Chima Umezuruike LLB (Hons) LLM General Information Dual qualified at both the English and Nigerian Bar, Chima is a highly experienced Barrister with international legal expertise. With a broad Civil Law practice, Chima regularly appears in the Civil and Family Courts in both the UK and Nigeria, as well as representing clients in complex cases in the English High Court and the Court of Appeal. Chima has also appeared in the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords. As an accredited expert on Nigerian Law, Chima has been involved in many cross-border cases between Nigeria and England. He regularly prepares expert’s reports on Nigerian Law for use in the English Courts and has given expert evidence on Nigerian criminal law and constitutional law in trials at English Crown Courts. Working remotely from Nigeria, Chima liaises closely with clients and solicitors in England, holding conferences, receiving instructions and drafting court documents. He frequently travels to London for interlocutory hearings, case and costs management conferences, trials and appeals, as well as appearing in English courts remotely from Nigeria. Thanks to technology, he can work effectively from any location and clients often comment on the speed and accuracy of his work. Legal expertise: -PROPERTY LAW Acting for landlords and tenants in disputes, co-ownership disputes, trusts and probate matters, advising on commercial property issues and drafting pleadings -COMMERCIAL LAW Advising on all legal aspects of commercial transactions including drafting and vetting contracts, drafting letters of claim and responding to them, drafting court documents and court representation -FAMILY LAW – DIVORCE AND CHILD ARRANGEMENTS Financial settlements on divorce, child arrangements including international residency and child abduction, particularly between the UK and Nigeria -IMMIGRATION Advising clients on how to make visa applications, particularly those applying from Nigeria to the UK, completing visa application forms, preparing covering letters to support applications to the British High Commission and applications for judicial review where applications have been refused, representation at immigration tribunals Direct access and solicitor appointed Qualified under the Direct Access scheme, Chima is instructed directly by members of the public as well as by solicitors. Chima regularly helps husbands and wives settle big money divorce cases, as well as helping clients draft successful applications for judicial review following visa rejection. With many years of experience working directly with members of the public, Chima has a personable approach and a desire to help others understand the complex legal system. All of his clients appreciate the pace at which he works and the depth of his experience in UK & Nigerian Law. Professional qualifications & associations -Called to the Nigerian Bar as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1986 -Called to the English Bar by the Honourable Soclety of the Inner Temple in 1991 -Master of Laws (LLM) – University of London, LSE -Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons) – University of Nigeria -ILEX Diploma in Criminal Litigation -Elected full member of The Academy of Experts as a Nigerian Barrister Elected member of The Expert Witness Institute as an