Meet the Team: Cherise Luke-Bennett
Solicitor & Director at Nantes Solicitors
At Nantes Solicitors, we are proud of our team’s dedication to providing exceptional service to our clients, and one of our most valued team members is Cherise Luke-Bennett, Solicitor and Director. With a wealth of experience in Family and Matrimonial Law, Litigation, and Residential Conveyancing, Cherise’s commitment to her clients and her community has earned her a reputation as a trusted, approachable, and highly skilled solicitor.
A Journey of Determination and Success
Cherise qualified as a Solicitor in 2000, achieving this milestone while raising her eldest child, who was just one year old at the time. This personal and professional balancing act is a testament to her resilience, focus, and determination.
Since then, she has built up extensive experience across multiple areas of law. Her particular strength lies in Family Law, supporting clients through the legal and emotional complexities of separation and divorce. She also practices in Litigation and Residential Conveyancing, offering broad and practical support for individuals and families alike.
The 'Separate Together' Initiative
One of Cherise’s most valued contributions at Nantes is leading the ‘Separate Together‘ initiative. This approach allows couples to instruct one solicitor under the new divorce law to resolve their separation together, reducing conflict and focusing on collaboration. For parents, this method encourages constructive co-parenting and more positive outcomes for children.
Cherise is a trained and qualified Mediator, and her background in conflict resolution informs her ability to guide clients through this process with empathy and insight. Her passion for reducing acrimony and promoting calm, future-focused solutions shines through in all she does.
Advocacy and High Court Experience
Cherise is known for conducting her own advocacy, representing her clients in court with confidence and clarity. This hands-on approach enables her to build strong, direct relationships with those she represents.
She has appeared in the High Court on multiple occasions and is trusted to handle high-stakes, complex legal matters with skill and determination. Clients value her honesty, her empathy, and her unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes.
Community and Business Engagement
Beyond her legal work, Cherise is a passionate advocate for local businesses and community development. She previously served on the steering committee for the Weymouth BID and has long been active in the Chamber of Commerce and local networking groups. Her aim has always been to help local enterprises thrive and create stronger connections within the community.
This commitment to supporting others is a central theme in Cherise’s professional and personal life, and it continues to influence the positive impact she has within and beyond the firm.
Outside the Office
Away from work, Cherise enjoys a wide range of interests. A keen runner, she has completed four marathons, including the Loch Ness Marathon—a personal favourite. She is also a talented seamstress and enjoys line dancing as a fun and social outlet.
While her hobbies keep her active and inspired, Cherise says her proudest achievement is being a mum to her two children, who remain her greatest motivation and source of joy.
A Personal Approach to Law and Life
Cherise believes that family law is not just about legal processes; it’s about people and about helping families find stability and support through difficult times. Her down-to-earth nature and practical, compassionate guidance make her a valued advisor to her clients and an inspiring presence within the firm.
Since joining Nantes Solicitors in 2017 and becoming a Director in 2020, Cherise has shown consistent dedication to her clients, her team, and her local community. As the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA), she also helps ensure that we meet the highest standards in our financial operations.
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