Bernadette Chikwe

Bernadette is a Director of Housing, with over 22 years of post-qualification experience in housing law. Since joining the firm in 2013, she has supervised a dedicated team of solicitors, trainees, and caseworkers who specialise in a wide range of housing litigation and tenant-landlord disputes. With substantial experience as a duty solicitor at both Bow County Court and Central London County Court, Bernadette has developed expertise in handling rent arrears, possession proceedings, and other landlord-tenant disputes across private, local authority, and social housing sectors. She is also adept at managing mortgage possession and charging order proceedings, as well as assisting clients in suspending warrants of eviction. Her role as a duty solicitor includes providing crucial face-to-face advice and representation for clients before and after hearings, while also liaising with third parties and making necessary referrals. Bernadette has further demonstrated her versatility by supervising a remote advice service through the Legal Aid Agency’s Civil Legal Advice program. This innovative approach has allowed her to represent clients across the UK through remote communications, such as Skype, telephone, and email, offering vital legal support to those unable to access in-person services. Recognised as a "Recommended Individual" in The Legal 500 for her successful representation in possession proceedings, Bernadette brings a wealth of experience and a client-focused approach to her practice. In addition to her legal expertise, she speaks multiple languages, including Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, German and French, enhancing her ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range clients. · Duncan Lewis Solicitors