After being educated at Bassaleg Grammar School, John attended Cardiff University and obtained an Honours Degree in Law (LLB) and a Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) at Bristol University studying Medical Law, International Criminal Law, the Law of Evidence, and Miscarriages of Justice. 

In addition, John has also studied International Humanitarian Law and International Armed Conflict at Oxford University.  John is both a qualified Barrister and Solicitor with Higher Rights of Audience (All Proceedings), allowing him to practise in both the Criminal and Civil Courts’.  He attended the Guildford College of Law to study for his Solicitors Final Examinations.  Since qualification John has practised law in South Wales, London, The Midlands and for the past 25 years as a defence solicitor and advocate in Bristol. 

As both a police station Duty Solicitor, and Court Duty Solicitor and having over forty years’ experience of criminal practice, John has represented clients’, both at the police station, and in all Courts’ across the full spectrum of criminal allegations’, including murder, fraud, and the most serious type of sexual offending.  John has been referred to in Chambers and Partner in the following terms – “John Stokes is known for his expertise in cases involving sexual offences.  His pragmatic and sensitive approach is appreciated by clients”.  Such experience, has allowed John to represent clients’, in the Youth Court, Magistrates Court, Crown Court, High Court, and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). 

John also has very substantial experience of the Youth Court and clients’ with mental health issues’, having represented such clients’ not only in a criminal context, but before the Mental Health Appeal Tribunal.  Further John has undertaken training at The International Criminal Court in The Hague, and has been allocated to The ICC list of Counsel. 

John is an ardent professional rugby and football supporter, having suffered over many years supporting Newport County.  A personal interest in Sports Law, and Sports Law representation.  While not involved with his legal and sporting interests’, John endeavours to travel as much as time allows, and also has an interest in golf.  He is a professional member of the Law Society, and Grays Inn.  John has also taught at The University of Law and other educational establishments’.