Ryan Grace

Ryan Grace is a Managing Associate specialising in commercial litigation, property litigation and construction disputes from the firm’s Holborn office. Ryan joined the firm in September 2025 following heading up the litigation department at a boutique UK national firm.

Ryan advises clients across the full spectrum of complex business disputes. His practice covers all aspects of commercial litigation and construction litigation, where he acts for companies, directors, investors, and stakeholders in High Court / County proceedings and alternative dispute resolution forums including arbitration, adjudication and mediation.

Ryan has particular expertise in cryptocurrency and digital asset disputes, a fast-developing area in which he advises on fraud, misappropriation, asset tracing, breach of trust, and regulatory issues arising from the use and trade of blockchain-based assets. He regularly acts in claims involving crypto exchanges, token issuers, and DeFi platforms.

A key focus of Ryan’s practice also includes shareholder and corporate disputes, such as claims for unfair prejudice, breach of director duties, and partnership breakdowns. He is experienced in acting on behalf of minority shareholders, directors, and joint venture parties in contentious business separations, often involving interim relief such as injunctions and derivative actions.

Ryan also handles a wide range of fraud claims and technology disputes, including software implementation failures, cyber-related breaches, and disputes involving IT service providers and infrastructure contracts. Clients value Ryan for his sharp legal analysis, practical approach, and ability to manage high-stakes litigation with discretion and strategic clarity. He is experienced in working closely with forensic experts, insolvency practitioners, and counsel to deliver commercially focused outcomes in complex, multi-party disputes.

Away from work, Ryan has a keen interest in sports and travel, and enjoys exploring new destinations and staying active through a range of sporting pursuits.

Expertise

Commercial Litigation

• Obtained urgent injunctive relief including a Norwich Pharmacal order for disclosure against multiple cryptocurrency exchange platforms which involved applications for service by alternative means (NFTs) and service out of jurisdiction.
• Successfully defended proceedings against a multi-national airline company for breach of contract in connection with a multi-million-pound claim.
• Successfully acting for a private individual for an unfair prejudice petition in connection with a national food wholesaler.
• Advising a national cleaning company on their claim against a former director relating to fraudulent misappropriation of funds.
• Obtained a significant settlement on behalf of a client in relation to a complex quantum meruit claim.
• Acted on a cross-border dispute for a fashion brand including claims for tortious interference and loss of profits, which included urgent injunctive relief applications.
• Advised a private company in relation to defending a substantial claim brought by an energy company.

Construction Disputes

• Acting for several clients (both contractors and corporate entities) in respect of adjudication and arbitration claims.
• Successfully settled a significant claim against a property developer in relation to the Building Safety Act.
• Acting for a client bringing a claim in respect of breach of contract arising from a property development.

Property Litigation

• Regularly advising on defaulted loan facilities secured against property portfolios.
• Acted for several clients in relation to forfeiture proceedings (both for landlords and tenants)
• Acted on commercial lease renewal applications (both contested and uncontested).

Employment

Ryan has experience advising on contentious employment matters, with a particular focus on tribunal litigation. He has supported both employers and employees in claims before the Employment Tribunal, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and whistleblowing disputes. His work has involved drafting pleadings (ET1/ET3), preparing witness evidence, managing disclosure exercises, and assisting with hearing preparation. Ryan has also been involved in early conciliation via ACAS and in negotiating settlements, providing clients with strategic advice on risk, quantum, and resolution options.

Notable cases:

• Acting for an international newspaper in successfully defending a claim for unfair dismissal and discrimination, including managing tribunal proceedings and achieving a favourable outcome at final hearing.
• Advising a national financial institution on the negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements in a range of employment disputes, ensuring risk mitigation and commercially effective resolution of claims.
• Acting for a construction company in successfully settling a complex multi-claim employment dispute with collective/class-action characteristics, avoiding litigation and securing a cost-effective resolution.
• Acting for an employee in successfully bringing claims for discrimination on the grounds of sex and race, obtaining favourable judgments and securing compensation following tribunal proceedings.
• Advising employees generally on settlement agreements, including negotiating and agreeing suitable amendments to ensure terms are fair, commercially appropriate, and reflect the employee’s best interests.

Sports Law

Ryan’s sports law experience includes advising on sponsorship agreements and acquisitions within the sports sector, including football clubs and motorsport teams. He has also been involved in contract disputes, providing support on strategy and resolution. His work often involves navigating the regulatory landscape shaped by organisations such as the Football Association and Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. He is particularly interested in sports transactions, investment in clubs and teams, and the commercialisation of sporting assets.

Notable cases:

• Advised on the acquisition of a football club within the Football League, including regulatory considerations, transactional structuring, and compliance with relevant league and governing body requirements.
• Advised on a commercial sponsorship agreement for a County Championship cricket team, including negotiation of shirt sponsorship, stadium name and branding rights, and exclusivity provisions within domestic cricket regulations.
• Advised a Football League club on the negotiation and drafting of a major sponsorship agreement, including stadium naming rights and associated commercial exploitation arrangements.
• Advised on the proposed acquisition of a Formula One team, including due diligence, regulatory approvals, and complex cross-border transactional issues.
• Acted on a multi-million-pound sponsorship agreement for a prominent motorsport team, advising on commercial terms, branding rights, and performance-related obligations.
• Acted for a high-net-worth individual in disciplinary proceedings before Motorsport UK, successfully securing a favourable outcome following regulatory investigation and hearing.
• Acted for professional footballers in contract and representation disputes with agents and/or clubs, including issues relating to termination, remuneration, and breach of contractual obligations.