Mitigation for Child Clients

Mitigation for Child Clients: Preparing Mitigation Ahead of Sentencing Decisions in the Youth Court and Crown Court

This practical, interactive session will equip advocates with the knowledge and strategies to prepare compelling, child-centred mitigation that reflects the unique legal framework governing children and the latest developments in youth justice.

We'll explore:

• How to prepare mitigation from the earliest stages of a case.
• Identifying and presenting the factors that matter most when representing children.
• Using child development, trauma and welfare considerations effectively and appropriately.
• Working with Youth Justice Services, families and other professionals to strengthen mitigation.
• The different approaches to sentencing in the Youth Court and Crown Court.

Whether you are newly representing children or an experienced youth court practitioner, this masterclass will provide practical insights, strategic guidance and immediately applicable techniques to strengthen your practice.

Who should attend?
Solicitors, barristers, legal executives and trainee lawyers representing children in criminal proceedings.

Join colleagues from across England and Wales for an engaging session focused on achieving better outcomes for children through effective, evidence-based mitigation.

Classes are led by youth justice experts, including:

Aika Stephenson

Aika Stephenson is one of the UK’s leading youth justice solicitors and the Legal Director of Just for Kids Law. With over 20 years’ experience representing children in criminal proceedings, Aika brings unparalleled insight into the realities of youth defence work. Twice named Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year, she is also the author of In Their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time — a powerful account of her work and the systemic challenges faced by young defendants.

Shauneen Lambe

Shauneen Lambe is an internationally recognised lawyer, qualified as both a barrister in the UK and an attorney in the USA. She began her career at the Louisiana Crisis Assistance Center, representing clients facing the death penalty — including those accused of offences committed as children. A founding leader in youth justice reform, Shauneen is an Ashoka Fellow, an Eisenhower Fellow, and co-author of Youth Justice Law and Practice (the leading LAG textbook for lawyers).

Mel Stooks

Mel Stooks is an exceptionally experienced youth justice solicitor and Head of the Youth Team at GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates. Since qualifying in 1998, she has dedicated her career to defending young and vulnerable people, often representing clients from police station to trial to ensure trust and continuity. An accomplished trial advocate, Mel regularly defends children charged with serious offences, including murder, and has particular expertise in neurodiversity and criminal exploitation. She has contributed to national best practice guidance, including the ICCA’s Advocacy for Children in Conflict with the Law, and delivers specialist training for lawyers and other professionals working within the youth justice system.

Over the series of masterclasses, we will also be joined by other leading youth justice lawyers as they help develop your skills and knowledge in representing children facing criminal allegations.