zambian an Advocate of the High Court of Zambia. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Commercial Law from the University of Zambia. His professional expertise spans commercial law, contract negotiation, public procurement, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Bruce began his career in private practice at Mumba Malila & Partners (now named James & Doris Legal Practitioners), one of Zambia’s leading law firms, before moving into the public sector with the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), the country’s largest statutory pension fund. He later transitioned into the telecommunications industry, joining Beeline Telecoms Limited (ZedMobile), where he has served as Legal and Regulatory Affairs Manager and Acting Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs. Throughout his journey, Bruce has contributed to legislative reforms, advised on major commercial transactions, and established himself as a trusted legal and regulatory advisor.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Failure ignited Bruce’s passion for the law. It was a windy August afternoon, seated in a car at the shopping mall, his parents warned him to apply into law school and that if he did not take heed, he would have to find other sponsors. The background to this discussion was him failing to pass his first semester in business school. Accounting to be specific. After much reflection and no option, he went back to the National Institute of Public Administration (his Alma mater) applied for a diploma in law and subsequently law school. While he was in law school, he was drawn to the suits, he began seeing the philosophy behind the black letter of the law and in a very weird sense grew a liking for the colonial wig and black gown worn by advocates in the superior courts in Zambia.
When he later volunteered in the Law firm Mumba Malila & Partner (Now James & Doris Legal Practitioners), he began to witness the changing effects of the law and how it directly influences society. Take for instance the first ever judgement he sat to receive was for a former government employee who had become of age and could not serve the maximum 14 years sentence that his charge prescribed by the law if found guilty, despite him losing the case, he got only one year and he is so thankful now each time we meet in person. Fulfilment therefore is drawn from seeing what the theory of law, whether it be a merger or acquisition, a transaction or the “principal of a year and day” has in real life. “It is so fulfilling to see these principles change people’s lives and accord them a renewed hope.”
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
“This question has a nostalgic ring to it. It takes me back to my first trial advocacy class at the Zambia Institute of Advance Legal Education (ZIALE). Our lecturer being the ever-enthusiastic Alexander Joseph Jalasi, a tried and tested litigator with vast years of experience, ranging from the corridors of justice to advising presidents, asked a similar question and what became a unison consensus at the end of the discussion was that an exceptional lawyer is one who is willing to learn and adapt. The times require us to be versatile in trend but firm in principle.” In the words of Thomas Jefferson “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock”. What this means is that one should be aware of the changes around. “The style of lawyering especially now in the 21st Century has drastically changed; it is our duty as lawyers to make sure we are skilled and suitable for the times.”
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
The telecoms industry has undergone drastic changes lately in Zambia, and this has been the effect of globalisation. It has seen the introduction of a Cyber Crimes Act, Data Protection Act and the introduction of a Mobile Levy Tax in the Fintech space. What this has done is that the industry has had to evolve and adjust to these changes. Currently Bruce is deputising the Zambia Revenue Authority in the legal working group for the implementation of the recently enacted mobile levy. This project has the capacity of expanding the reach of digital services even to the “unbanked” in the Zambian society.
Another interesting project is an industry led project that is being championed by the Presidential Delivery Unit. The project seeks to establish alternative energy sources for telecoms infrastructure around Zambia. Once finalised, Bruce believes this will be a game changer, not only in Zambia but in the Southern and Central region of Africa.
Both projects stated above can champion sustainable development and promote industry led solutions in Zambia. Every time I remember my involvement in these projects it ignites a fire in my bones and encourages me to keep working hard. Not only on matters involving the projects but in life.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books.
Bruce’s journey has greatly been influenced by M’fanyana Madima, the Growth, Insights and Innovation Partner at Madima & Associates. A transactional Lawyer biased towards startups and medium sized businesses. The thought of him reminds him of John’s words in the bible, specifically in the book of John 21:25. “Madima has done countless things that I haven’t included in this answer. In my life as a mentor. And if every one of his works were written down and described one by one, I suppose that the world itself wouldn’t have enough room to contain the books that would have to be written.”
Coming to books, Bruce would list the following and why:
Grit by Angela Duckworth. There are very few books that clearly stipulate that life is hard and that the greatest ingredient is perseverance. Giving clinical data and showing proof through successful lives.
Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. A lawyer cum banker, Aig as he is popular called set out to buy one of Africa’s most successful businesses, Access Bank and the book gives an intriguing account of this.
Deep Work by Carl Newport, gives a practical guide to doing meaningful work and how best to control one’s environment.
Imperfect Ruminations Rooted in Hope by Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia Dr. Mumba Malila, SC. This book gives a great account of his own personal journey and makes great recommendations for lawyers of the future.
The Closing Chapter by Alfred Thomson Denning (Lord Denning). This book has a special place in Bruce’s heart. It was one of the first books he ever bought. Lord Denning in the first part of his book speaks about his illustrious career and gives an account of his last days sitting as a judge. The second part of the book provides a legal retrospect of his career, examining significant cases and his views on the development of English law, such as administrative law and trade union legislation.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
“This question feels as though I am being asked to speak to my younger self. Allow me to put it in point form:
a. Firstly, you are enough. Never let anyone, no matter who they are make you feel or tell you otherwise.
b. Learn lawyering, copy your mentor if you must but in the end be you.
c. Sometimes your answers are not in the law. Read widely.
d. The man who does more than he is paid for, will soon be paid more than he does – Napoleon Hill.
e. Lastly Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end – John Lenon.
Thank so much for the opportunity.”
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Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
