Celia Rooney

Celia represented the Defendant, Mr Georgy Bedzhamov, in a £1.2 billion fraud claim brought by the Claimant - a Russian bank. The claim involved various allegations of fraud and complex issues of Russian law. (With Robert Anderson QC, Tom Richards and Andrew Trotter).

Celia acts for a Lebanese defendant in a c.£600 million fraud claim brought by a Kuwaiti public body (led by Andrew Hunter QC).

Represented Calor Gas in a lengthy fraud trial in the High Court, in which the company brought claims for unlawful means conspiracy, bribery, inducement of a breach of contract, dishonest assistance, knowing receipt and unjustified enrichment (led by Anthony Peto QC).

Celia (led by Anthony Peto QC) successfully represented Calor Gas in its application for a search order against Chorley Bottle Gas, in which it was alleged that Chorley was unlawfully refilling Calor’s liquefied petroleum gas cylinders. 

Celia acted for the buyer of two Old Masters paintings in his multi-million pound claim against a major international gallery (led by Andrew Green QC). The claim was one for alleged deceit arising out of the provenance list for each painting.

Instructed in a claim for a freezing order in aid of foreign proceedings in Saudi Arabia (led by Andrew Green QC). 

Instructed to assist in a substantial multi-jurisdictional fraud claim, in which the claimant sought a freezing order in aid of foreign proceedings (led by Anthony Peto QC and Victoria Windle). The claimant sought advice on: the merits of an application under s.25 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, the availability of disclosure orders in aid of foreign proceedings, the significance of the availability of treble damages in the US on the relief sought, the availability of tipstaff relief and the privilege against self-incrimination.

Celia represented the Republic of Cyprus in an appeal concerning the cancellation of its trade mark for halloumi cheese (led by Monica Carss-Frisk QC). The High Court dismissed the decision of the Registrar of Trade Marks. The Ministry challenged that decision on appeal.

Instructed to represent the former bassist in the Kooks in a claim for unfair prejudice and dissolution of a partnership, following his expulsion from a chart-topping band.

Celia represents two recording artists in a fraud claim against their former band mate. The claim arises from the alleged appropriation of the profits of a joint venture established between the parties.

Celia represents the RAD in a contractual dispute brought by one of its former ballet dancers.

Successfully defended a claim in a contractual dispute for sums allegedly owed for the provision of recruitment services. 

Instructed by a commercial agency to advise in respect of proposed contractual claim against Cricket South Africa, arising out of the newly established T20 league (led by Nick de Marco QC).

Celia represented the Defendant, Mr Georgy Bedzhamov, in a £1.2 billion fraud claim brought by the Claimant - a Russian bank. The claim involved various allegations of fraud and complex issues of Russian law. (With Robert Anderson QC, Tom Richards and Andrew Trotter).

Celia acts for a Lebanese defendant in a c.£600 million fraud claim brought by a Kuwaiti public body (led by Andrew Hunter QC).

Represented Calor Gas in a lengthy fraud trial in the High Court, in which the company brought claims for unlawful means conspiracy, bribery, inducement of a breach of contract, dishonest assistance, knowing receipt and unjustified enrichment (led by Anthony Peto QC).

Celia (led by Anthony Peto QC) successfully represented Calor Gas in its application for a search order against Chorley Bottle Gas, in which it was alleged that Chorley was unlawfully refilling Calor’s liquefied petroleum gas cylinders. 

Instructed in a claim for a freezing order in aid of foreign proceedings in Saudi Arabia (led by Andrew Green QC). 

Instructed to assist in a substantial multi-jurisdictional fraud claim, in which the claimant sought a freezing order in aid of foreign proceedings (led by Anthony Peto QC and Victoria Windle). The claimant sought advice on: the merits of an application under s.25 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, the availability of disclosure orders in aid of foreign proceedings, the significance of the availability of treble damages in the US on the relief sought, the availability of tipstaff relief and the privilege against self-incrimination.

Celia advised Barclays in its opposition to the SFO's application for a voluntary bill of indictment (led by Lord Pannick QC). The SFO sought that relief after Mr Justice Jay dismissed all criminal charges against the bank arising out its 2008 capital raising exercise. The case concerned complex issues of corporate criminal attribution.

Celia represents two recording artists in a fraud claim against their former band mate. The claim arises from the alleged appropriation of the profits of a joint venture established between the parties.

Celia was instructed by the Welsh Government (with Michael Fordham QC and Hollie Higgins) in Gina Miller's challenge to the decision of the Prime Minister to prorogue parliament. The case was heard by the Supreme Court and is considered to be one of the most constitutionally significant public law cases in a generation.

Instructed by Privacy International, Reprieve, the Committee on the Administration of Justice and the Pat Finucane Centre in a challenge to the so-called 'Third Direction' from the Prime Minister to the Intelligence Services Commissioner. By that direction, the Prime Minister invited the Commissioner to oversee the application of hitherto undisclosed guidelines which purport to authorise the Intelligence Services to authorise agents to participate in criminal conduct in the UK (led by Ben Jaffey QC).

Celia is junior counsel to the Secretary of State in a legal challenge to the Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020, which changed the legislative regime applicable to the early release of terrorist offenders in the wake of the terrorist attacks at Fishmongers’ Hall and Streatham. Led by James Eadie QC and Jason Pobjoy.

Celia represents both TfL and the Mayor of London in an ongoing challenge to the ‘Streetspace Guidance’, and associated traffic management orders. The purpose of the guidance is to ensure safe travel during the pandemic, by widening footpaths and otherwise encouraging walking and cycling. The challenge is brought by trade bodies which represent black cabs, who oppose the resulting restrictions to their access of London’s bus lanes, and includes an A1P1 claim.   

Instructed by BT in a judicial review challenge of the decision of the Treasury to implement an extension of the indexation of certain benefits in public sector pension schemes in a way which increased the company's liabilities in respect of its pension scheme by £120 million. Celia was instructed both in the High Court and Court of Appeal, where she was led by Dinah Rose QC and Fraser Campbell.

Celia advised Barclays in its opposition to the SFO's application for a voluntary bill of indictment (led by Lord Pannick QC). The SFO sought that relief after Mr Justice Jay dismissed all criminal charges against the bank arising out its 2008 capital raising exercise. The case concerned complex issues of corporate criminal attribution.

Celia was instructed by a private bank in a successful judicial review of the GFSC (led by Michael Fordham QC). The regulator's decision to appoint inspectors under money laundering legislation was found to be unlawful and to amount to an unlawful interference with the bank's constitutional rights.

Celia (acting pro bono) represents the sole-surviving spouse of a polygamous marriage, in a challenge concerning her entitlement to various 'survivor benefits'. The Upper Tribunal held in her client's favour, finding that the Secretary of State's decision refusing her such benefits was discriminatory under Article 14 of the ECHR. The trial judge recognised the case as raising an important point of public interest. The Secretary of State is appealing the decision, which is due to be heard by the Court of Appeal.

Celia represented a victim of trafficking in her successful challenge to the Home Office's decision refusing her asylum claim. The claimant was a child at the time she was trafficked from Albania to Italy and a vulnerable witness. The decision was held to be unlawful on several grounds.

Celia was instructed, with Ben Jaffey QC, by a leading charity in potential proceedings concerning the Government's purported authorisation of conduct amounting to complicity in torture and inhuman and degrading treatment under s.7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

Instructed by VW in the trial of a preliminary issue in the NOx emissions group litigation: whether vehicles which react to emissions testing by reducing emissions contains a 'defeat device' within art. 3(10) of Regulation 715/2007/EC (with, inter alia, Michael Fordham QC and Warren Fitt).

Celia acted as sole legal counsel advising the Payment Systems Regulator on its response to a ‘super-complaint’ by the consumer group, Which?, concerning authorised push payment fraud. 

Instructed by Privacy International, Reprieve, the Committee on the Administration of Justice and the Pat Finucane Centre in a challenge to the so-called 'Third Direction' from the Prime Minister to the Intelligence Services Commissioner. By that direction, the Prime Minister invited the Commissioner to oversee the application of hitherto undisclosed guidelines which purport to authorise the Intelligence Services to authorise agents to participate in criminal conduct in the UK (led by Ben Jaffey QC).

Celia (acting pro bono) represents the sole-surviving spouse of a polygamous marriage, in a challenge concerning her entitlement to various 'survivor benefits'. The Upper Tribunal held in her client's favour, finding that the Secretary of State's decision refusing her such benefits was discriminatory under Article 14 of the ECHR. The trial judge recognised the case as raising an important point of public interest. The Secretary of State is appealing the decision, which is due to be heard by the Court of Appeal.

Celia represented a victim of trafficking in her successful challenge to the Home Office's decision refusing her asylum claim. The claimant was a child at the time she was trafficked from Albania to Italy and a vulnerable witness. The decision was held to be unlawful on several grounds.

Celia is junior counsel to the Secretary of State in a legal challenge to the Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020, which changed the legislative regime applicable to the early release of terrorist offenders in the wake of the terrorist attacks at Fishmongers’ Hall and Streatham. Led by James Eadie QC and Jason Pobjoy.

Celia represents both TfL and the Mayor of London in an ongoing challenge to the ‘Streetspace Guidance’, and associated traffic management orders. The purpose of the guidance is to ensure safe travel during the pandemic, by widening footpaths and otherwise encouraging walking and cycling. The challenge is brought by trade bodies which represent black cabs, who oppose the resulting restrictions to their access of London’s bus lanes, and includes an A1P1 claim.   

Celia was instructed, with Ben Jaffey QC, by a leading charity in potential proceedings concerning the Government's purported authorisation of conduct amounting to complicity in torture and inhuman and degrading treatment under s.7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

Instructed by BT in a judicial review challenge of the decision of the Treasury to implement an extension of the indexation of certain benefits in public sector pension schemes in a way which increased the company's liabilities in respect of its pension scheme by £120 million. Celia was instructed both in the High Court and Court of Appeal, where she was led by Dinah Rose QC and Fraser Campbell.

Celia advised Barclays in its opposition to the SFO's application for a voluntary bill of indictment (led by Lord Pannick QC). The SFO sought that relief after Mr Justice Jay dismissed all criminal charges against the bank arising out its 2008 capital raising exercise. The case concerned complex issues of corporate criminal attribution.

Celia was instructed by a private bank in a successful judicial review of the GFSC (led by Michael Fordham QC). The regulator's decision to appoint inspectors under money laundering legislation was found to be unlawful and to amount to an unlawful interference with the bank's constitutional rights.

Celia represented Racing Point in its appeal against a Stewards’ Decision, which sanctioned the team for its use of brake duct data in the design of its rear brake ducts for its 2020 car. The part in question had, for the first time, become a ‘listed part’. Led by Thomas de la Mare QC.

Celia represents a number of gymnasts who allege that they have suffered from abusive practices within British Gymnastics (led by Nick De Marco QC).

Acted for the Welsh FA, opposing a legal challenge the termination of the 2019/20 football season in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The High Court dismissed the club’s challenge on all grounds. Celia acted for the Welsh FA, led by Kate Gallafent QC.

Acted for The FA in the South Shields case: the first legal challenge in the UK to the end of the 2019-20 football season, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A distinguished panel, chaired by Lord Dyson, found in The FA’s favour, dismissing the challenge. Celia acted for The FA, led by James Segan QC.

Representing Arsenal FC in an employment dispute (led by Jane Mulcahy QC)

Instructed by Middlesbrough FC in a High Court claim in which the Club sought to enforce the restrictive covenants in the employment contracts of each member of its backroom team, following the departure of its then manager, Mr Garry Monk. While the matter did not proceed to trial, the Club successfully applied to expedite the proceedings (led by Ian Mill QC).

Represented The FA in a two-day Rule K arbitration against the owner of a football club (led by Kate Gallafent QC). The case, which involved alleged breaches of the betting rules, was ultimately determined on a preliminary issue of jurisdiction.

Instructed by the Premier League in a Rule K arbitration involving a Premier League club (led by Michael Beloff QC). 

Celia was instructed by West Ham United FC in CAS proceedings against Red Tiger FC.

Instructed to advise the Premier League in respect of a case involving allegations of so-called 'tapping up'.

Advising the Premier League as to potential claims under EU competition law and the rules of free movement in respect of a proposed rule change. 

Celia represented a League One football club in its claims against a Championship club, in a dispute concerning the construction of an alleged 'release clause' in a player's contract (led by Nick De Marco QC). 

Celia is instructed by the former manager of a football club - himself a celebrated-footballer - in a confidential commercial dispute with his former club.

Advising the former manager on his employment law claims arising from his dismissal from a Championship Club. 

Representing the British Boxing  Board of Control in various appeals against the Board's decisions to withdraw the boxer's licence.

Advising The FA on its 2018-19 Safeguarding Policy (with Kate Gallafent QC).

Represented a golfer at a disciplinary hearing at which she sought to challenge a ban imposed upon her by the prestigious golf club in respect of allegations of cheating.

Instructed by a commercial agency to advise in respect of proposed contractual claim against Cricket South Africa, arising out of the newly established T20 league (led by Nick de Marco QC).

Instructed to advise a national rugby union as to its potential claims agains World Rugby in respect of the Rugby World Cup Qualifiers 2019. 

Advising a football club in respect of potential safeguarding allegations against it (led by Nick de Marco QC).

Represented the LTA in a safeguarding case, in which the individual sought to challenge the sanction imposed upon him by the sports governing body.

Instructed to represent an athlete in a challenge to UKAD's proposed sanction in respect of an anti-doping violation, in which he sought to establish 'no significant fault' on his part, in light of his personal circumstances. 

Celia was instructed (with Paul Goulding QC) to advise in respect of complex allegations of whistleblowing and discrimination made by the former General Counsel of the internationally renowned firm of architects.

Celia acts for the former partner of one of the 'Big 4' accountancy firms in a confidential arbitration (led by Thomas Croxford QC), challenging the enforceability of various restrictive covenants.

Celia represented the Lycée Charles de Gaulle in a 3-day trial in the employment tribunal, successfully defending the school in respect of various claims of nationality discrimination brought by a former teacher.

Representing Arsenal FC in an employment dispute (led by Jane Mulcahy QC)

Instructed by Middlesbrough FC in a High Court claim in which the Club sought to enforce the restrictive covenants in the employment contracts of each member of its backroom team, following the departure of its then manager, Mr Garry Monk. While the matter did not proceed to trial, the Club successfully applied to expedite the proceedings (led by Ian Mill QC).

Celia acted pro bono for the claimant in a successful claim for race discrimination, in which the Respondent's director was found to have called the claimant a 'black monkey'.

Celia acts for the Respondent in a claim for unlawful deduction of wages and entitlement to emergency leave.

Celia advised a prominent businessman in respect of various allegations of sex discrimination. 

Celia represented the Respondent in an employment tribunal claim involving various allegations of disability discrimination.

Advising the former manager on his employment law claims arising from his dismissal from a Championship Club. 

Celia is instructed by a law firm in a claim for pregnancy and maternity discrimination, victimisation and harassment (led by Kate Gallafent QC). 

Celia was instructed by a law firm in a claim for discrimination, victimisation and harassment brought against it by a practice development lawyer (appearing on her own for the CMC, otherwise led by Kate Gallafent QC).

Instructed to represent the former bassist in the Kooks in a claim for unfair prejudice and dissolution of a partnership, following his expulsion from a chart-topping band.

Celia is instructed to represent Mr Jon Moss in his dispute against his former band, Culture Club (led by Tom Weisselberg QC).

Celia acted for the buyer of two Old Masters paintings in his multi-million pound claim against a major international gallery (led by Andrew Green QC). The claim was one for alleged deceit arising out of the provenance list for each painting.

Celia acts for a famous, chart-topping singer-songwriter in his copyright dispute with various retailers including Toyshop and Urban Outfitters. 

Celia is instructed (with Tom Weisselberg QC) in a confidential dispute concerning the copyright in a song that reached number 1 in the UK singles chart, acting for the band that released the single.

Celia represents two artists in their ongoing royalty disputes with their record labels, in respect of 'streaming revenue'. The first is a Grammy-award and Brit-award winning musician. The second is a winner of the Mercury Prize for music.

Celia represents two recording artists in a fraud claim against their former band mate. The claim arises from the alleged appropriation of the profits of a joint venture established between the parties.

Advising an internet media and news company as to its potential liability for publication of a report prepared by the FCA under s.166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Instructed by VW in the trial of a preliminary issue in the NOx emissions group litigation: whether vehicles which react to emissions testing by reducing emissions contains a 'defeat device' within art. 3(10) of Regulation 715/2007/EC (with, inter alia, Michael Fordham QC and Warren Fitt).

Instructed by a large car manufacturer in a claim for follow-on damages arising from a cartel between maritime car carriers in respect of the provision of "Ro-Ro" services (led by Thomas de la Mare QC).

Celia is instructed by Peugeot and others in a claim for follow on damages in a matter relating to an automotive bearings cartel. The claims are pending before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and the High Court.

Instructed (with Ravi Mehta) by HMRC in a dispute concerning the tax treatment of rental income from UK property, earned and received by foreign real estate investment funds. The Appellants are seeking to challenge and obtain repayment of income tax accounted for under self-assessment, claiming that their treatment, alternatively the requirement for their ultimate beneficial owners to register with HMRC to benefit from certain tax relief, is contrary to the principle of equal treatment under EU law and amounts to an unjustified restriction on the free movement of capital. 

Advising a company that specialised in the modification (or 'tuning') of luxury vehicles as to its potential competition law claims against the original manufacturer of the vehicles (led by Thomas de la Mare QC).

Advising the Premier League as to potential claims under EU competition law and the rules of free movement in respect of a proposed rule change. 

A case before the High Court concerning competition law damages, in a dispute between Huawei, Unwired Planet, Samsung, Google and Ericsson relating to the technical standards for 4G, 3G and 2G devices (assisting James Segan).