DASLS Autumn Dinner Fundraiser for Presidents Charity is a Huge Success80 guests came together at The Castle Hotel in Taunton for the DASLS Autumn Dinner on Friday 25th September 2026.We were delighted to be joined by our guest speaker Samantha Marsh, Senior Coroner for Somerset, who gave an insightful talk about her fascinating role. DASLS President Ben Darby's chosen charity YOUNG DEVON also joined us. Andrew Moreman, CEO for Young Devon shared the worthwhile support and very much needed work they provide to young people in Devon.In addition to the £1,637 Ben raised by completing the 15km Run Devon event, Ben raised £845 the on the night for YOUNG SOMERSET raising a total of £2,482 across the two charities.
Thank you to all our guests for supporting the dinner, 12 law firms were represented in total and we also welcomed a number of our sponsors Insight6, Lloyd & Whyte, Smokeball, Wessex Searches, Landmark & MJ Bowers.
If you would like to support YOUNG SOMERSET - DONATE HERE
If you would like to support YOUNG DEVON - DONATE HERE
Photos from the night can be VIEWED HERE...
DASLS were delighted to join Michael Cosgrave, colleague's from Wollens Solicitors and his friends and family at the Hotel Indigo in Torquay on Tuesday 15th September.We came together to celebrate both Michael and his dedication to his career. Chris Hart gave a lovely summary of Michaels long and successful career of over 50 years here in the South West followed by a few words from the man himself. Michael has been involved with DASLS for more years than we probably care to remember!
Michael has been a long standing member, firstly of DELS (Devon & Exeter) and later DASLS following our merge with Somerset. Michael has remained and active member of the Board of Directors following his Presidency in 1992.Michael was one of the founding members of the DASLS International Committee and has spent many years travelling Europe with his international friends and colleagues.
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🏃🏃WELL DONE BEN 🏃🏃
DASLS President Ben Darby took part in Young Devon’s annual fundraiser Run Devon on the 13th September 2026 to raise awareness and funds for his chosen Presidential Charity. Ben completed the 15km course in good time, what a great achievement.Young Devon is such an important cause dedicated to changing the opportunities presented to young people in our community.
🏫 bringing opportunities to our share of the 1 million young people not in education, employment or training that live in our community🏠 reducing homelessness amongst young people through direct provision of accommodation🧑⚕️ mental health and mentoring services for young peoplePlease donate what 💰 you can - Ben has set a fundraising target of £100 per km so £1,500. DONATE HERE
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Smokeball Launches Community Hero Awards in the UK to Celebrate Legal Professionals Making a Difference
New annual awards programme recognises solicitors and legal professionals across the UK for their outstanding contributions to their communities
London, UK – Tuesday 1 September 2026 – Smokeball, a leading provider of legal practice management software, today announced the launch of the Smokeball UK Community Hero Awards, a new annual initiative celebrating legal professionals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities.
The awards recognise individuals across the UK legal profession who dedicate their time, expertise and passion to causes beyond their day-to-day legal work — whether through supporting charities, championing diversity and inclusion, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, leading sustainability initiatives, or driving positive change within their local community.
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This will take place on Tuesday 13th October 2026 commencing at 4:00pm. This will be via ZOOM. Any member interested in attending or contributing, please contact tony@dasls.com. ...
An opportunity for HR people in law to come together and share good practice and common issues.
Next meeting - Thursday 15th October at 11:00am via ZOOM.
Contact tony@dasls.com if you would .like to attend....
DASLS Local Law Society Admission Ceremony - FULLY BOOKED
Thursday 15th October 2026
The Guildhall, Exeter
Dress Code - Office Wear and robes
Guest speaker: HHJ Liz Willsteed
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 at the ceremony and drinks and canapes will be served.
If you have qualified in the year leading up to October 20256 and would like to attend, please email kelly@dasls.com
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Torquay Legal Runner Group 🏖️ - 3rd Tuesday of every month
📅 Tuesday 20th October 2026⏰ Meet at 6:00pm📍 Clock Tower/Agatha Christie Bench👟 5km approx. along the pier and sea frontℹ️ Open to anyone in the legal profession - All abilities welcome
💷 Free Event
No need to book, just turn up 👟👟👟👟👟👟SEE YOU THERE 👟👟👟👟👟👟
ORDER your Legal Runner T-Shirt and Support LawCare
Accessibility For All
Social Group Running for the Legal Community
Just for Fun ...... Find out more and Join the running community on LinkedIn
Read the Law Society Article looking at the story of the "Legal Runner"
The #Law Society president: wellbeing advice
“We need safe spaces where lawyers can speak openly with people who understand their experiences.” - Mark Evans, Law Society president and founder of LegalRunner – a series of local running groups for legal professionals - shares why social running is helping people to open up about their wellbeing.
Mark Evans is the 181st President of the Law Society of England & Wales, representing over 210,000 solicitors. He brings more than 28 years’ experience in property and private client practice and is committed to innovation, inclusivity, and access to justice.
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