Chinwe Odimba-Chapman and Chimdinma Nwaigwe honoured by BNLF for outstanding contributions to legal industry

The energy in the room last Friday night at historic Lincoln’s Inn was “truly inspiring”, as more than 220 guests from leading law firms, business, the Nigerian and UK Bars, government, aspiring lawyers, and supporters gathered for the British Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF)’s Annual Gala Dinner 2025, says Kash Balogun, Chair of BNLF.

Fast approaching its 25-year anniversary, the BNLF has been a beacon of cross-border legal collaboration, growing from a UK-based network of Nigerian lawyers into a powerhouse of influence, mentorship, and commercial connectivity.

Under the leadership of Balogun and Vice-Chair Genevieve Wakeley-Jones, in recent months the BNLF has hosted a very successful inaugural Nigerian Conference and Gala in Lagos, described by attendees as a ‘game-changing’ event, established a Lagos Committee (co-chaired by Kemi Afesojaye and Oluwatoyin Asada) to help drive their cross-border mission, and held several other networking events and legal seminars for members and others in Nigeria and the UK.

“Last Friday at The Great Hall, Lincoln’s Inn reminded me exactly why the BNLF matters,” says Wakeley-Jones, who is herself dual qualified in Nigeria and England & Wales. “A room full of energy, connection and possibility — and a community that has grown from a small network into a bridge between the UK and Nigeria.”

Wakeley-Jones co-hosted the flagship Annual Gala Dinner with Timothy Folaranmi.

She and Balogun both say that the attendance of several special guests, including MPs, senior industry leaders, and respected figures from the UK and Nigerian legal communities elevated the Gala Dinner and showed just how far the BNLF has come.

Among the attendees were Florence Eshalomi (UK Special Envoy to Nigeria), Kate Osamor (UK Special Envoy to East Africa), Helen Grant OBE (Shadow Solicitor General), Mark Evans (President of the Law Society), Kirsty Brimelow KC (Vice Chair of the Bar Council), and Olukorede Adenowo (CEO of First Bank UK),

“It was a treat to reconnect with so many familiar faces from my years as the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria under the last government, and as a former practising Solicitor,” shared Helen Grant OBE. “Britain and Nigeria have so much in common and much to share going forward. Congratulations to the BNLF for such a successful event and thank you for all you do in promoting our special relationship.”

During the Gala Dinner festivities, which included inspiring keynote speakers, fine dining, music, and entertainment, a live performance by Adun Ensemble, and networking, two awards were also presented by BNLF to Chinwe Odimba-Chapman and Chimdinma Nwaigwe, for their outstanding contributions to the legal industry.

Leading employment lawyer Chinwe Odimba-Chapman made history at the beginning of this year when she became the first black person to become Managing Partner of global firm Clifford Chance’s flagship London office, along with serving in a new role of the firm’s Co-Regional Managing Partner for Europe. She first joined Clifford Chance as a trainee in early 2002, and became a partner in 2018.

Speaking with Legal Cheek ahead of International Women’s Day earlier this year, Odimba-Chapman noted her background was very different to many of her peers when she began her legal career, which meant she brought a unique perspective and different way of thinking that became a superpower rather than a detriment.

“So don’t be afraid to be authentic, to bring ideas — and be open to trying and learning new things,” she shared. “Think of your career as a journey rather than plan — keep moving forwards and grabbing opportunities, and one day, you too will inspire others with your story.”

Last month, Chimdinma Nwaigwe was elected President of the Leicestershire Law Society. She is a dual-qualified real estate lawyer with Edward Connor Solicitors,

“Having Mark Evans, President of The Law Society, present my award made the moment even more meaningful.” shared Nwaigwe. “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.”