Grace Cheng
Year of Call 2016 (Hong Kong (2013); AIFC (2020); DIFC (2022); SICC (2022); BVI (2024))
Year of Call 2016 (Hong Kong (2013); AIFC (2020); DIFC (2022); SICC (2022); BVI (2024))
Profile
Grace Cheng is an English barrister, qualified Hong Kong solicitor and has been admitted to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands. She is a registered foreign lawyer at the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) and has rights of audience before the DIFC Courts (Dubai) and the AIFC Court (Kazakhstan). In addition to speaking fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin, Grace has a working knowledge of French and Spanish. She is recognised as a leading junior in Sport Law by Legal 500, ranked as an Arbitrator (International Arbitration) by Chambers and Partners, and is included in Lexology Index as a Future Leader in Arbitration.
Grace is a versatile advocate with experience in many different areas of the law (ranging from commercial and construction to family, employment, public, intellectual property, and sports law) with a particular focus on complex commercial matters involving an international element. She has worked for a wide range of clients including governments, FTSE 100 companies and high net worth individuals. Grace was appointed to the inaugural Legal Services Panel for the Government of the Virgin Islands. She often appears as sole counsel, including acting for a company which is ultimately owned by one of the largest financial services companies in the world in a SIAC arbitration with a claim value in excess of SGD 400 million (i.e. over USD 300 million).
Grace was shortlisted for the Legal 500 Sports Junior of the Year Award 2024. She is a member of the British Horseracing Authority’s Judicial Panel and The Football Association’s Judicial Panel (including its Anti-Discrimination Panel), and has been a member of the Standing Panels for the Davis Cup Finals and Billie Jean King Cup Finals for several years. She was appointed as a member of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Disciplinary Commission in the biggest snooker match fixing hearing to-date to determine disciplinary proceedings against 10 professional snooker players.
In addition to her practice as counsel, Grace is a sought after neutral and has received over 70 appointments as arbitrator, adjudicator, expert, as well as being a member of various judicial panels, independent tribunals, disciplinary and regulatory commissions. She regularly deals with disputes in a diverse range of areas and involving a range of languages and governing laws, including the laws of England and Wales, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. She has acted in matters administered under the rules of a multitude of different institutions including the AIAC, DIAC, HKIAC, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, SCCA as well as ad hoc arbitrations and those under UNCITRAL rules. She is a member of the Bar Council’s ADR Panel.
Grace has taught law at the University of Oxford, King’s College London, the University of Warwick, the National Taiwan University and the National Chengchi University. She is a member of the AIAC Academy Tutors Panel and the AIFC Academy of Law Academic Pool.
Grace obtained a First Class Honours degree in law from the LSE and the BCL from the University of Oxford. She previously worked at Slaughter and May and was judicial assistant to the Honourable Mr Justice Blair when he was the Judge in Charge of the Commercial Court. She has also assisted Professor Ewan McKendrick with the latest two editions of Goode and McKendrick on Commercial Law.
Contact Us
Helaina Padda
Assistant Practice Manager
Publications
- The Continuing Triumph of ‘Bright Line’ Rules: Rothwell revisited (2017) 25 Tort Law Review 3
- “You’re fired”: The Blacklisting of Workers in the Construction Industry (2017) 33 Construction Law Journal 403
- E-Money: Evolution or revolution? (2018) 33(2) Journal of International Banking Law and Regulation 56
- What’s in a name? (2018) 1 International Family Law Journal 50
- The role of judicial review in the EU’s financial architecture and the development of alternative remedies: The experience of the Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities (2018) 84 Quaderni di Ricerca Giuridica published by Banca d’Italia 17 (co-authored with Sir William Blair)
- In Code we trust? Trustlessness and smart contracts (co-authored with Mimi Zou and Marta Soria Heredia) originally published by the Society for Computers and Law (April 2019) and in abridged form by the Oxford Business Law Blog (University of Oxford)
- Member of Commercial Bar Association / Chancery Bar Association joint working group responding to the Law Commission’s call for evidence on smart contracts (March 2021) and the Law Commission’s consultation on digital assets (November 2022).
- Overriding mandatory rules and compliance in international arbitration: national monetary restrictions, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Dossier XIX (co-authored with Sir William Blair)
- Arbitrating financial disputes—are they different and what lies ahead? (2022) Arbitration International 1 (co-authored with Sir William Blair, Gökçe Uyar and Yang Zhao)
- The Lasting Legacy of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Construction Industry in the UK (2022) 38(4) Construction Law Journal 1
- Book chapter – author of ‘Proceedings before international courts and organisations’ which formed part of the ‘Public International Law’ chapter of the book ‘The Law of Net Zero and Nature Positive’, published in January 2025.
- Wolters Kluwer – Kluwer Arbitration, ‘Practical Insights on Fact Evidence’
Additional Information
Lectures
- ‘Principles of Civil Proceedings in the UK Courts’, Lecture delivered as part of the Astana International Finance Centre Foundations Program for Lawyers (AIFC Academy, March 2021)
- ‘Overview of English Law’, Lecture delivered to the National Welfare Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”, a sovereign wealth fund and joint stock company in Kazakhstan which owns, either in whole or in part, a number of major companies in the country (AIFC Academy, August 2021)
- ‘Commercial Law’, a series of lectures delivered as part of the Astana International Finance Centre Certificate in Common Law course (AIFC Academy, September to October 2021)
- ‘The rise of international courts’, Speaker at The Law Society’s Dispute Resolution Conference in London (The Law Society, September 2023)
- ‘The Experienced Adjudicator’, Speaker at the SCL Irish Conference in Dublin (Society for Construction Law, November 2023)
- ‘Arbitration Agreement in Charter Parties and Bill of Lading’, Speaker at the Global Maritime Arbitration Conference (Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai’s Centre for Arbitration and Research, December 2023)
- ‘Futureproofing your practice through alternative dispute resolution’, Speaker at the annual Bar Conference 2024 in London (Bar Council, June 2024)
- ‘The future of the Commercial Courts: where are we headed and what can we learn from overseas?’, Speaker at the CLA Annual Conference 2024 in London (Commercial Litigation Association, September 2024)
- ‘Sports law and salient legal issues’, Invited to deliver training on sports law in Hong Kong as part of the AALCO Sports Mediation Training Programme (AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre, January 2025)
- ‘The call for a London Dispute Resolution Committee – how can mediators, arbitrators and litigators work together?’, Speaker at London International Disputes Week 2025 in London (LIDW, June 2025)
- 2025 London Summit on Commercial Dispute Resolution in China – Moderator of the session on ‘Intellectual Property Challenge in AI Era: Judicial Reforms and Dispute Resolution’ (Beijing Arbitration Commission / Beijing International Arbitration Court, June 2025)
Grace assisted Professor Ewan McKendrick with the latest two editions (i.e. 5th and 6th editions) of Goode and McKendrick on Commercial Law, a widely-used text by practitioners and academics, including assuming primary responsibility for updating chapters 38 (commercial litigation) and 39 (commercial arbitration) of the book. She was previously an associate editor of the Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal.
Her ‘A day in the life of’ column was featured in Family Law LexisNexis. Grace was also featured in the Chancery Bar Association’s ‘Meet the Chancery barristers’ career’s guide.
Publications
- The Continuing Triumph of ‘Bright Line’ Rules: Rothwell revisited (2017) 25 Tort Law Review 3
- “You’re fired”: The Blacklisting of Workers in the Construction Industry (2017) 33 Construction Law Journal 403
- E-Money: Evolution or revolution? (2018) 33(2) Journal of International Banking Law and Regulation 56
- What’s in a name? (2018) 1 International Family Law Journal 50
- The role of judicial review in the EU’s financial architecture and the development of alternative remedies: The experience of the Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities (2018) 84 Quaderni di Ricerca Giuridica published by Banca d’Italia 17 (co-authored with Sir William Blair)
- In Code we trust? Trustlessness and smart contracts (co-authored with Mimi Zou and Marta Soria Heredia) originally published by the Society for Computers and Law (April 2019) and in abridged form by the Oxford Business Law Blog (University of Oxford)
- Member of Commercial Bar Association / Chancery Bar Association joint working group responding to the Law Commission’s call for evidence on smart contracts (March 2021) and the Law Commission’s consultation on digital assets (November 2022).
- Overriding mandatory rules and compliance in international arbitration: national monetary restrictions, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Dossier XIX (co-authored with Sir William Blair)
- Arbitrating financial disputes—are they different and what lies ahead? (2022) Arbitration International 1 (co-authored with Sir William Blair, Gökçe Uyar and Yang Zhao)
- The Lasting Legacy of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Construction Industry in the UK (2022) 38(4) Construction Law Journal 1
- Book chapter – author of ‘Proceedings before international courts and organisations’ which formed part of the ‘Public International Law’ chapter of the book ‘The Law of Net Zero and Nature Positive’, published in January 2025.
- Wolters Kluwer – Kluwer Arbitration, ‘Practical Insights on Fact Evidence’
Additional Information
Lectures
- ‘Principles of Civil Proceedings in the UK Courts’, Lecture delivered as part of the Astana International Finance Centre Foundations Program for Lawyers (AIFC Academy, March 2021)
- ‘Overview of English Law’, Lecture delivered to the National Welfare Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”, a sovereign wealth fund and joint stock company in Kazakhstan which owns, either in whole or in part, a number of major companies in the country (AIFC Academy, August 2021)
- ‘Commercial Law’, a series of lectures delivered as part of the Astana International Finance Centre Certificate in Common Law course (AIFC Academy, September to October 2021)
- ‘The rise of international courts’, Speaker at The Law Society’s Dispute Resolution Conference in London (The Law Society, September 2023)
- ‘The Experienced Adjudicator’, Speaker at the SCL Irish Conference in Dublin (Society for Construction Law, November 2023)
- ‘Arbitration Agreement in Charter Parties and Bill of Lading’, Speaker at the Global Maritime Arbitration Conference (Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai’s Centre for Arbitration and Research, December 2023)
- ‘Futureproofing your practice through alternative dispute resolution’, Speaker at the annual Bar Conference 2024 in London (Bar Council, June 2024)
- ‘The future of the Commercial Courts: where are we headed and what can we learn from overseas?’, Speaker at the CLA Annual Conference 2024 in London (Commercial Litigation Association, September 2024)
- ‘Sports law and salient legal issues’, Invited to deliver training on sports law in Hong Kong as part of the AALCO Sports Mediation Training Programme (AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre, January 2025)
- ‘The call for a London Dispute Resolution Committee – how can mediators, arbitrators and litigators work together?’, Speaker at London International Disputes Week 2025 in London (LIDW, June 2025)
- 2025 London Summit on Commercial Dispute Resolution in China – Moderator of the session on ‘Intellectual Property Challenge in AI Era: Judicial Reforms and Dispute Resolution’ (Beijing Arbitration Commission / Beijing International Arbitration Court, June 2025)
Grace assisted Professor Ewan McKendrick with the latest two editions (i.e. 5th and 6th editions) of Goode and McKendrick on Commercial Law, a widely-used text by practitioners and academics, including assuming primary responsibility for updating chapters 38 (commercial litigation) and 39 (commercial arbitration) of the book. She was previously an associate editor of the Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal.
Her ‘A day in the life of’ column was featured in Family Law LexisNexis. Grace was also featured in the Chancery Bar Association’s ‘Meet the Chancery barristers’ career’s guide.
Contact Us
Helaina Padda
Assistant Practice Manager
Areas Of Expertise
Grace is ranked as an Arbitrator (International Arbitration) by Chambers and Partners and included in Lexology Index as a Future Leader in Arbitration. She was instructed as sole counsel in a SIAC arbitration with a claim value in excess of SGD 400 million (i.e. over USD 300 million) by a company which is ultimately owned by one of the largest financial services companies in the world.
In addition to her work as counsel, she is also a sought after neutral and has received over 70 appointments as arbitrator, adjudicator, expert, as well as being a member of various judicial panels, independent tribunals, disciplinary and regulatory commissions. She regularly deals with disputes in a diverse range of areas and involving a range of languages and governing laws, including the laws of England and Wales, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. She has acted in matters administered under the rules of a multitude of different institutions including the AIAC, DIAC, HKIAC, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, SCCA as well as ad hoc arbitrations and those under UNCITRAL rules.
Grace is included on a large number of panels, registries and databases of arbitrators including ACICA (Australia), AIAC (Malaysia); BAC / BIAC (Beijing); Delos (Paris); DIAC (Dubai); FINRA (US/Puerto Rico); HKIAC (Hong Kong); ICC (UK); LCIA (London); LMAA (London); SCC (Stockholm); SHIAC (Shanghai); SIAC (Singapore); SCCA (Saudi Arabia); Sport Resolutions (International); and the World Intellectual Property Organization. She is a member of the Bar Council’s ADR Panel.
Cases of Note
- Appointed as co-arbitrator in an AIAC arbitration governed by the laws of Malaysia involving allegations of breach of a charterparty including to make payments of mobilisation fees and advance charter hire, and to make provision of a performance back guarantee (claim value in excess of USD 7.5 million)
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration governed by the laws of the Emirate of Dubai involving breach of an agreement for the sale and purchase of land in Dubai due to a failure to comply with planning and zoning procedures (claim value in excess of AED 7.3 million, i.e. over USD 2 million)
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration involving breach of a repatriation agreement involving medical transport services for a flight from Switzerland to South Korea
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in an HKIAC arbitration governed by Hong Kong law involving breach of agreement relating to the sale of products on one of the world’s largest online retailer and marketplace
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in four HKIAC arbitrations governed by Hong Kong law and conducted under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and the HKIAC Procedures for the Administration of Arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules involving breach of various contracts entered into between a company from the United States and a company from Mexico for the sale and purchase of terrain / truck cranes
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in an HKIAC arbitration governed by Hong Kong law involving a maritime commodities dispute entered into between a company from the United States and a company from Vietnam for the sale and purchase of steel strips
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in an HKIAC arbitration governed by Hong Kong law and conducted in Mandarin Chinese involving breach of a put option in an investment agreement involving the acquisition by a BVI company of a company that was intended to be listed on the Dubai Financial Market (claim value in excess of USD 10 million)
- Appointed as co-arbitrator in an LCIA arbitration governed by English law involving breach of an agreement for the sale of anthracite coal of Russian origin by a UK company to a Swiss company, with the port of discharge in India (claim value in excess of USD 2.4 million)
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in an SIAC arbitration governed by the laws of Singapore in relation to a failure to transfer and issue shares in a software engineering company following payment made in the form of cryptocurrency (claim value in excess of USD 7 million)
- Appointed as sole arbitrator in an SIAC arbitration (expedited procedure) governed by the laws of Singapore in relation to a failure by one of the respondents to fulfil its obligations under a Shareholder’s Agreement and Sale and Purchase Agreement to purchase Option Shares in a healthcare company from the claimant
- Appointed as co-arbitrator in an SCCA arbitration, governed by the laws of Saudi Arabia and with the place of arbitration being in Riyadh, involving a failure to make outstanding charter hire payments in relation to the lease of a vessel used for the construction of a military base (claim value in excess of USD 2.4 million)
- Acting for a company which is ultimately owned by one of the largest financial services companies in the world in a SIAC arbitration involving an alleged breach of a put option agreement (claim value in excess of SGD 400 million, i.e. over USD 300 million)
- Advising a Chinese state-owned conglomerate in relation to a SIAC arbitration concerning the Dhaka Elevated Expressway Project involving the construction of the first elevated expressway in Bangladesh to connect Shahjalal airport to Kutubkhali quarter in Dhaka
- Acting for a major Chinese property developer in an ICC arbitration seated in London in relation to a breach of a settlement agreement entered into between two large conglomerate groups with a history of disputes spanning multiple proceedings in the People’s Republic of China and the British Virgin Islands (claim value in excess of USD 8 million)
Prior to joining the Bar, Grace worked at magic circle law firm Slaughter and May where she assisted with high-profile international commercial transactions and advised clients including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Prada, Cathay Pacific, MTR, Moody’s and Standard Chartered.
Grace has published articles in leading journals, including pieces co-written with Sir William Blair in the Bank of Italy’s Legal Research Working Papers and in the ICC Dossier. She was part of a joint COMBAR / ChBA working group responding to the Law Commission’s call for evidence on smart contracts.
Cases of Note
- Acting for a company which is ultimately owned by one of the largest financial services companies in the world in a SIAC arbitration governed by Singapore law involving an alleged breach of a put option agreement (claim value in excess of SGD 400 million, i.e. over USD 300 million)
- Advising a Chinese state-owned conglomerate in relation to a SIAC arbitration governed by English law concerning the Dhaka Elevated Expressway Project involving the construction of the first elevated expressway in Bangladesh to connect Shahjalal airport to Kutubkhali quarter in Dhaka
- Advising a Romanian state-owned entity in a dispute concerning the sale and delivery of coal by a Swiss company and guaranteed by a Dutch company (claim value in excess of £24 million)
- Acting for a major Chinese property developer in an ICC arbitration seated in London in relation to a breach of a settlement agreement entered into between two large conglomerate groups with a history of disputes spanning multiple proceedings in the People’s Republic of China and the British Virgin Islands (claim value in excess of USD 8 million)
- Acting for an Italian fashion company in an appeal in the Court of Appeal involving a damages claim for breach of a contractual obligation to indemnify
- Advising a German publicly listed company on the recognition and enforcement of a German court judgment in the UK
- Acting for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a company in a High Court claim brought by a Covid-19 testing laboratory for breach of employment contract, breach of fiduciary duties and conspiracy
- Acting for a Chinese company in a High Court claim relating to allegations that Peppa Pig toys had been manufactured and distributed without approval
- Acting for a popular chain with over 100 restaurants worldwide in a High Court unfair prejudice claim
- Appointed as expert in an expert determination in relation to the legal construction and interpretation of a lease agreement
Assisted with the following matters at Slaughter and May:
- Advising CITIC Securities Corporate Finance (HK) Limited on the cash offer made on behalf of a controlling shareholder of China XLX Fertiliser Ltd (China XLX) for the shares of China XLX, one of the largest manufacturers of coal-based urea and compound fertilisers in China. The cash offer was made in connection with the proposal to delist the shares of China XLX from the Singapore Exchange, with the shares remaining listed on the Hong Kong Exchange
- Advising China Power International Development Limited, the flagship company of China Power Investment Corporation, one of the five national power generation groups in China, in relation to its issue of RMB 2 billion 4.5% bonds due 2017
- Advising MTR Corporation in relation to the construction and commissioning of the Shatin to Central Link, one of the most significant infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Hong Kong
- Advising an international banking group in respect of the global IBOR investigations, including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s HIBOR investigation in Hong Kong
- Advising Cathay Pacific Airways and Swire Pacific Limited on the annual update of their debt issuance programmes
Assisted with the following decision given by The Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities, as Judicial Assistant to The Honourable Mr Justice Blair: FinancialCraft Analytics Sp. z o.o. (formerly named Global Rating Sp. z o.o.) v The European Securities and Markets Authority (Ref. BoA 2017 01)
Grace has considerable experience working on railway projects, including advising MTR Corporation in relation to the construction and commissioning of the Shatin to Central Link (one of the most significant infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Hong Kong), and advising Affinity Water in relation to potential disruptions caused by the construction of the HS2 rail link.
She has advised an oil and gas company on issues arising out of a contract for engineering, procurement, construction and installation of fibre optic infrastructure in Kazakhstan, resulting from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. She also advised one of the largest developers in the UK in relation to the design and construction of a residential and premium quality hotel development involving a JCT contract.
Grace also has significant experience as an adjudicator, including being appointed as adjudicator in over 10 matters, and is on various panels of adjudicators, including HKA (Hong Kong); HKIAC (Hong Kong); LMAA (London); TECBAR (UK); and UKA (UK).
Cases of Note
- Advising Affinity Water Limited in relation to a dispute with High Speed Two (HS2) Limited over who should bear the costs for the diversion of a major water main affected by the construction of the HS2 rail link (with Paul Darling KC and Charles Morgan)
- Advising an oil and gas company on issues arising out of a contract for engineering, procurement, construction and installation of fibre optic infrastructure in Kazakhstan, including on descoping and acceleration, and exposure and entitlement resulting from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic (with Jeremy Nicholson KC)
- Advising one of the largest developers in the UK in relation to the design and construction of a residential and premium quality hotel development involving a JCT contract
- Melton Town Football Club Ltd v Hunts Contractors Ltd [2023] EWHC 3133 (TCC) – appointed as adjudicator in respect of a dispute involving the design and construction of a new football pitch (claim value approximately £900,000)
- Lapp industries Ltd v 1st Formations Ltd [2025] EWHC 943 (TCC) – appointed as adjudicator in respect of an outstanding debt for payment in relation to works related to the refurbishment of commercial premises
- Appointed as adjudicator in respect of a dispute involving the supply and installation of lighting at a fleet of stores owned by a British high-street retail chain (claim value approximately £400,000)
- Appointed as adjudicator in respect of a dispute involving the maintenance and repair services of escalators and conveyors installed at a fleet of stores owned by a British high-street retail chain (claim value approximately £400,000)
- Appointed as adjudicator in a claim concerning unpaid invoices for works carried out as part of a project comprising the construction of an extension and conversion of an office into a hotel pursuant to a JCT contract
Grace was shortlisted for the Legal 500 Sports Junior of the Year Award 2024, and has received numerous appointments as a member of the judicial panels, independent tribunals, disciplinary and regulatory commissions of various sporting bodies. She has acted for the Badminton World Federation and a high-profile professional football player, and is included on Sport Resolutions’ Panel of Arbitrators (International). She is also a member of the British Horseracing Authority’s Judicial Panel and The Football Association’s Judicial Panel (including its Anti-Discrimination Panel), and has been a member of the Standing Panels for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and the Davis Cup Finals since 2022 and 2023 respectively.
She has been appointed as sole arbitrator by The Football Association in a number of Rule K arbitrations involving allegations of unpaid intermediary fees and as sole arbitrator of the Independent Tribunal in a matter involving two appeals by a national tennis association concerning misconduct at the Davis Cup which has been said to be the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport. She was appointed as a member of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Disciplinary Commission in the biggest snooker match fixing hearing to-date to determine disciplinary proceedings against 10 professional snooker players.
Cases of Note
- Acting for the Badminton World Federation in relation to an appeal concerning membership of one of its constituent bodies
- Acting for a professional footballer in a CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) arbitration involving an alleged failure to pay outstanding salaries (claim value of RMB 14 million, i.e. almost USD 2 million)
- Appointed as a member of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Disciplinary Commission in the biggest snooker match fixing hearing to-date to determine proceedings against 10 professional snooker players pursuant to article 7.1 of the WPBSA conduct regulations relating to allegations of betting and match fixing
- Appointed as Chair of the Independent Tribunal in a matter involving two appeals by a national tennis association concerning misconduct at the Davis Cup which has been said to be the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport
- Appointed as Chair of the Independent Tribunal to determine an appeal brought by a national association of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) challenging a decision of the ITF Davis Cup Committee that it is possible and practicable for its tennis team to travel to and play in a specified venue for a Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie
- Appointed as Chair of the Independent Tribunal in a matter involving an Anti-Doping Rule Violation at an ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour event
- Appointed as co-arbitrator of the Independent Tribunal in a matter involving disciplinary proceedings brought against a tennis player by the ITF under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme at the ITF World Tennis Tour Tournament as a result of the player’s failure to provide a urine sample on demand due to an alleged medical condition
- Appointed as Chair of the Independent Tribunal in a matter relating to a complaint brought by The Football Association against a professional football club during The FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup (Conti Cup) in relation to an alleged breach of the Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Competition Rules
- Appointed as Chair of the Football Association Regulatory Commission in multiple matters relating to breaches of Rule E3.1 for discriminatory language used by players during football matches including disability, sexual orientation and race discrimination
- Appointed as a member of the English Football League Disciplinary Commission to determine proceedings against Barnsley Football Club and others for failing to provide correct information regarding the ultimate beneficial ownership of shareholdings
- Appointed by The Football Association as sole arbitrator in 4 separate Rule K arbitrations involving allegations of unpaid intermediary fees following the transfer of professional football players from one professional football club to another
- Appointed as a Specialist Member of the British Horseracing Authority Judicial Panel in a number of matters, including to reverse placings following interference; allegations against Jockeys of improper riding, failure to take all reasonable measures to ensure their horse achieved the best possible position, breach of the Starting Procedures Code, and failure to provide a urine sample; allegations against trainers involving a failure to distribute pool monies, failure to ensure the welfare of a horse post-race, and the presence of a Category B prohibited substance in a horse following a race
Grace has acted for many local authorities and has also been instructed by the Gambling Commission, as well as by the Government Legal Department in a number of cases. She is included on the Legal Services Panel for the Government of the Virgin Islands.
She was involved with acting for the Secretary of State for Transport and assisted as part of a wider team in the case of Eurotunnel v Secretary of State for Transport (Brexit ferry case) which settled on 1 March 2019. This was a procurement claim involving a challenge by Eurotunnel to capacity contracts awarded by the Government to DFDS, Brittany Ferries, and Seaborne Freight to provide additional freight capacity between the UK and continental Europe.
Cases of Note
- Acting for the Secretary of State for Transport and assisting as part of a wider team in the case of Eurotunnel v Secretary of State for Transport (Brexit ferry case) which settled on 1 March 2019. This was a procurement claim involving a challenge by Eurotunnel to capacity contracts awarded by the Government to DFDS, Brittany Ferries, and Seaborne Freight to provide additional freight capacity between the UK and continental Europe. The contracts were procured under the ‘extreme urgency’ provisions in regulation 32(2)(c) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 to deal with the consequences of a ‘no-deal Brexit’.
- Representing the Secretary of State for the Home Department in a claim for wrongful detention
- Representing a local authority in a judicial review claim challenging the alleged failure by another local authority to carry out a Merton-compliant age assessment and to provide accommodation and support under the Children Act 1989
- Appearing in the First tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) in various matters involving appeals against the decision of the Secretary of State for the Home Department to deport following refusal of a human rights claim
- Advising a local authority on issues under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to the keeping of homing pigeons
- Representing a popular restaurant chain in relation to a prosecution brought by Transport for London (TFL) for breach of the Highways Act
- Acting as Independent Counsel in relation to an HMRC investigation into suspected VAT fraud and money laundering offences
Grace has acted in many employment cases, including representing English Heritage in a claim brought by a zero-hours contract employee at Stonehenge for alleged unpaid furlough pay under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. She also represented a former employee of Virgin Atlantic in a claim against the airline for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.
In particular, Grace specialises in cases involving the intersection of commercial and employment law. She acted for one of the defendants in a claim brought by a Covid-19 testing laboratory for breach of employment contract, breach of fiduciary duties and conspiracy.
Cases of Note
- Advising the BVI Government in relation to the pension of a senior government official
- Representing English Heritage in a claim brought by a zero-hours contract employee at Stonehenge for alleged unpaid furlough pay under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- Representing a former employee of Virgin Atlantic in a claim against the airline for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination
- Representing a former employee of a care home in a claim for race and age discrimination
