By Chidi Ugwu
A Nigerian born lawyer, Barr. Chimdinma Nwaigwe (Nee Odunze) has been elected President of the Leicestershire Law Society in the United Kingdom.
She is a dual-qualified real estate lawyer with Edward Connor Solicitors, and her election makes her the first and youngest Nigerian to occupy that position in the UK.
Speaking last month where she was honoured at the British Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF)’s Annual Gala Dinner 2025, she said “Having Mark Evans, President of The Law Society, present my award made the moment even more meaningful.”, adding that “And to be recognised on the same night as Chinwe Odimba-Chapman felt surreal. A genuine pinch-me moment.”
Nwaigwe, who was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2016, before moving to the UK in 2019, praised the BNLF as “a bridge between cultures, legal traditions, and the lived journeys of people like me”. She said that to be recognised by a community that understands both the hurdles and the hope carries a weight she doesn’t take lightly.
“This award is evidence of what becomes possible when a community lifts you with intention. When organisations like British Nigeria Law Forum, Leicestershire Law Society, and Nigerian Lawyers UK choose to champion those coming behind us, something shifts. Barriers loosen. Pathways open. Futures rewrite themselves.”
Speaking on her election, she said “Six years on, that leap of faith has brought me here, recently inaugurated as the President of the Leicestershire Law Society in its 166th year.
“At 33, I am humbled to be the youngest person to hold this office and, to the best of my knowledge, the first Nigerian in the United Kingdom to do so. This next chapter is not just about me, it is about what it represents, especially in our current political climate. It is proof that barriers can be broken, that doors can open, and that when inclusion is genuine, possibility knows no bounds,”
On her plans for the Law Society, she said “My focus this year will be on inclusion, particularly disability and mental wellbeing, with an emphasis on suicide prevention,”
“Leceiater Samaritans whose work in Suicide prevention resonates with me on a personal level tragedy, and the Samaritans’ vision is that fewer lives are lost in this way. This cause holds deep meaning for me,and l am committed to helping carry that mission forward.
“Wellbeing will remain a priority. We will retain and expand our Wellbeing Champions and introduce Well-walking, a monthly gathering to walk, talk, and connect. Not everyone is built for marathons, but almost all of us can take a walk.
“We will also strengthen ties with the next generation through collaboration with DMU, the University of Leicester, and the LJLD. The Shadow Main Committee Member initiative willcontinue.
“This will provide an LJLD representative with a seat at the table, non-voting but with voice and visibility. We have also introduced the Emerging Legal Tolent Award to recognise the achievements of students beginning their legal journey, while expanding existing categories to ensure broader and more inclusive representation.
“We will also support more local charities,” she added.
