Gemma Stokes
Called to the Bar in 2013

Gemma Stokes is a highly-experienced trial advocate. She has a wide range of experience and offers an enthusiastic approach to all that she does. She previously practiced in criminal work, undertaking the prosecution and defence of:

• Serious sexual offending including rape, sexual assaults and offences involving the indecent images of children,
• Offences involving drug and alcohol related offending
• Serious offences of violence including murder
• Offences of child neglect.

She has extensive experience representing young and vulnerable clients with learning difficulties, mental health conditions and addictions, and has completed The Advocates Gateway training. Gemma has assisted in obtaining assistance from volunteer organisations for witness support in the County Court and has liaised with the Crown Court for disclosure within family proceedings.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Public Law: Children
• Private Law: Children

Gemma has appeared in the Magistrates Court, County Court and High Court across the Country..

HER WORK

Public Law proceedings representing Local Authorities, parents, children, other family members, Special Guardians and other intervening parties including child minders.

Public Law Children: care and adoption proceedings including those involving non-accidental injury, sexual abuse, neglect, drug and alcohol misuse, and mental health issues.

Despite the restrictions on public funding in her areas of law, Gemma welcomes legal aid instructions. Gemma prepares meticulously. She is personable and able to put clients at ease with her thorough knowledge of her cases and approachable manner.

Gemma is authorised to accept direct access instructions.

Gemma Stokes has experience in regulatory law especially in the area of healthcare and is very keen to continue to expand this area of her practice. She qualified as a solicitor in 2005 before achieving higher rights of audience in 2007.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Representing NHS England, East Anglia Area Team from March 2014 to date, as Performer List Support Officer utilising The National Health Service (Performers Lists) (England) Regulations 2013
• Finance and Property Issues Panel Appeals

HER WORK

Gemma advises the NHS England, East Anglia Area Team including the Performance Screening Group and Performers List Decision Panel of requirements under the national regulations for all performers on the performers’ list. This includes drafting agreements and communications, clerking at oral panel hearings which can result in conditions being imposed on the performer, suspension and/or removal from the performers’ list. Gemma also provides advice pertaining to data protection requirements and record maintenance.

Gemma has experience in the regulatory law surrounding care homes fee matters and disputes involving Local Authorities. She has been involved with the appeals process used to decide what is to be included as income in the calculation for care home fee contributions after challenging the disposal of assets and the timing surrounding the disposal. Gemma has experience representing at appeal hearings.

Gemma is meticulous in her preparation, is easily contactable and provides clear and comprehensive advice from an early stage to ensure each case is thoroughly and carefully prepared prior to the final hearing.