Mel Stooks
UK Guide 2025
Band 3 : Crime
Band 3
About
Provided by Mel Stooks
Practice Areas
Crime
Career
Mel has been defending children and young people for over 20 years at both police stations and court. In 2019 she was awarded an outstanding achievement award for her contribution to Youth Justice, having headed youth teams at firms including Powell Spencer and Hickman Rose. Mel participates in a number of working groups focused on youth advocacy. She is regularly asked to provide training on all aspects of Youth Justice and contributed to both the Advocacy and Vulnerable Witness Training and the ICCA Advocacy for Children course.
Professional Memberships
London Criminal Courts’ Association and Youth Practitioners’ Association
Publications
co-authored YJLC guides on Criminal Behaviour Orders and Police Bail & Remand
Chambers Review
UK
Mel Stooks specialises in youth justice issues, including the defence of young people facing serious criminal charges. She also regularly advises on matters involving clients on the autism spectrum.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Mel Stooks is an excellent youth lawyer."
"Mel is a complete treat to work with. She is ahead of the curve on everything and she is brilliant at gaining the trust of the client and going above and beyond on trial prep."
"She is tenacious and child-focused at every stage. In court, she is constructive, realistic and courteous but advances all her cases with a laser-focus on welfare-based outcomes for her young clients."
"Mel Stooks is an excellent youth lawyer."
"Mel is a complete treat to work with. She is ahead of the curve on everything and she is brilliant at gaining the trust of the client and going above and beyond on trial prep."
"She is tenacious and child-focused at every stage. In court, she is constructive, realistic and courteous but advances all her cases with a laser-focus on welfare-based outcomes for her young clients."