President's Review - Stephen Mahoney

Time flies and, it seems, never more so than when you agree to become President of DASLS.  I can scarcely believe it is over two years ago that I got the phone call from Tony Mason at the behest of the College of Past Presidents, to enquire whether I would be prepared to be nominated as Deputy Vice President.  My personal involvement with our local Law Society had been peripheral until then.  However, since stepping onto the conveyer belt which has brought me to the Presidency for 2018/19, I have come to appreciate what a lot of time and effort goes into making DASLS the highly regarded and effective body that it is.  The bedrock is undoubtedly the stability...

Meet Paul Kelly, DASLS Deputy Vice President

Why did you join Devon & Somerset Law Society?   Conscripted by Tozers.   What is your dream job?   On a good day, this one.   What has been the most embarrassing moment during your professional career?   The adjournment of an old-style licensing application before a busy magistrates' court, the clerk pointing out my failure to serve the parish council with unimprovable timing.   Which sort of work gives you the most job satisfaction?   When I believe my advocacy has influenced a hearing.   What gets you up in the morning?   The thought of the Exeter traffic.   What do you do in your spare time?   Not as...

Family, Criminal & Dispute Resolution Committee Meeting - 29 September 2026

The Family, Criminal & Dispute Resolution Committee Meeting will take place on 29th September 2026 via ZOOM at 4:00pm.  We are delighted to be joined by Liz Makin from Stanley Smith Case Management.  The Committee has vacancies for Family Lawyers.  Want to know more, visit our Family, Criminal & Dispute Resolution Committee Webpage. If you would like to attend, please contact: Kelly@dasls.com    ...

Admission Ceremony - 15 October 2026

DASLS Local Law Society Admission Ceremony  Thursday 15th October 2026 The Guildhall, Exeter Dress Code - Office Wear and robes Guest speaker:  HHJ Timothy Walsh   6:00pm - Guests arrive, refreshments will be served 6:30pm - Ceremony and certificate presentation and a short speech from the DASLS President and Guest Speaker 7:15pm - Photos 7:30pm - Drinks & Canapes 8:30pm - Evening finishes   DASLS welcomes newly qualified Solicitors to celebrate their achievement at the Admission Ceremony in the presence of local solicitors and members of the Judiciary.  Those attending will be presented with certificates. There will be a photographer...

PRACTICAL AI FOR PROFESSIONALS: Tools, Prompting & Workflows - 7 October 2026

Practical AI for Professionals: Tools, Prompting & Workflows Date: Wednesday 7th October 2026 Time: 2:00pm - 5:15pm Venue:  Nexus Open Systems, Vale House, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5AZ Speaker: Professor Akber Datoo Course Outline: This hands-on session will cover: • What AI is good for (and where it goes wrong): quick, practical dos & don’ts• Which platforms to use for which tasks (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini/Claude/Perplexity—how to choose)• How to write prompts that work: simple repeatable frameworks• Working with documents safely: redaction/sanitisation, confidentiality, and “what not to paste in”• Moving from P...

DASLS Autumn Dinner - 25 September 2026 **SOLD OUT**

**SOLD OUT** The 2026 Autumn Dinner will be held on Friday 25th September at The Castle Hotel, Taunton  We are pleased to be joined this year by our guest speaker Samantha Marsh, Senior Coroner for Somerset. Arrival Drinks will be served at 7:00pm followed by a 3 course dinner and coffee VIEW MENU.  This is a black tie event. We are limited to a capacity of 80 guests, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are £80 per person plus VAT.    To make a booking, please complete the BOOKING FORM and email it to: Kelly@dasls.com  DASLS President Ben Darby will be raising awareness of his chosen charity, Young Devon on the night and has signe...