The Leicestershire Law Society (LLS) has elected Chidinma Nwaigwe as its President for the 2025/2026 term, marking a historic milestone for the regional legal body.
Nwaigwe becomes both the first Black female President of the Society and the youngest individual to hold the position since its founding more than 166 years ago.
A dual-qualified lawyer, Nwaigwe was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2016 after graduating from the University of Abuja. She relocated to the UK in 2019 and later qualified as a solicitor of England and Wales. She currently practises as a real estate lawyer with Edward Connor Solicitors.
Her election reflects broader changes within the UK legal profession, where diversity, international experience, and cross-border expertise are increasingly shaping leadership pathways.
Nwaigwe’s appointment was formally recognised at the British Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF) Annual Gala Dinner 2025, held at the Great Hall, Lincoln’s Inn, where she received an award for her contribution to the legal industry and representation of Nigerian lawyers in the diaspora.
The event drew more than 220 attendees from leading law firms, government, financial institutions, and professional bodies from both the UK and Nigeria. Notable guests included Mark Evans, President of the Law Society, Kirsty Brimelow KC, Vice Chair of the Bar Council, and Helen Grant OBE, Shadow Solicitor General.
The BNLF, which will mark its 25th anniversary next year, has expanded its role in fostering UK–Nigeria legal collaboration through conferences, seminars, and the recent establishment of a Lagos Committee to strengthen cross-border engagement.
Speaking after receiving her award, Nwaigwe described the recognition as professionally significant, noting the importance of institutions that “understand both the technical and personal dimensions of cross-border legal careers.”
Her presidency is expected to bring renewed focus on inclusion, professional development, and engagement within the Leicestershire legal community, while also reflecting the increasingly international nature of legal practice in the UK.
