How Chika Chiekwe built her career at a leading law firm.
Chika Chiekwe embodies the essence of where passion meets profession.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, her Nigerian immigrant parents instilled in her the values of loyalty and cultural pride.
Her parents encouraged her to understand and embrace her cultural identity in the face of racial bias and discrimination that her parents experienced first-hand in their predominantly white community. Advocating for herself and others became a strong foundation that shaped her personal and professional journey.
“My parents were very good at making sure that we knew where we came from, knew our culture, and never to be ashamed of our culture,”
she says.
As an athlete, she quickly came to understand the importance of teamwork – “recognizing that everyone has a role to play, regardless of what their skills are” – a principle she upholds as a lawyer in corporate and commercial law.
Starting a career in law
At first she wanted to be a teacher – another impactful role in society – but early encounters with people who struggled to find their voice ignited a strong interest in law. Chiekwe’s path to becoming a lawyer was largely defined by a desire to advocate for others.
“I never knew exactly what area of law I wanted to do, I just knew I wanted to be in a position to help those who can’t help themselves. That’s what geared me into law,” she says.
While attending law school, Chiekwe had the opportunity to intern at Cox and Palmer after her first year – a rare opportunity, considering most firms only take second-year students. Her involvement with the firm from such an early stage gave her invaluable insight into the profession and motivated her to continue pursuing a career in law.
A Supportive Work Environment
At Cox and Palmer, Chiekwe found an environment where she has continued to thrive.
From the beginning, Chika felt free and welcome to express her views, even if they were critical. This was a big factor in her decision to stay at Cox and Palmer, considering the barriers Black women face in corporate spaces where they can easily be stereotyped as angry or aggressive when they share their expertise. Instead, she experienced meaningful support from the firm, through both personal and professional challenges.
It’s also a culture where every role is appreciated. “It’s not just the other lawyers and partners and associates here, it’s also all the staff,” she says. Everyone serves an important role. For Chiekwe, coworkers also became friends and mentors.
Finding Joy and Giving Back
The rewards of legal practice go beyond winning and earning prestigious titles. She finds joy in helping clients navigate personal and business challenges. Whether she’s executing corporate law or estate planning, each client interaction reaffirms her decision to study law and gives her a sense of fulfillment that few professions offer.
“Certain clients come depending on what they’re coming for, they’re usually in a vulnerable state,” she says. That’s why having someone like her to walk them through the case is so appreciated. “My clients make me feel good when I give them advice on things they never thought of beforehand.”
As a community-oriented leader, Chiekwe’s commitment extends beyond the office. She chaired the Nova Scotia Canadian Bar Association Securities Law subsection, she served on the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers Nova Scotia Chapter board for 7 years, and she currently serves on the boards of YWCA Halifax, Hope Blooms, Halifax International Airport Authority, and Nova Scotia Career Development Association.
“If others didn’t give time to me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Time is all we have to give,” she says, “and if I can share mine to support others, why shouldn’t I?“
Chika Chiekwe’s career is a testament to the power of community, meaningful support, and strong principles. Her journey as a dedicated professional and individual shows the impact one can have when they blend professional success with personal commitment to giving back.
