Alastair Banks - AI: The Art of the Possible 1 year on
Why AI Governance Must Come Before AI Scale - Nexus OS
AI is creating new opportunities for law firms to improve productivity, unlock knowledge and enhance client service. But successful adoption starts with governance.
This session explores how firms can embrace AI confidently by putting the right guardrails in place around client confidentiality, data access, compliance and professional judgement. Attendees will learn why governance is not a barrier to innovation, but the foundation for scaling AI safely, empowering employees to use tools like Microsoft Copilot, and building long-term competitive advantage.
Key takeaway: Governance isn't what slows AI down. It's what enables firms to adopt AI faster, safer and with confidence.
Andrew Allen - Accountants Update
Fees:
DASLS Members/Affiliates: £145 plus VAT Non-members: £165 plus VAT
Alastair Banks, Optix Solutions
Digital Marketing Strategist, Keynote Speaker and Lecturer. Alastair has more than 25 years of experience helping organisations navigate change, build brand authority and embrace emerging technologies. He is the co founder of Optix Solutions, Your Digital Future and the Marketing Leaders Community. He is an international keynote speaker and regular guest lecturer at the Entrepreneurship Summer School, part of London Business School’s MBA programme, as well as the University of Exeter. He has also lectured at Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Chicago and the London School of Economics. He is a former member of the Forbes Business Council. Alastair co founded Optix Solutions at the age of 19 while studying at the University of Exeter. Today, Optix is recognised as one of the UK’s leading strategic digital marketing agencies, employing more than 20 people and working with organisations including the Met Office, University of Exeter, Pearson Languages, the NHS and London Business School. In 2023, Optix was named Campaign’s Best Boutique Agency to Work For and has since achieved B Corp status. A regular on the European speaking circuit, Alastair delivers thought provoking keynotes on subjects ranging from digital trends and brand building to generative AI in marketing. His sessions are known for blending long term strategic thinking with practical, real world application. Alongside his agency work, Alastair runs a consultancy with his wife, Lizz, supporting professionals within global organisations to build their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn more effectively. He has contributed to initiatives such as the Met Office Ambassador Programme and has delivered LinkedIn Masterclasses for organisations including HSBC as part of global employability and leadership programmes. He has also developed a strong presence within the Knowledge Exchange and Tech Transfer sector, working closely with Jeff Skinner, former Director of Entrepreneurship at London Business School and Sean Fielding, former Director of Innovation at Exeter University. Their Miracle methodology has been delivered across Europe. Alastair leads a membership community for senior marketing leaders, providing regular insight into emerging trends, tools and strategic shifts within digital marketing. He lives in Exeter with his wife, Lizz, their two children, Oscar and Alexa, their dog Freddie and cat Wilbur. Outside work, he is a passionate skier and golfer and supports West Ham, the Exeter Chiefs and Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey. He is active across social media and remains committed to sharing knowledge, connecting people and helping others move forward with confidence.
STUDIO BASED MEDIA SKILLS TRAINING
Are you ready?• Your Client asks you to give a televised statement to the Press.• You are to be interviewed by the local radio station about a data leak in your firm.
This training will give you the skills and experience to confidently deal with the pace and pressure of media situations.
Led by David ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald, the day is set in a working broadcast environment where delegates step into authentic TV, radio and press conference scenarios.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Contact tony@dasls.com to arrange a booking....
SRA Account Rules - Your Essentials
Date: 24 September 2026
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse, Exeter
Speaker: Janet Taylor
Course Outline:
Why you and your staff should attend these sessions?
We’ve had lots of recent consultations on/discussions around these Rules, some changes are coming, some are still being considered. It is vital that firms are fully up to date, including on current principles and best practice.
The protection of client money remains is the joint and several responsibility of all principals in a law firm. This responsibility extends not only to their own compliance but that of all employees. Effective compliance depends upon everyone in the firm understanding their role and responsibilities, the firm’s own procedures and communicating information effectively.
These two sessions are designed for everyone in a law firm to keep up to date, with a good understanding of the key rules and common pitfalls.
The sessions will be practical and participative and will use case study exercises and examples.
Morning session - Your essentials
Aimed primarily at staff with little or no knowledge of the Accounts Rules and those who are returning to this area and need to get back ‘up to speed’ and will cover:
The SRA Standards and Regulations
Where are we now?
Where the SRA Accounts Rules fit in
Areas of the Codes of Conduct which impact on the SRA Accounts Rules?
Who is covered by the Rules
The Accounts Rules
Fundamental principles
All the key definitions
Client versus non-client money.
Disbursements
Holding and dealing with client money
Bank accounts
Receipts and payments
Transferring money for costs
Dealing with balances
Accounting records requirements
Client account reconciliations an overview
Fees:
DASLS Members/Affiliates:
Half Day: £145 plus VAT
Full Day: £225 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the afternoon session)
Non Members:
Half Day: £165 plus VAT
Full Day: £250 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the afternoon session)
Janet Taylor FCA, Partner Taylor Mowbray LLP and Consultant, PKF Francis Clark
Janet has been joint owner of Taylor Mowbray LLP for over 15 years. Prior to that she spent over 10 years with a top 20 accounting firm heading up their specialist solicitors’ group. She currently acts as a consultant to a PKF Francis Clark as part of their specialist solicitors group. A highly experienced presenter of over 20 years’ experience, she has also become known as a specialist on the SRA Accounts Rules. She presents to a wide range of law firms through in-house and public seminars. Clients have included several major international and national law firms as well as accountants. Janet is the current Subject Matter Expert for the ICAEW’s Solicitors Community Advisory Group and co-author with Andrew Allen of the current version of the Law Society Solicitors and the Accounts Rules manual.
...
SRA Account Rules - Key Risks & Common Problem Areas
Date: 24th September 2026
Time: 1:30am - 4:30pm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse, Exeter
Speaker: Janet Taylor
Course Outline:
Why you and your staff should attend these sessions?
We’ve had lots of recent consultations on/discussions around these Rules, some changes are coming, some are still being considered. It is vital that firms are fully up to date, including on current principles and best practice.
The protection of client money remains is the joint and several responsibility of all principals in a law firm. This responsibility extends not only to their own compliance but that of all employees. Effective compliance depends upon everyone in the firm understanding their role and responsibilities, the firm’s own procedures and communicating information effectively.
These two sessions are designed for everyone in a law firm to keep up to date, with a good understanding of the key rules and common pitfalls.
The sessions will be practical and participative and will use case study exercises and examples.
Afternoon session – Key Risks & Common Problem Areas
While the SRA Accounts Rules allow some ’flexibility’ this can bring its own challenges. This session will look at some of the high risk areas and common problems. Aimed at those with or needing a wider knowledge of and responsibility for compliance, particularly partners and COFAs, and will cover:
Latest Guidance from the SRA
Responsibility for compliance and the role of the COFA (and those who support them)
Higher risk areas and the latest SRA guidance on these issues, including:
The prohibition on providing banking facilities through the client account
Dealing with residual balances;
Reviewing reconciliations;
Money held in the Client’s own bank account
‘Suitable’ systems and procedures and written policies
Changes we have seen so far
Fees:
DASLS Members/Affiliates:
Half Day: £145 plus VAT
Full Day: £225 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the morning session)
Non Members:
Half Day: £165 plus VAT
Full Day: £250 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the morning session)
Janet Taylor FCA, Partner Taylor Mowbray LLP and Consultant, PKF Francis Clark
Janet has been joint owner of Taylor Mowbray LLP for over 15 years. Prior to that she spent over 10 years with a top 20 accounting firm heading up their specialist solicitors’ group. She currently acts as a consultant to a PKF Francis Clark as part of their specialist solicitors group. A highly experienced presenter of over 20 years’ experience, she has also become known as a specialist on the SRA Accounts Rules. She presents to a wide range of law firms through in-house and public seminars. Clients have included several major international and national law firms as well as accountants. Janet is the current Subject Matter Expert for the ICAEW’s Solicitors Community Advisory Group and co-author with Andrew Allen of the current version of the Law Society Solicitors and the Accounts Rules manual.
...
Time recording and Pricing Masterclass
Date: Tuesday 29th September 2026
Time: 9:45am - 1:00pm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse, Exeter
Speaker: Robert Mowbray
Course Outline:
Attending this seminar will provide you with simple and practical advice on how you can charge for more of your time and at higher rates.
Time recording
The many benefits of recording all of your time
Grey area questions to illustrate best practice
Writing narratives that show “the value delivered to the client”
Using billing notes to deal with a range of things including out of scope work
Pricing strategies
How will AI impact on pricing?”
Understanding pricing windows and recognising that you can charge more and have happier clients
Understanding the full range of pricing mechanisms and when they should be used
Learning from other industries with fierce price competition
Identifying ways of quoting that are better for the firm and the client
Learning how to negotiate fees with greater confidence
Managing discounts and asking for something in return
Trading instead of discounting
Using conditional offers
Setting a walkaway point
Action planning
Fees
DASLS Members/Affiliates: £130 before 31/08/26 then £145 plus VAT
Non Members: £165.00 plus VAT
3 for 2 offer! Book 3 places on this seminar and get the cheapest FREE!
Robert Mowbray BSc FCA
Robert is an accountant who has worked in and with professional service firms for 30 years and who is an expert on law firm profitability and management. He has provided training and consultancy services to over 1,000 firms across 40 countries. His clients have included everything from the largest City and Global firms, through large regional firms and down to the most entrepreneurial smaller firms. He is regularly asked to help with a wide range of issues including time recording, pricing and fee negotiation, project management, accelerating cash flow, strategy, profit sharing arrangements and improving the quality of management information. He also helps lawyers to understand the financial statements of their clients.
Robert is the author of “Maximising the profitability of law firms” and was the author of the Law Society’s annual financial benchmarking survey from 2006-2009. He is also the author of the annual NatWest financial benchmarking survey which is done for both solicitors and accountants.
He has been voted “Trainer of the year” by the Legal Education & Training Group and is an Industrial Fellow of the Business School at Kingston University.
Robert trained in the early 1980s with PWC and spent 20 years as a partner at Macintyre Hudson LLP before setting up Taylor Mowbray LLP with Janet Taylor in 2009 to be a niche and independent advisor to professional service firms.
...
STUDIO BASED MEDIA SKILLS TRAINING
Are you ready?• Your Client asks you to give a televised statement to the Press.• You are to be interviewed by the local radio station about a data leak in your firm.
This training will give you the skills and experience to confidently deal with the pace and pressure of media situations.
Led by David ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald, the day is set in a working broadcast environment where delegates step into authentic TV, radio and press conference scenarios.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Contact tony@dasls.com to arrange a booking....
SRA Account Rules - Your Essentials
Date: 24 September 2026
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse, Exeter
Speaker: Janet Taylor
Course Outline:
Why you and your staff should attend these sessions?
We’ve had lots of recent consultations on/discussions around these Rules, some changes are coming, some are still being considered. It is vital that firms are fully up to date, including on current principles and best practice.
The protection of client money remains is the joint and several responsibility of all principals in a law firm. This responsibility extends not only to their own compliance but that of all employees. Effective compliance depends upon everyone in the firm understanding their role and responsibilities, the firm’s own procedures and communicating information effectively.
These two sessions are designed for everyone in a law firm to keep up to date, with a good understanding of the key rules and common pitfalls.
The sessions will be practical and participative and will use case study exercises and examples.
Morning session - Your essentials
Aimed primarily at staff with little or no knowledge of the Accounts Rules and those who are returning to this area and need to get back ‘up to speed’ and will cover:
The SRA Standards and Regulations
Where are we now?
Where the SRA Accounts Rules fit in
Areas of the Codes of Conduct which impact on the SRA Accounts Rules?
Who is covered by the Rules
The Accounts Rules
Fundamental principles
All the key definitions
Client versus non-client money.
Disbursements
Holding and dealing with client money
Bank accounts
Receipts and payments
Transferring money for costs
Dealing with balances
Accounting records requirements
Client account reconciliations an overview
Fees:
DASLS Members/Affiliates:
Half Day: £145 plus VAT
Full Day: £225 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the afternoon session)
Non Members:
Half Day: £165 plus VAT
Full Day: £250 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the afternoon session)
Janet Taylor FCA, Partner Taylor Mowbray LLP and Consultant, PKF Francis Clark
Janet has been joint owner of Taylor Mowbray LLP for over 15 years. Prior to that she spent over 10 years with a top 20 accounting firm heading up their specialist solicitors’ group. She currently acts as a consultant to a PKF Francis Clark as part of their specialist solicitors group. A highly experienced presenter of over 20 years’ experience, she has also become known as a specialist on the SRA Accounts Rules. She presents to a wide range of law firms through in-house and public seminars. Clients have included several major international and national law firms as well as accountants. Janet is the current Subject Matter Expert for the ICAEW’s Solicitors Community Advisory Group and co-author with Andrew Allen of the current version of the Law Society Solicitors and the Accounts Rules manual.
...
SRA Account Rules - Key Risks & Common Problem Areas
Date: 24th September 2026
Time: 1:30am - 4:30pm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse, Exeter
Speaker: Janet Taylor
Course Outline:
Why you and your staff should attend these sessions?
We’ve had lots of recent consultations on/discussions around these Rules, some changes are coming, some are still being considered. It is vital that firms are fully up to date, including on current principles and best practice.
The protection of client money remains is the joint and several responsibility of all principals in a law firm. This responsibility extends not only to their own compliance but that of all employees. Effective compliance depends upon everyone in the firm understanding their role and responsibilities, the firm’s own procedures and communicating information effectively.
These two sessions are designed for everyone in a law firm to keep up to date, with a good understanding of the key rules and common pitfalls.
The sessions will be practical and participative and will use case study exercises and examples.
Afternoon session – Key Risks & Common Problem Areas
While the SRA Accounts Rules allow some ’flexibility’ this can bring its own challenges. This session will look at some of the high risk areas and common problems. Aimed at those with or needing a wider knowledge of and responsibility for compliance, particularly partners and COFAs, and will cover:
Latest Guidance from the SRA
Responsibility for compliance and the role of the COFA (and those who support them)
Higher risk areas and the latest SRA guidance on these issues, including:
The prohibition on providing banking facilities through the client account
Dealing with residual balances;
Reviewing reconciliations;
Money held in the Client’s own bank account
‘Suitable’ systems and procedures and written policies
Changes we have seen so far
Fees:
DASLS Members/Affiliates:
Half Day: £145 plus VAT
Full Day: £225 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the morning session)
Non Members:
Half Day: £165 plus VAT
Full Day: £250 plus VAT (discounted rate applied if you also book the morning session)
Janet Taylor FCA, Partner Taylor Mowbray LLP and Consultant, PKF Francis Clark
Janet has been joint owner of Taylor Mowbray LLP for over 15 years. Prior to that she spent over 10 years with a top 20 accounting firm heading up their specialist solicitors’ group. She currently acts as a consultant to a PKF Francis Clark as part of their specialist solicitors group. A highly experienced presenter of over 20 years’ experience, she has also become known as a specialist on the SRA Accounts Rules. She presents to a wide range of law firms through in-house and public seminars. Clients have included several major international and national law firms as well as accountants. Janet is the current Subject Matter Expert for the ICAEW’s Solicitors Community Advisory Group and co-author with Andrew Allen of the current version of the Law Society Solicitors and the Accounts Rules manual.
...
Time recording and Pricing Masterclass
Date: Tuesday 29th September 2026
Time: 9:45am - 1:00pm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse, Exeter
Speaker: Robert Mowbray
Course Outline:
Attending this seminar will provide you with simple and practical advice on how you can charge for more of your time and at higher rates.
Time recording
The many benefits of recording all of your time
Grey area questions to illustrate best practice
Writing narratives that show “the value delivered to the client”
Using billing notes to deal with a range of things including out of scope work
Pricing strategies
How will AI impact on pricing?”
Understanding pricing windows and recognising that you can charge more and have happier clients
Understanding the full range of pricing mechanisms and when they should be used
Learning from other industries with fierce price competition
Identifying ways of quoting that are better for the firm and the client
Learning how to negotiate fees with greater confidence
Managing discounts and asking for something in return
Trading instead of discounting
Using conditional offers
Setting a walkaway point
Action planning
Fees
DASLS Members/Affiliates: £130 before 31/08/26 then £145 plus VAT
Non Members: £165.00 plus VAT
3 for 2 offer! Book 3 places on this seminar and get the cheapest FREE!
Robert Mowbray BSc FCA
Robert is an accountant who has worked in and with professional service firms for 30 years and who is an expert on law firm profitability and management. He has provided training and consultancy services to over 1,000 firms across 40 countries. His clients have included everything from the largest City and Global firms, through large regional firms and down to the most entrepreneurial smaller firms. He is regularly asked to help with a wide range of issues including time recording, pricing and fee negotiation, project management, accelerating cash flow, strategy, profit sharing arrangements and improving the quality of management information. He also helps lawyers to understand the financial statements of their clients.
Robert is the author of “Maximising the profitability of law firms” and was the author of the Law Society’s annual financial benchmarking survey from 2006-2009. He is also the author of the annual NatWest financial benchmarking survey which is done for both solicitors and accountants.
He has been voted “Trainer of the year” by the Legal Education & Training Group and is an Industrial Fellow of the Business School at Kingston University.
Robert trained in the early 1980s with PWC and spent 20 years as a partner at Macintyre Hudson LLP before setting up Taylor Mowbray LLP with Janet Taylor in 2009 to be a niche and independent advisor to professional service firms.
...