Back To Square One – Welcome Return For Stacey Gray

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Back to Square One – welcome return for Stacey Gray

Date

August 1, 2024

The read

Square One’s commercial team has secured another not-so-new hire, with the welcome return of competition and subsidy control law expert.

Stacey Gray has re-joined Square One Law as a senior associate, further growing headcount in our Newcastle office.

With a specialism in subsidy control and competition law, Stacey has a wealth of experience advising on subsidy control across many sectors, including energy – in particular, offshore wind – advanced manufacturing, technology, aviation, and infrastructure. Stacey has also worked extensively with public bodies and local government.

Stacey, who joined Square One in 2020, recently re-joined our team after a short career break.

She said:

“It’s great to be back at Square One Law. The firm has made fantastic progress in recent years and continued to grow its reputation regionally and, increasingly, nationally by delivering exceptional work for clients while focussed on becoming a genuinely progressive employer.

“Since the coming into force of the UK’s new Subsidy Control regime in January 2023, we have moved away from a prescriptive, approval-based regime to a broadly self-regulating assessment-based approach. While this is, on the one hand, more permissive and assists the public authority in its granting capacity, it is also crucial that the UK’s Subsidy Control regime operates effectively and robustly in regulating the delivery of subsidies given that they can harmfully distort competition. We are beginning to observe trends and further grow insight into the practical operation of the regime, including the gradual bringing before the Competition Appeal Tribunal of legal challenges under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (the second of which against a public authority having just been announced in recent days). These developments, in turn, help inform how we can best support our clients in navigating compliance.”

“Square One Law has always been an ambitious firm, but having recently secured B Corp status, it really feels like we are moving in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be here.”

Stacey has previously worked for a Magic Circle law firm and the Bank of England, building her experience and technical ability to offer expert guidance and advice on complex, large-scale national and international matters.

A graduate of Newcastle University, Stacey is a proficient French and Spanish speaker, working briefly in Brussels as part of her competition law training.

Gill Hunter, managing partner, said:

“Stacey is an incredibly talented lawyer and an integral part of our team, so we are all absolutely delighted to welcome her back.

“With her unique knowledge, experience and ability, she adds so much to the firm’s offer. I’m certain Stacey will play a key role as we continue grow our in-house capabilities and deliver exceptional work for clients.”