Page 74 - Powerlist 2020

Politics, Law & Religion

Grace Ononiwu CBE and there are occasions when she meets victims of crime or
their families to explain the reasons for the decisions taken
Chief Crown Prosecutor, West Midlands in cases that involve them.
Prior to that she was the CCP for the East of England
Area for two years.
Grace was appointed Chief Crown Prosecutor (CCP) for the Grace qualified as a solicitor in 1990 and originally
West Midlands in June 2014, becoming the first woman joined a private firm of solicitors in High Wycombe
and black person to hold the post. practising criminal law. She joined the CPS in 1991 as a
She received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Crown Prosecutor and has since held a number of positions
University of Hertfordshire in 2017, in recognition of her in the CPS, which led to her ultimate appointment as
contribution to justice and the legal system, including Northamptonshire CCP in April 2005.
her ongoing work to promote legal education. She was In April 2009, Grace was appointed Legal Director for
awarded an OBE in 2008, and more recently a CBE for North Region, CPS London, before becoming Deputy Chief
services to law and order. Crown Prosecutor for the London Districts.
Grace is responsible for all the prosecution decisions Grace has made a significant contribution to the CPS
and conduct of cases by CPS lawyers across the area. She Equality and Diversity agenda and was Chair of the
also has a personal involvement in many of those cases National Black Crown Prosecution Association.

74 Powerlist 2020