Mel Stooks > GT Stewart Limited > London, England > Lawyer Profile
GT Stewart Limited Offices
2A MELBOURNE GROVE,
SE22 8PL
England
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Mel Stooks
Work Department
Criminal Defence
Position
Partner & Supervising Solicitor
Career
Mel qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and has spent her career defending young and vulnerable people. She understands the importance of building a relationship of trust and the need for continuity, so frequently represents clients from the police station through to trial. She has a particular interest in autism and regularly receives referrals via the National Autistic Society. She works with a wide range of other professionals in order to ensure that her clients are able to effectively participate in their defence and navigate their way through the criminal justice system as simply as possible. Mel is an experienced trial advocate in the Youth Court and has defended young clients charged with GBH, rape and armed robbery.
Mel is a member of the Rook Committee that produced the Advocacy and Vulnerable Witness Training provided by Inns of Court and the Law Society. She provides training in youth justice to other professionals as well as training for Appropriate Adults who may be required to attend the police station. She also runs legal advice clinics at London Youth Clubs.
She is on the Board of Directors at CoramBAAF due to her interest in protecting the rights of children in care.
Languages
English
Lawyer Rankings
London > Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general
The criminal defence practice at GT Stewart Limited is comprised of several specialist teams. The appeals team, led by Greg Stewart, deals with applications to the Court of Appeal and the CCRC. Melanie Krudy co-leads the team and is responsible for training and billing, as well as acting as a higher court advocate. Mel Stooks leads the youth crime team and is particularly commended for her work on cases involving the Modern Slavery Act and her advocacy in the Youth Court. Claire Dissington covers criminal matters in the City of London, while Will Russell leads on private client matters and the South East London team. Sophie Smith leads the South West London team, while Ronnie Manek is the head of the higher court advocacy team.
South East > Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud
With capacity to deal with the full range of criminal offenses, GT Stewart Limited is especially well versed in youth crime defence work and offers expert knowledge in modern slavery matters. Will Russell heads up the private client department, and his practice extends to matters involving murder, sexual offences and road traffic offence charges. Defending young and vulnerable clients, Mel Stooks heads up the firm’s specialised youth crime team, while director Greg Stewart is especially strong in youth court and appeal work, with experience before the crown court. Melanie Krudy is also recommended for her general crime advocacy in a range of courts. Further key contacts are head of the crown court advocacy department Ronnie Manek, and Jack Stewart, who leads the firm’s East Kent offices.