Bar Council and Young Barristers’ Committee member, Aimee Stokes shares her career highlights, what her 'typical' working day looks like and why she enjoys working at the employed Bar.
What is your specialism?
I am a Senior Associate at Mills & Reeve LLP, specialising in regulatory and criminal enforcement, with a particular focus on health and safety and environmental matters. My practice sits at the intersection of public law and litigation, meaning I regularly deal with complex factual issues, evolving regulatory frameworks, and cases carrying significant reputational risk for clients.
I support clients throughout the lifecycle of a matter, from the immediate aftermath of an incident, through any regulatory investigation and potential prosecution, and, where relevant, inquest proceedings.
What does a typical working day look like?
Day to day, my work is very varied. It can involve advising clients at the outset of an investigation, reviewing large volumes of evidence, drafting submissions to regulators, preparing cases for court, or conducting advocacy. I work with organisations navigating investigations across a wide range of regulatory bodies, often advising on interview strategy and enforcement risk.
No two days are the same, which is one of the aspects I enjoy most. My role combines detailed legal analysis with advice that is practical and commercially focused. One of the advantages of being an employed barrister is the level of client contact involved. I work closely with clients over extended periods, which allows me to both build a rapport and to develop a deeper understanding of their objectives so as to tailor the case strategy.
Tell us about your career highlights
A recent highlight in my career has been receiving the Pegasus Scholarship to the United States. I am due to visit in October this year, travelling to Washington DC, New Hampshire and California. It is an incredible opportunity and one that I am very much looking forward to.
In terms of my day to day work, I am particularly proud to be involved in a number of high profile matters, some of which may go on to shape the legal landscape in this area. Alongside those larger cases, however, it is often the smaller matters that feel just as significant, if not more so. Whether it is securing a substantial reduction in a financial penalty or making representations that result in no further action being taken, it is immensely rewarding to achieve outcomes that make a tangible difference to clients.
Working within a supportive team makes those successes all the more rewarding, as there is a real opportunity to recognise and celebrate those outcomes together. And on that note, I was absolutely delighted to be recognised in The Legal 500 for the first time last year as part of the firm’s health and safety team, which was a particularly proud moment in my career so far.
Why do you enjoy working at the employed Bar?
For anyone considering a career at the employed Bar, I would highlight the breadth of opportunity it offers, combining advocacy and analytical skills with a collaborative, client focused environment, and providing a rewarding platform to develop as both a lawyer and a trusted adviser.
Aimee is a member of the Bar Council and Young Barristers’ Committee. She is a Senior Associate at Mills & Reeves LLP, specialising in regulatory and criminal enforcement.