Grace is an experienced trial barrister who appears predominantly as counsel in criminal proceedings in the Supreme and County Courts. Her primary area of expertise is the defence of persons facing charges of murder, serious sexual offending, and complex Commonwealth terrorism, foreign incursion, drug and money laundering offences. She also appears in criminal matters in the Court of Appeal, both as lead and junior counsel.
With significant expertise in the use of pre-trial processes to ensure the full disclosure of the prosecution case, Grace regularly appears in applications seeking the disclosure of exculpatory information subject to public interest immunity claims made on behalf of investigative and intelligence agencies.
Grace has also acted in civil and administrative law matters with a criminal law connection. She appears in applications for post-sentence supervision orders under both State and Federal legislation, proceedings in relation to the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, criminal assets forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth), and in the security division of the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Grace provides advice to corporate entities in relation to the identification and management of risk of criminal liability, and to government regulatory agencies on questions of law and prospects of success. She is experienced in regulatory proceedings under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, the Bus Safety Act 2009, the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Prior to being called to the Bar, Grace worked as a solicitor advocate at Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Lawyers. She is a Victoria Legal Aid Criminal Trial preferred barrister and holds a Victorian Bar Indictable Crime Certificate.
Grace read with the late Lachlan Carter and her senior mentor is Peter Morrissey SC.
