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 was instructed (alongside Andrew Hunter KC and Robert Anderson KC) by the Ukrainian bank in its USD 4.5 billion claim against the Ukranian oligarch and others, in one of the Lawyer Top 20 Cases of 2022, including for pre-trial applications regarding the confidentiality club arrangements in place for the case.

Celia is instructed by the Seventh Defendant in these commercial fraud proceedings. The case is one of the largest fraud disputes ever heard in the Commercial Court, and featured in The Lawyer's Top 20 cases of 2020.

Celia (instructed as sole counsel) represented the Defendants in claims under a loan facility. The matter was heard at 5-day High Court trial in the Commercial Court, before Beltramic KC in 2022. The Defendant – Heritage Oil – was, until 2014, listed on the London Stock Eschange as a FTSE 250 company following which it was beneficially owned by His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani – the business partners of the former Emir of Qatar.

Celia acts for the Serious Fraud Office in claims brought by ENRC – a Kazakhstan/Central African focused natural resources company, headquartered in London – against it. The claims include claims for unlawful means conspiracy and are presently being litigated in the Commercial Court. Celia was instructed for a number of significant case management conferences in 2023, nd the 8-week trial will take place in October 2024.

Celia (with Andrew George KC and Ava Mayer) represented the Financial Conduct Authority in a six-week trial arising from prohibition orders made against a number of regulated individuals. The case arose from events between 2009 and 2012, which involved monies held in bank accounts of various entties in the Yukos Group of Companies at banks with Julous Naer Group being convered, at extravagantly inflated rates, with a Yukos employee receiving 80% of the exhorbitant commissions earned by the Bank. The case was heard for 6-weeks in December 2022 and January 2023.

Celia is instructed by McLaren in Commercial Court proceedings against Indy 500 driver, Alex Palou. The claims are for breach of contract and unjust enrichment, and are due to be heard at a 9-day trial in the Commercial Court.

Celia (led by Kieron Beal KC) is instructed by IMG Data, a sports data company in its multi-million pound claims for conspiracy and inducement of a breach of contract against its competitor, Stats perform. The High Court recently (19 December 2023) heard the Defendant’s strike out / summary judgment application, which it dismissed. The judgment concerned the scope of the economic torts of inducement and unlawful means conspiracy. Celia is due to attend the consequentials hearing as sole counsel, and the case will continue to be litigated in the High Court this year

Celia is instructed as sole counsel by Calor Gas in its High Court claim for conspiracy, inducement of a brech of contract, passing off, and conversion (alternatively trespass to good) against another gas company. Celia appeared (on her own) on behalf of Calor in the High Court in 2023, in its successful defence of the strike out / summary judgment application brought by the Defendants. The trial of the matter is due to be heard in 2024.

Celia (led by Lord Pannick KC) advised Barclays Plc in its opposition to the Serious Fraud Office’s application for a voluntary bill of indictment. The allegations of fraud arose from conduct during the financial crisis in 2008.

Celia represented Jump Trading International Limited (with James Laddie KC and Judy Stone) in a high profile restrictive covenant challenge between two algorithmic hedge fund trading companies, including before the High Court and Court of Appeal (Jump Trading International Limited v Couture and Verition [2023] EWCA Civ 670). The case was one of the most hotly anticipated restrictive covenant disputes of recent years, and fought all the way to trial.

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

Celia (led by Anthony Peto KC) was instructed in respect of a significant application for a search order. The application was granted by Fordham J, in what became one of the leading authorities on how applications for urgent relief of that kind would be dealt with during the pandemic.

Celia (led by Anthony Peto KC) was instructed by Calor Gas in a 3-week fraud trial in the High Court.

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 (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). 

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 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 acts for the Serious Fraud Office in claims brought by ENRC – a Kazakhstan/Central African focused natural resources company, headquartered in London – against it. The claims include claims for unlawful means conspiracy and are presently being litigated in the Commercial Court. Celia was instructed for a number of significant case management conferences in 2023, nd the 8-week trial will take place in October 2024.

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 (instructed as sole counsel) represented the Defendants in claims under a loan facility. The matter was heard at 5-day High Court trial in the Commercial Court, before Beltramic KC in 2022. The Defendant – Heritage Oil – was, until 2014, listed on the London Stock Eschange as a FTSE 250 company following which it was beneficially owned by His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani – the business partners of the former Emir of Qatar.

Celia was instructed (alongside Andrew Hunter KC and Robert Anderson KC) by the Ukrainian bank in its USD 4.5 billion claim against the Ukranian oligarch and others, in one of the Lawyer Top 20 Cases of 2022, including for pre-trial applications regarding the confidentiality club arrangements in place for the case.

Celia is instructed by the Seventh Defendant in these commercial fraud proceedings. The case is one of the largest fraud disputes ever heard in the Commercial Court, and featured in The Lawyer's Top 20 cases of 2020.

Celia is instructed as sole counsel by Calor Gas in its High Court claim for conspiracy, inducement of a brech of contract, passing off, and conversion (alternatively trespass to good) against another gas company. Celia appeared (on her own) on behalf of Calor in the High Court in 2023, in its successful defence of the strike out / summary judgment application brought by the Defendants. The trial of the matter is due to be heard in 2024.

Celia (with Andrew George KC and Ava Mayer) represented the Financial Conduct Authority in a six-week trial arising from prohibition orders made against a number of regulated individuals. The case arose from events between 2009 and 2012, which involved monies held in bank accounts of various entties in the Yukos Group of Companies at banks with Julous Naer Group being convered, at extravagantly inflated rates, with a Yukos employee receiving 80% of the exhorbitant commissions earned by the Bank. The case was heard for 6-weeks in December 2022 and January 2023.

Celia (led by Kieron Beal KC) is instructed by IMG Data, a sports data company in its multi-million pound claims for conspiracy and inducement of a breach of contract against its competitor, Stats perform. The High Court recently (19 December 2023) heard the Defendant’s strike out / summary judgment application, which it dismissed. The judgment concerned the scope of the economic torts of inducement and unlawful means conspiracy. Celia is due to attend the consequentials hearing as sole counsel, and the case will continue to be litigated in the High Court this year

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). 

Celia was instructed by the former drummer in Culture Club, in his claims against Boy Geoge and others. Despite their ‘media’ nature, this litigation was fundamentally commercial in nature where it involved fraud claims for unlawful means conspiracy and other torts, as well as a significant partnership dispute. The claim was originally brought in 2019. The main liability trial (of the partnership issues) was due to be heard in December 2021, but vacated after the Defendants conceded all issues on the eve of the trial. The related fraud claims (and quantum issues) were due to be heard at a trial between 7 March 2023 – 3 April 2023, but were again settled on the eve of trial. Celia appeared at a number of the case management hearings as sole counsel.

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).

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 (with Andrew George KC and Ava Mayer) represented the Financial Conduct Authority in a six-week trial arising from prohibition orders made against a number of regulated individuals. The case arose from events between 2009 and 2012, which involved monies held in bank accounts of various entties in the Yukos Group of Companies at banks with Julous Naer Group being convered, at extravagantly inflated rates, with a Yukos employee receiving 80% of the exhorbitant commissions earned by the Bank. The case was heard for 6-weeks in December 2022 and January 2023.

Celia (led by Laurence Rabinowitz KC and James Segan KC) is and continues to be instructed by Everton Football Club in various complex arbitrations arising from the Club's breach of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Celia was instructed in respect of both the FY22 and FY23 proceedings, the former of which was the first case determined under the PSRs. Celia has also appeared as sole counsel at hearings during the dispute.

Celia is instructed by McLaren in Commercial Court proceedings against Indy 500 driver, Alex Palou. The claims are for breach of contract and unjust enrichment, and are due to be heard at a 9-day trial in the Commercial Court.

Celia (led by Kate Gallafent KC) acted for The FA in a disciplinary matter against Benjamin Mendy – the Manchester City football player who faced trial for seven counts of rape.

Celia acted as sole counsel for the Premier League in proceedings against Crystal Palace arising from the Club's repeated delays to the re-start of matches following the half time interval.

Celia (led by Kate Gallafent KC) acted for The FA in disciplinary proceedings against Fulham’s manager, Marco Da Silva, and player Alexsandar Mitrovic, following a high-profile incident of abuse of the match officials during The FA Cup match.

Celia (led by Kieron Beal KC) is instructed by IMG Data, a sports data company in its multi-million pound claims for conspiracy and inducement of a breach of contract against its competitor, Stats perform. The High Court recently (19 December 2023) heard the Defendant’s strike out / summary judgment application, which it dismissed. The judgment concerned the scope of the economic torts of inducement and unlawful means conspiracy. Celia is due to attend the consequentials hearing as sole counsel, and the case will continue to be litigated in the High Court this year

Celia (led by Kate Gallafent KC) represented The FA in proceedings brought against the manager of Crawley Town, Mr John Yems, arising from allegations of racism. On appeal, Mr Yems’ ban was extended from 17 months to 3 years: the longest ever ban issued to a participant in English football for discrimination

Celia (led by Nick De Marco KC) represented Sheffield United in disciplinary proceedings concerning alleged debts owed to other clubs, which were brought by the EFL

Celia acted as sole counsel for Williams F1 team, in an arbitral dispute with its sponsor, Craft.

Celia acted in proceedings (as sole counsel) in a week long hearing against British Ice-Skating. The disciplinary proceedings involved allegations of bullying against two young skaters.

Celia (acting as sole counsel) represented Barnsley FC in two-day arbitral proceedings before Sir Anthony Hooper KC (the former Lord Justice of Appeal), defending the Club against unfair dismissal proceedings brought by its former assistant coach, following the surprise departure of its head coach (Gerhard Struber) for the New York Red Bulls. The claims were dismissed in their entirety, with Barnsley therefore coming out on top at trial.

Celia (acting as sole counsel) represented Katarina Johnson-Thompson – the English heptathlete, who won gold at the 2019 world championships and is the British record holder – in her dispute with Tide Platform Limited. The dispute against the banking company concerned an advertising deal entered into in the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics, before those games were cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Celia represented The FA in proceedings against Kieran Trippier concerning various breaches of The FA's Betting Rules. The Regulatory Commission found that four of the charges against Mr Trippier were made out, suspending him for 10 weeks and fining him £70,000.

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

Celia represented Declan Colgan Music in its proceedings against Kanye West / Universal Music for royalties concerning the latter’s sampling of King Crimson’s song 21st Century Schizoid Man in his smash hit ‘Power’ .

Celia was instructed by the former drummer in Culture Club, in his claims against Boy Geoge and others. Despite their ‘media’ nature, this litigation was fundamentally commercial in nature where it involved fraud claims for unlawful means conspiracy and other torts, as well as a significant partnership dispute. The claim was originally brought in 2019. The main liability trial (of the partnership issues) was due to be heard in December 2021, but vacated after the Defendants conceded all issues on the eve of the trial. The related fraud claims (and quantum issues) were due to be heard at a trial between 7 March 2023 – 3 April 2023, but were again settled on the eve of trial. Celia appeared at a number of the case management hearings as sole counsel.

Celia represented BAFTA in discrimination proceedings in the High Court. Celia successfully applied to have the claims struck out.

Celia represents X-R Touring LLP – the music artist management company – in proceedings against its former agent, Josh Javor. The case concerns the interpretation of restrictive covenants, including as regards the departure of employees to Mr Javor’s new employer, WME.

Celia represented Rudimental and James Newman (Eurovision contestant) in their successful defence of copyright claims brought by a former Voice contestant.

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 represented TAP Management in threatened proceedings against Dua Lipa and her manager.

Celia represented Lewis Capaldi in respect of various potential claims against Topshop, Urban Outfitters and other retailers for passing off and copyright infringement.

Celia (acting as sole counsel) was instructed by the British rapper, Arrdee, in threatened proceedings against Sports Direct and Frasers Group for their authorised use of his image in a Christmas advert for Jack Wills.

Celia (led by Ian Mill QC) acted for Moby in respect of his royalty dispute with Sony.

Celia (acting as sole legal counsel) was instructed by Sixteenth Limited – in a dispute concerning Megan Grubb, the ‘influencer’.

Celia (acting as sole counsel) was instructed by Portishead – the Mercury award winning ‘trip hop’ group, in its royalty dispute with its record label.

Celia (acting as sole legal counsel) represented Paulette Mbassa – a French scriptwriter – in her dispute with Mr Aki Omoshaybi (the Star Wars actor), regarding a film called “Real”, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2019.

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 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.

Celia represented Philip Morris Limited (led by Tim Otty KC) in judicial review proceedings against the Government, in respect of the Prime Minister’s proposals to create a smoke free generation for persons born on or after 1 January 2009 so that they will never legally be sold tobacco.

Celia acts for the Serious Fraud Office in claims brought by ENRC – a Kazakhstan/Central African focused natural resources company, headquartered in London – against it. The claims include claims for unlawful means conspiracy and are presently being litigated in the Commercial Court. Celia was instructed for a number of significant case management conferences in 2023, nd the 8-week trial will take place in October 2024.

Celia (led by Sir James Eadie KC) represented the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales and others in a challenge brought by a prisoner, who was on remand, to extend his custody time limit.

Celia (led by Kate Gallafent KC) represented the BMA in a judicial review to the SSD’s failure o consider commencing s.192 of the Employment Rights Act 1996: a provision which extends the right to bring statutory claims, such as unfair dismissal, in the Employment Tribunal to members of HM’s Armed Forces.

Celia (led by Sir James Eadie KC) represented the Home Secretary in her defence of a policy pursuant to which the mobile phones of migrants arriving by small boat were seized in order to preserve evidence of the associated activities of criminal gangs

Celia (with Andrew George KC and Ava Mayer) represented the Financial Conduct Authority in a six-week trial arising from prohibition orders made against a number of regulated individuals. The case arose from events between 2009 and 2012, which involved monies held in bank accounts of various entties in the Yukos Group of Companies at banks with Julous Naer Group being convered, at extravagantly inflated rates, with a Yukos employee receiving 80% of the exhorbitant commissions earned by the Bank. The case was heard for 6-weeks in December 2022 and January 2023.

Celia (led by Sir James Eadie KC and Melanie Cumberland) represented the Lord Chancellor and HM Courts and Tribunals service in a case which challenged the Government’s pandemic response in the context of establishing capacity for jury trials in England and Wales.

Celia (acting as sole counsel) represents the Secretary of State in a judicial review challenge, brought by a terrorist offender, challenging his placement in a separation centre in prison.

Celia (led by Sir James Eadie KC) represented the Secretary of State in proceedings against BASC. The case arose from the decision - in light of the emerging threat of bird flu - not to extend the general licence to shoot pheasants and red-legged partridges in respect of Special Areas of Conservation and their buffer zones.

Celia (led by Sir James Eadie KC) acted for DEFRA in a judicial review challenge brought by Wild Justice. The case arose from the licensing process that followed the decision - in light of the emerging threat of bird flu - not to extend the general licence to shoot pheasants and red-legged partridges in respect of Special Areas of Conservation and their buffer zones.

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 represented Philip Morris Limited (led by Tim Otty KC) in judicial review proceedings against the Government, in respect of the Prime Minister’s proposals to create a smoke free generation for persons born on or after 1 January 2009 so that they will never legally be sold tobacco.

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 Jump Trading International Limited (with James Laddie KC and Judy Stone) in a high profile restrictive covenant challenge between two algorithmic hedge fund trading companies, including before the High Court and Court of Appeal (Jump Trading International Limited v Couture and Verition [2023] EWCA Civ 670). The case was one of the most hotly anticipated restrictive covenant disputes of recent years, and fought all the way to trial.

Celia (acting as sole counsel) represented Deutsche Bank, defending claims of alleged detriments for whistleblowing, arising from a redundancy situation.

Celia (led by Thomas Croxford KC) represented the Claimant in claims for breach of confidence, unlawful means conspiracy and an induced breach of contract, arising from the departure of several key employees from an independent power producer to one of its main competitors.

Celia (as sole counsel) represented Aecom, as Respondent to claims for disability discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments, harassment and victimisation. The claims for discrimination were dismissed.

Celia represents X-R Touring LLP – the music artist management company – in proceedings against its former agent, Josh Javor. The case concerns the interpretation of restrictive covenants, including as regards the departure of employees to Mr Javor’s new employer, WME.

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 (led by Paul Goulding KC) represented Swarovski – the internationally renowned crystal making business, defending various claims brought by the high profile face of the company, Nadja Swarovski. Ms Swarovski alleged that the removal of her operational responsibilities, which came about as a result of a corporate shake up, amounted to direct discrimination, and that she had been victimised and/or harassed.

Celia (sole counsel) represented the Ministry of Defence in a 2-day trial involving complex unfair dismissal claims.

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.

Celia (sole counsel) represented Qatar Private Airways in claims of alleged disability discrimination in the Employment Tribunal.

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