Grace McConnell

Grace McConnell became a member of Chambers in May 2024, following the successful completion of her third-six pupillage at Drystone Chambers. Prior to her third-six, Grace undertook her pupillage with the CPS in Wessex and qualified as a Crown Prosecutor.

Since joining chambers, Grace has built a busy practice both defending and prosecuting. Grace is most regularly instructed in the Crown Court, accepting instructions also in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court, and the Court Martial.

Grace is rapidly building a strong defence practice. Defending in her first jury trial, she saw a not guilty verdict returned within an hour after a three-day trial. Grace has also had success in the Court Martial, with her client acquitted of matters where dismissal from service was at stake. Grace has also secured acquittals in trials in the Magistrates’ Court including matters of domestic violence.

Grace prides herself on building genuine rapport with professional and lay clients alike. Having qualified within the Crown Prosecution Service, Grace has an understanding of how cases are internally prepared, an insight which is invaluable to both her prosecution and defence work.

Within her pupillage, Grace prosecuted many Magistrates’ Court trials and experienced dealing with interpreters and child witnesses. These included offences such as threatening with a bladed article in a private place, ABH including strangulation, harassment, and driving offences. Grace also regularly prosecuted remand courts, which has given her the ability to get to grips with cases quickly, a skill that helps immensely in the instructions she now receives within chambers.

Grace continues to build upon her prosecution practice, regularly receiving instructions within the Crown Court. Grace has recently been instructed to prosecute a case solely reliant on res gestae evidence. Grace has provided detailed advice on the case, which will be subject to legal argument.

Prior to pupillage and during her legal studies, Grace volunteered for the British Red Cross in Portsmouth as a Refugee Support Caseworker and worked for a small local legal services firm in her hometown in Cornwall, who provided unreserved services.