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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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.
READ MORE
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The next DASLS Sustainability Committee Meeting will be via ZOOM on Thursday 24th September 2026 at 4:30pm.
Want to know more, visit our Sustainability Committee Webpage.
If you would like to attend, please contact kelly@dasls.com for details.
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**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 signed up to Run Devon 2026. We hope to be joined by a representative from Young Devon. Money raised at this event will also support young people in Somerset.
Samantha Marsh has spent her career navigating the complexities of both the living and the departed. After years as a conveyancing solicitor—mastering the art of the 'missing boundary fence' she transitioned to the bench, becoming an Assistant Coroner in 2015. She has been the Senior Coroner for Somerset since the 1st April 2022. This is a role defined by the pursuit of answers and upholding of judicial integrity. A firm believer in the independence of the judiciary, she brings a unique approach to combining the law and serving the public of Somerset. When not presiding over inquests, she reflects on a 'former life' (before children and a judicial appointment!) as an amateur conservationist with a particular obsession for painting windmills—a hobby that required the same patience and attention to detail as she now applies to Coronial law.
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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
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