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Gosh the last year has flown Newcastle, Cheshire and The importance of their by! North Wales and contributions should not be Leicestershire. The County underestimated. I wish to It was a trip down memory Group carries considerable commend them all for the lane to revisit Chancery Lane weight and the Law Society’s time their members have when I attended the Local Chief given, out of their Law Society Presidents’ and Executive Paul busy work Secretaries’ Conference in Tennant joined schedules, to June last year. I vividly the meeting attend meetings remembered being there 30 and was and to take years before when I attended grateful to appropriate follow my own admission ceremony. respond to the up action on the A trip back to the Law home counties matters discussed. Society’s HQ is always feedback that Where this memorable not just to he received. involves Reports from: reacquaint myself with the interaction with surroundings but to help I was, like the National Law President & 1-2 vividly recall my own many of you, Society itself and Committee admission day. On that first shocked and our regulatory trip I went up to with saddened in Social 2 bodies, this helps my wife Paula and my proud January this to cement the Law Society 3-4 parents. Sir Anthony Holland, year to hear the news and see wider reputation and who I was articled to, was the pictures of the substantial Council Members importance of DASLS. As I President of the National Law fire at Chancery Lane. I know from my visits to Society that year. Mum still emailed Paul Tennant and Education & 5 London and the other has the photo of me shaking James Shepherd, our Law Training / Practice societies, DASLS views are Tony’s hand on the landing at Society Relationship Management listened to and our individual her home. Management Executive, to regional firms’ collaboration send our best wishes and Contentious 6 Whilst we were at Chancery via DASLS does carry weight hope that the building will be Business Lane in June, Tony Steiner particularly on matters that back to full use very soon. continued to ensure DASLS directly impact our Vice President 7 remains a driving force within I would like to thank the businesses, staff and clients. the County Societies’ Group. members of the various I am proud to say that our Non-Contentious 8-9 This includes our working DASLS Sub- Committees. Junior Lawyers’ Division and with National Society Once again, they have worked Business / the local branches of CILEx In-House Lawyers’ members from Kent, Surrey, exceedingly hard this year. Group

International 9  Relations  SBA The Solicitors’ 10 Charity /  - Hon. Treasurer  -

continue to go from strength to after-dinner talk. past President of the Association strength. I think I can safely say of South Western Law Societies As I write this report, preparations that the future of this Society is in and of the Plymouth Law Society. are in full swing for the 2020 safe hands and we continue to be DASLS Legal Awards and Annual Like all my Presidential relevant to our membership. … DASLS views are Dinner being held again this year predecessors, I must say heartfelt It has been my great privilege to at Exeter Cathedral. After the thanks to Monique Bertoni and attend several dinners and awards success of last year, we are hoping Tony Steiner whose listened to and evenings hosted by various of our that once again that the event is organisational skills, experience fellow South Western Law sold out which would mean we and energy make the role of our individual Societies and other professional will have around 480 people DASLS President so much fun. groups. On an international front, attending. There have been more Thanks also to Harry Martin for all prior to the 2019 Exeter Sunday nominations than ever before with his help and support at Aston regional firms’ Legal Service, affiliated European more entries making the shortlist. Court. Likewise, I wish to say it societies with lawyers from Bilbao, Can I say a big thank you to Llew was a great privilege to work with collaboration via Erlangen, Gdańsk, Leuven, Nicholls and the team at our our Honorary Secretary, Chris Rotterdam and Verona attended a Awards partners ‘Grow Marketing’ Hart and Honorary Treasurer dinner in their honor as our who have worked very hard Richard Adams and to receive DASLS does carry guests. Sadly, court commitments alongside our very own Tony and their guidance and support have curtailed my own European Monique to achieve full throughout the year. travels, but I have been grateful to sponsorship of this event. weight particularly Finally, I would like to thank my Vice President Paul Kelly and Past I would like to say a personal wife Paula for all her love and President Stephen Mahoney who thank you to my partners at support. It now just remains for on matters that have been able on occasions to Browne Jacobson LLP for allowing me to pass over the reins to your kindly deputise for me. me the opportunity and honor of new President, Paul Kelly, and directly impact The DASLS Dinner in being your President and the wish him the very best of luck for November was an enjoyable excellent support of my colleagues his forthcoming year in office. evening. Can I say a big thank you from the firm. I must also thank our businesses, Best wishes to the Society and all to all who attended. We raised an you to my PA /secretary Yvonne its members for the future. excellent £858.12, with gift aid, for Impey for all her help and staff and clients. my chosen charity this year of organisational skills in keeping me ‘Step One’. Our guest speaker out of too much trouble over the Nigel Lyons Chris Robinson brought the history year. I feel particularly proud to President 2019/20 of the south west to life with his have held this office having been a

- Cup where possible. We are We reach the end of the also looking into a new idea of 2019/2020 DASLS Challenge a mini Olympics style event to Cup with a joint winner for the include. The first event for the Cup being Ashfords and 2020/2021 cup has been Michelmores. The Cup is announced and invitations are normally presented at DASLS out for teams to enter. Legal Awards and Annual Dinner. We have been collaborating Final Challenge Cup Leader Board 2019/2020 with the JLD in regards to a We had one less event for the few events, in addition to the Cup this year due to the venue usual yearly rounders match, Ashfords / Michelmores - joint first place 18 for our scheduled volleyball which have been successful. match cancelling very last WBW 10 minute. This did not give us Many thanks to all who Tozers / Wollens - joint fourth place 7 enough time to plan a further continue to support the Cup event. This was unfortunate as and events held by the Sub- Foot Anstey 6 it was a new event to the Committee. The members of Dunn & Baker 5 Challenge Cup and we were the Sub-Committee have looking forward to hosting it. worked really hard and we all Devon & Somerset Junior Lawyers’ Division / 3 work really well together. As All events throughout the Cup Pennon Group / Trowers & Hamlins always, if you or anyone you were supported and will be know is interested in joining Beers / Crosse & Crosse / Gilbert Stephens 2 used again for the 2020/2021 the Sub-Committee, please let Browne Jacobson / The Family Law Company 1 myself or DASLS office know.

Kathryn King and Scott Bowen

Since our last update, Council met Council membership follow. on 12 February 2020, less than The Council Membership Diversity and Inclusion two weeks after the widely Committee has been reviewing The Council was updated on the reported fire at 114 Chancery the make up of Council with a pilot of the Law Society’s Diversity Lane. Luckily, the damage was view to making it more and Inclusion Charter and on confined to 114 and did not representative of the profession. recently published research by spread to the member facing 113. There has been considerable Cardiff University, “Legally debate as to how best to achieve Several council members disabled”, which highlights the suggested that TLS should do this. At February’s meeting challenges people with disabilities something to show our thanks to Council considered a paper with face within the profession. the brave fire fighters who fought specific proposals about a to save the historic building - Law maximum term length for Council The findings at each career stage Society President, Simon Davis, membership of 12 years. This was included challenges with working has committed to exploring this not approved. That doesn’t mean with recruitment agencies, with the London Fire Brigade. that the proposal cannot be accessibility of offices, health- revisited at a later date. related career interruptions, Brexit inappropriate paternalism, and At present, the term of office of The Council was updated on the bullying and harassment. The 36 Council members is four years significant work undertaken to recommendations in the report (except for the LPC/trainee seat, influence the government’s include increasing flexible and which is two years), but there is negotiation position and to offer remote working, and greater no restriction on how many times members guidance and utilisation of the government’s Council members can be re- information to plan for the future. Access to Work scheme. elected if their constituents TLS’s policy position is clear, and continue to feel that they are the European Union’s fifth Anti- our approach has been modified best candidate for the position. Money Laundering Directive to maximise impact with the new government. Work has also been I for one was surprised by the Working with the other members ongoing with the Professional statistics provided about the of the Legal Sector Affinity Group, Business Services Council, TLS are length of terms of those Council TLS published interim guidance to represented on the government’s members currently sitting on help the legal sector fulfil its new Brexit Law Committee, and they Council; only a quarter of Council obligations under the fifth Anti- continue to make the case for members have served 12 or more Money Laundering Directive, legal services to be fully years, whereas almost half have which was transposed into UK law considered and prioritised in the served four years or fewer, on 10 January. This can be found exit deal negotiations. including myself and Scott Bowen. on the Society’s website. Consideration of various aspects I also attended a panel talk hosted In other news of Law Society governance will by the British Italian Conservatives continue to be reviewed by the TLS continues to campaign on at the House of Commons Council Membership Committee behalf of its members in a number following the Council meeting, at and Council – we will keep you of areas including Legal aid deserts which Alberto Costa MP and updated on this. (you may have seen the heat map others (including our own Simon published which shows that more Davis and Maria Memoli) Discussions about the future than 37 million people in discussed the current transition regulatory landscape and the and Wales live in local authority period and the anticipated impact. Society’s future relationship with areas without any community care the Solicitors Regulation Authority legal aid providers), “release continued. More on this will

under investigation” (did you see The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has The new TLS website Richard Miller, the Law Society’s published its consultation on In our previous update we head of justice, on Newsnight?), ‘accelerated items’ as part of its mentioned that the new Law bail reform and the Criminal criminal legal aid review. These Society website was live for Legal Aid review. Scott Bowen proposals were intended to testing. Following a lot of will be attending the DASLS AGM provide some interim relief for work, feedback on various and I am sure he would be more the increasingly desperate elements of the site and previews than happy to discuss this in situation defence lawyers find at Council, the new website is more detail – he sits on the Law themselves in. The Law Society is now live and beginning a phased Society’s Criminal Law disappointed to note, however, launch; starting with elected and Committee. that what's being offered goes appointed members (including nowhere near far enough to Council members) and other Law secure the short-term position for Society staff. criminal firms. Without urgent attention, we're concerned that Member feedback on the old site the sustainability of the criminal centred around how hard it was defence profession is at risk. to find what you were looking for. The new site aims to tackle this The Law Society would encourage with a radically simplified all members who undertake structure and a step change in criminal legal aid work to respond the search function. The content to the four-week consultation. has also been largely rewritten More details here: https:// and brought together in ways www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/ which (TLS hopes) make sense for stories/criminal-legal-aid-review- members, based on their latest-proposals-are-insufficient/ feedback. It also has a clean new An example of where lobbying by look and feel, in line with the TLS TLS has proved effective is the brand. Kathryn King SRA’s confirmation that it is The new, simplified registration ([email protected]) dropping its proposed reforms of process for My Law Society will professional indemnity insurance. be rolled out from April. We are The SRA said that consultation told that big improvements to responses had informed the TLS’ ability to personalise what decision. This is a great result for members see will follow this, the profession. along with a campaign to At the end of January TLS encourage members to sign up to published the results of their My LS. We will keep you updated largest-ever legal needs survey, so that you can sign up and get prepared jointly with the Legal involved. Services Board. Over 28,000 Council’s next meeting: people took part, and TLS is using the results to influence how we 26-27 March 2020 (Strategic promote the profession. See planning event). ‘Legal needs: Seeking Next regular Council meeting: professional help’, Gazette, 3 Feb, 3 June 2020. for an overview. We are, as always, your Council TLS has also published analysis Members and should anyone with KPMG on the contributions wish to raise any issues with us to of the legal services sector to the take back to Chancery Lane, we Scott Bowen UK economy. KPMG reports that look forward to hearing from you. the value of the legal services ([email protected]) sector to the UK economy was £59.93bn (gross value added) and 552,000 (employed) in 2018.

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The role of the Education & As in previous years the I am grateful for the continuing Training Sub-Committee is: Society has been able to support given to me by all the deliver a training programme members of the Education & Training  to provide input on the of which it can be proud. In Sub-Committee. They are the lifeblood content of the future 2019 the Society arranged 58 of the training programme and their training programme; training events covering a input helps us meet the requirements  to monitor the success (or broad range of substantive of legal practice. If you see a gap in the otherwise) of courses that law topics. We have also programme or identify a speaker that have been run by the provided several events for we should be inviting to the area Society; support staff and paralegals as please let me know – we are always  to respond to consultations well as various management on the lookout for new ideas. Better regarding education & training opportunities. I am still, if Training & Education is of training as may arise from proud that we were also able interest why not join the Sub- time to time; to deliver the two-day Mental Committee?  Health First Aider course. to keep members advised Finally, thank you for continuing to of changes to training The new SRA Competency support DASLS training events. requirements when they Framework appears to be arise and arrange briefings well embedded into firms and practical advice when and this had some impact on required; attendance at courses during . -  to consider such other the year, especially in matters regarding October. This has emphasised education and training as the need to ensure that DASLS maybe referred to them by training events are relevant to the main Committee from what our members need to time to time. fulfil their obligations under

the new rules.

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It has been another busy and has sought to identify Our environmental year for the Practice the opportunities and sustainability working Management Sub- threats to solicitor party has made some Committee. practices in the region. progress but there is more Issues surrounding to do, and I am pleased We have hosted our two regulation and compliance that the Committee has annual conferences; have continued to be a endorsed the group by Regulation & Compliance topic of debate as has the recommending that it form and Practice Management. never ceasing vigilance into a Sub-Committee in its Both were well attended required to combat own right. and attracted a wide range cybercrime. of calibre speakers. These 2020 is shaping up to be conferences are a regular The Sub-Committee another busy year. My fixture in DASLS calendar continues to run its thanks as ever to my Sub- and we are just beginning quarterly Managing Committee members and to plan the autumn event Partner/Practice Manager to all those speakers that which will focus on forums at various locations attended our conferences technology and the across the Society’s area. and training programmes increasing opportunities it These have proven to offer during the year. [email protected] offers. a great opportunity for partners and managers to The Sub-Committee has share experiences and met three times in the year good practice.

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It has been an interesting year be discovered. Following a cornerstone of early resolution of ‘will we won’t we' great deal of submission from but despite the efforts of the Withdrawal Agreement many bodies, including the local courts the numbers arguments and manoeuvrings, Law Society, one notable actively referred to Mediation electioneering at national and change last year was in the Services run by the DASLS local level, and now an EU discount rate applicable to PI panel remain disappointingly transition period. All the while, lump Sum compensation low, some 7 or 8 in the last the legal profession is involved payments to minus 0.25% and quarter, but it is hoped that at every level, from the which came into force on the through further initiatives concerns about access to 5th August 2019. Not as good these numbers will increase. justice for our most vulnerable as most Claimant litigants In order to keep colleagues clients, to the headline making would have hoped for but updated on such court matters judgments of the Supreme better than what was sought we hope that we shall be able Court. by Defendant Insurer to share approved minutes of lobbyists. such court user meetings with Before PM Theresa May left DASLS members in the future the immediate fray her One part of the remit of this and we will update further on Government select committee Sub-Committee is to maintain that in due course. launched an enquiry into the effective liaison with the local access to justice implications judiciary and the courts. I am I thank the Members of the of the HMCTS courts pleased to report that Sub-Committee who have modernisation programme members of the Sub- contributed their time this including on the increased use Committee have sought past year. Membership of the of digital and video technology whenever possible to Sub-Committee remains open and of court closures. A year encourage and support court to all new interested members on and many comment that users groups across the DASLS and I would encourage you to whilst some of our courts such patch with court users consider joining us if you as the Rolls Building at the RCJ meetings having taken place in practice in contentious work, are fully digitised and some Plymouth, Exeter, , whether Civil, Family or areas of work such as , Weston super Mare Criminal law and whether in Chancery cases in and Bristol. We are grateful to Private practice, part of an In moving to full e-filing, the members of the local Judiciary house team, Statutory, Non system as a whole is not fully and to court staff for Statutory or a charitable Not capable of this as yet and facilitating and attending for Profit organisation. Your there are outstanding issues these periodic meetings for interest, enthusiasm, and around Service of documents the benefit of all court users input would be appreciated. and correspondence on other and which serve to highlight We meet up to 4 times per Parties through relevant court performance, provide year at the end of a working portals which need to be updates in civil and family day so time input is far from resolved. Full digitisation practice and procedure and to onerous. seems to be some way off encourage dialogue between The next year will bring much albeit moving in that direction. practitioners, the Judiciary and to engage with. There will be a court staff on a wide range of The Law Society has continued potential challenge to the topics to promote best its campaign on the nature and scope of Judicial practice and new initiatives. deficiencies in our Criminal Review, there will be Costs Overstretched resources is a Justice system, described as and Practice changes, and common theme with ever “crumbling”. The campaign there will be the usual rafts of increasing numbers of cases has been supported by DASLS new legislation. 350 new taking court time, including members including those Deputy District Judges have rising Antisocial behaviour members who act as been appointed across the UK cases, Litigants in Person Parliamentary Liaison Officers with potentially another 200 seeking assistance with advice who have sought to highlight to follow so there will and the Judiciary keen to this and other important undoubtedly be some new encourage early advice and issues with our local MP's. faces in the courts in DASLS resolution. Family Law has area. We shall endeavour to In the ever evolving world of long had the benefit of FDRs keep relevant issues in Civil Litigation costs another as an early tool to try and practice and procedure under move was the MOJ launch of facilitate such resolution and it review, respond to its Fixed Recoverable Costs is hoped that Early Neutral Government and other bodies’ consultation back in March Evaluation in Civil Litigation consultation documents and which ended in June. The will help in this regard. where relevant, and to keep full outcome of this is yet to Mediation remains a members updated on changes.

DASLS Executive Monmouthshire members Committee met in should decide whether September 2019 to they sit best in this region consider The Law Society or with the Wales Governance Review, and Council. We also then fed back by letter supported further dated 13 September 2019 reduction of the Council's to Kathryn King and Scott size, and invited Bowen as the Council consultation on the formal members for the South job descriptions and terms

West now supporting of Officers and Council DASLS . members to ensure these include liaison with local The Committee endorsed societies. three proposals for consideration the views previously by the Society's main expressed by DASLS that The Committee met again committee’s meeting on 11 significant governance on 3 December 2019 to March 2020: reform is long overdue. We consider the DASLS 2020 supported setting up budgetary forecast. The 1. The acquisition of a training regional forums for Council Honorary Treasurer was suite to hold the majority of members to meet and then predicting a net seminars, and to provide have contact with local law annual loss for 2019 of hospitality facilities for societies, whilst asking £13,000, and for 2020 of member firms and other about the administrative £17,000. professional organisations; cost and whether these With over £281,000 of 2. Refreshing the conference forums would also be open reserves, there is no programme particularly with to individual members. immediate danger of a view to attracting younger We welcomed the proposal insolvency. However, the lawyers; for join the south- meeting reviewed each 3. Making it an objective to west Council region and head of current secure further sponsors. suggested that expenditure and made

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It has been another busy year information and building for the Sub-Committee, which relationships between those met in March, June and October working in the sector, dealings 2019. The Sub-Committee between all parties can be made members have been active in more efficient and contributions both within the companionable. meetings and outside and we have again been pleased to The Private Client sector has - welcome speakers on a wide seen a number of concerns range of interesting subjects. raised this year about claims made by certain practitioners In March 2019, we welcomed about the guaranteed nature of Stephen Griffiths, who gave the trust arrangements to protect - Sub-Committee an interesting assets from all claims, including and useful presentation on care fees, divorce and Stamp Duty Land Tax. June 2019 insolvency, but also supposedly Registry and the Probate then saw the Sub-Committee allow the person to retain Registry and the progress of the welcome Probity Care’s Tonia complete control. The Sub- South Devon Residential Smith, who has many years’ Committee has been active this Property Forum are on the experience working within the year particularly in reviewing agenda and, no doubt, will care sector, in all forms of care, adverts taken out in local promote further active steps by and gave a fascinating insight papers and magazines, to view our members. into the choices available when whether the terms used are arranging care. The Sub- likely to be misleading to It remains for me to thank all Committee are grateful to both customers, who may then pay Sub-Committee members and speakers for sharing their large sums of money to transfer observers and our speakers, for expertise. away their assets without a all their contributions, over the definite guarantee of success in last 12 months. We were sorry On the Property side of matters, their aims. One case in that Rebecca Kibby and October 2019’s presentation particular saw the Advertising Katherine Willmott stepped was by Jonathan Parker of Standards Authority require the down (but congratulate Darby & Darby, which has misleading adverts to be Katherine on her new arrival) established the South Devon retracted and it is hoped that and we are pleased to welcome Residential Property Forum. The the Sub-Committee’s work will Ben Darby and Jonathan Parker, aim of the forum is to smooth help customers now to make a both of Darby & Darby, as new working relationships between more informed choice. members. estate agents and conveyancers and between firms, by The Sub-Committee’s next I am grateful to the Sub- establishing an informal meeting will take place in March Committee for all their help and protocol. It is hoped that, by 2020. Items such as our look forward to another sharing best practice relationship with HM Land thought-provoking year ahead.

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The In-House Lawyers’ profession. We also take up office in 2021. The Group exists to support recognise that the group is First In-House Lawyer to hold solicitors and other lawyers extremely diverse. the Office of President was Sir Desmond Heap in 1972. working in-house, be that in Figures suggest that in 2020 commerce, Industry, local approximately 35% of the Latterly The Law Society has Government, not for profit profession will be in-house. worked hard to improve its organisations and Charities, It is the fastest growing In-House Division/ or other organisations. As a sector in the profession. Community, publishing a group we encourage much wider variety of engagement with all in- I.Stephanie Boyce is only the nd articles and publications on 2 In-House Lawyer to be house lawyers and seek to its website. The Law Society - elected President of the highlight this area of our holds events for in-house national Law society, she will

lawyers - for example in topics included: very strategic role within visible employee policies in November 2019 it held a their organisations and are place. “The new SRA Standards & round table event at frequently involved in Regulations” presented by For the second year in a row Chancery Lane “Pro Bono identifying areas of Juliet Oliver, General Rav Hothi, Head of Guide for In-House Lawyers weakness, ensuring policy Council SRA. Juliet Relationship Management and legal teams“. The development and looking at highlighted the standards & Midlands & South West at Division is also holding how an organisation can principles particularly The Law Society attended various networking events recover. applicable to those working the conference. Rav gave an along with training offered in-house. “Privilege & Disclosure” overview of the services and through a mixture of presented by Alex Fletcher, opportunities offered by The seminars, workshops and “Crisis Management “ by Normanton Chambers, an Law Society for In House webinars. Phil Sampson, of Sampson excellent presentation. Lawyers. Hall. Phil has been involved DASLS In-House Lawyers’ with dealing with crisis at Kate Gardner of Clarke As always DASLS In-House Group held its annual the highest national level Willmott gave an Lawyers’ Group welcomes Conference on 17th October having worked with the “Employment Law Update” new members and any 2019, which was very kindly Cabinet Office during many giving an analysis of recent suggestions in respect of hosted by the Pennon security crises and is a case law and reiterating the topics that can be covered at Group in Exeter. The counter terrorist expert. In- need for businesses to have this year’s conference. feedback was positive, House Lawyers often have a clear, comprehensive,

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So BREXIT got done. Now availability, but the key rule of law is taken by that you have spent the overseas events remain some as a synonym for commemorative 50p and focused around the twin democracy, but honouring there are a few loose ends bars and the European it means that we are like trade deals, free Bars Federation (FBE). The accountable to laws that movement, legislation and composition of these are publicly promulgated security to tie up, the UK’s organisations has been and equally enforced. place in the world is being well rehearsed in previous Turning back to the twin recalibrated to take AGM reports, but bars (as I wrote in the account of the new meetings this year have March edition of the realities that face it. taken place in Barcelona, DASLS Newsletter), DASLS Irrespective of BREXIT and Leuven and Lisbon. In will be hosting the annual The year ahead will also see the unpredictable Barcelona, the conference Twin ars meeting, which is international events in Paris and geopolitical backdrop, subject matter was on the due to take place from 4th Sofia, but it will remain to be DASLS and the IRSC remain separation of powers and to 7th June 2020. The IRSC seen whether the COVID-19 committed to the close the extent to which it is has been busy preparing outbreak will lead to their relationships they enjoy still valid in a world that the working sessions, postponement. It is worth noting with their sister bars and has changed immeasurably which will look at the that the FBE has already their pan European since Montesquieu’s time, impact of Artificial deferred the Mediterranean bars network of law societies. whilst the intermediate Intelligence in the sphere meeting due to take place in One might even say that congress in Lisbon focused th th of human rights as well as Girona from the 26 to 28 such relationships are now on self-regulation in the the weekend’s social March, so DASLS and the IRSC even more important. legal profession. At first schedule, which will will keep such meetings under glance, such concepts may The IRSC rolling diary for culminate in the review for the benefit of its seem academically woolly, 2019/2020 has been a ceremonial grandeur of members and officers alike. but they are an integral little quieter in terms of Legal Service Sunday at part of upholding lawyer attended meetings, which Exeter Cathedral. independence and respect may be due to budgetary for the rule of law. The issues and officer

SBA The Solicitors’ Charity In the meantime, the Charity’s The generous donation made potential applicants in need so supports solicitors, former support for colleagues in need by DASLS to the Charity last if anyone does know of solicitors and their or crisis has continued year was very much anyone, would they please dependants who find unabated. 2019 saw nearly appreciated and I hope that contact Sue via DASLS office themselves in difficulty for £60,000 awarded to our members will authorise for people in Devon and reasons such as illness, individuals in Devon & DASLS to make a similar myself at bereavement and Somerset. The majority of donation this year. On behalf [email protected] unemployment. This includes these beneficiaries were of the Charity, heartfelt thanks om for people in Somerset. financial support to help current or former solicitors also to the individual members claimants meet housing costs, who were experiencing a wide of DASLS who make personal Rebecca Parkman and household repairs, utility bills, range of issues, including contributions to this extremely Sue Aggett groceries and transport. The domestic abuse, serious worthwhile charity. Charity also supports enduring mental ill health, claimants by providing access chronic illness and family Following Jeremy Lee’s to services providing debt and breakdown. Beneficiaries retirement last year as the welfare advice, mental health ranged in age from 47 to 94. Charity’s Area Representative support and career coaching. The Charity’s support for three for Devon, DASLS Past families, providing bespoke President, Sue Aggett, has Following the appointment of assistance with career kindly agreed to step into his a new CEO the Charity has transition, helped colleagues shoes. Sue has attended a undertaken a review of back on the path to full-time training day at the SBA’s Head policies and procedures to employment. Office. DASLS Past President ensure that resources Rebecca Parkman continues to continue to be channelled act as the Charity’s Area most appropriately for Website: www.sba.org.uk Representative for Somerset. maximum support of the Email: [email protected] beneficiaries. Sue and Rebecca would Twitter: @SBACharity welcome details of any

No cheerful aphorisms for you income. The last six years' skews things against us a bit, this year, I'm afraid. Rather I income have been; £167k, and a glance at pages 18 and have to report another year in £173k, £163k, £150k, £178k 19 of the accounts will show which we spent more than we and then, last year, a new low you that we've still plenty of took in. The bar charts show of £149k. I thought training cash in the bank and are doing was running down until last what we can to reduce our this to be happening far more year's surprise bumper crop, expenses, as well as increase often than I would like to be the case. Last year's deficit is which gave hope, and made it our income (where possible £18,000. hard to know how much 2019 and appropriate). would bring. The hope Please keep your ear to the I have mentioned here before appears to have been false, as And thank you all for ground for us; we're looking that things are made more training income was £29,000 your ongoing support for for a training suite, to lease or difficult than they used to be less in 2019 than the prior our Awards Dinner in buy. One way we think we can thanks to (1) low interest rates year; relatively few of you such numbers. This better serve our members – our capital earns us very booked courses for October made a very helpful would be to run our own little – and (2) adjustments in 2019, as you've usually done contribution to our training suite, which we could the recruitment market, before, and as a result we're finances last year, and also consider making available making our traditional modus pushed to know what you're will be bigger and better to other organisations as an operandi no longer viable. going to do this year (though this year – assuming the income source for us. Other We're trialing a new model things have started fairly Cathedral remains open, than the finances stacking up, which we hope will prove cheerfully, I'm pleased to be of course... location is, of course, key – we more attractive to you. able to say). need to be close to the M5 or Richard Adams What bit me in the bum as As ever our figures are the major A roads - along with March 2020 Treasurer last year was depressed by depreciating the copious parking, something another drop-off in training book value of our office we unfortunately lack at Aston building by £4,000, which Court.

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Full list of Somerset Law Society Chairmen and Presidents 1796-2007 Presidents were only elected from 1891; prior to that date the names given are those of the Chairman of the Meetings of the Somerset Law Society at the Taunton Spring Assizes.

1796-1817 No Records 1885 Hill, W. John 1950 Pulliblank, Maurice Taunton CHAIRMEN 1886 Swayne, Walter T. 1951 Powell, W.E. Weston 1818 Batten, John Yeovil 1887 Louch, John Langport 1952 Hurford, H.J. 1819 Baker, John Blagdon 1888 Meyler, Thomas Taunton 1953 Addleshaw, J.H. 1820 Leigh, Henry James Taunton 1889 Payne, Alexander Richard Milverton 1954 Saul, I.W. Taunton 1821 Pinchard, William Price Taunton 1890 Bath, Edward Glastonbury 1955 Harris, C.W. Wells 1822 Nicholetts, John S Petherton 1956 Rutter, C.L. 1823 Trevor, John William PRESIDENTS 1957 Rutter, J.J.B. Wincanton 1824 Coles, James Bridgwater 1891 O’Donoghue, Henry O’Brien I. Ashton 1958 Jowett, C.J.P.C. Yeovil 1825 Fisher, Joseph Bath 1892 Payne, Alexander R. Milverton 1959 Wyatt, F.N. Wells 1826 Do. 1893 Swayne, Walter T. Glastonbury 1960 + Wyatt, F.N. Wells 1827 Boys, Percival Bridgwater 1894 Easton, Richard Taunton 1961 Powell, W.H. Weston 1828 Dyne, Edward 1895 Dunn, William 1962 Powell, W.H.D. Weston 1829 Pinchard, William P. Taunton 1896 Do. 1963 Arrow, C.J. Yeovil 1830 Do. 1897 Louch, John Langport 1964 Rickards, L.E. Shepton Mallet 1831 Clarke, Thomas Edward Chard 1898 Kite, George Henry Taunton 1965 Husband, C.J.R. Bridgwater 1832 Leigh, W. Taunton 1899 Lovibond, George Bridgwater 1966 Reed, N.W. Bridgwater 1833 White, Frederick Wellington 1900 Poole, Hugh Ruscombe S Petherton 1967 Harding, T.H. Wellington 1834 Mullins, Charles 1901 Harris, Richard Wells 1968 Smith, P.E.G. Wellington 1835 Leigh, Henry J. Taunton 1902 Poole, Walter J Ruscombe Bridgwater 1969 Fryer, L.J. Weston 1836 Randolph, James Milverton 1903 Trevor, Edward Bridgwater 1970 Cruttwell, S.H. Frome 1837 Payne, John Milverton 1904 Alms, Edward Theodore Taunton 1971 Boodle, A.T. Yeovil 1838 Mullins, Thomas Goathurst 1905 Louch, Edward Queckett Langport 1972 Ash, R.G. Bridgwater 1839 Newman, Edwin Yeovil 1906 Poole, William Taunton 1973 Collett, S.W. Weston 1840 Anstice, Richard Bridgwater 1907 Chubb, Francis O.O. Wells 1974 Hannah, D.G. Weston 1841 Nicholetts, John S Petherton 1908 Booker, William T. Wellington 1975 Meller, D.C. Wincanton 1842 Newman, Edwin Yeovil 1909 Watson, Edgar Henry Taunton 1976 Creswick, G.B.N. Frome 1843 Taylor, John Bath 1910 Goodall, Sidney Frederick Wells 1977 Gosling, B.J. Weston 1844 Leigh, Henry James Taunton 1911 Barham, T. Foster Bridgwater 1978 Collett, D.J. Weston 1845 Bradford, John Willmott Langford 1912 Clarke, Charles Peard Taunton 1979 Bennett, P.F. Wrington 1846 Messiter, George Frome 1913* Baker, William Thomas Bridgwater 1980 Carpenter, R.M. Langport 1847 Taylor, John Bath 1914 Broomhead, Thomas Taunton 1981 Shaw, J.L. Bridgwater 1848 Davis, William Frome 1915 Nalder, Arthur Edward Shepton Mallet 1982 Fielden, J.H. Burnham/Sea 1849 Messiter, Henry Wincanton 1916 Channing, Archibald Taunton 1983 Rutter, J.F. Wincanton 1850 Dyne, Edward Bruton 1917 Mackay, Douglas Shepton Mallet 1984 Hallam, E.W.L. Midsomer Norton 1851 Davies, Edmund Wells 1918 Hagon, Chas Edmund Bridgwater 1985 Thorne, J.R.A. Minehead 1852 Trevor, John Bridgwater 1919 Sheppard, Herbert Byard Taunton 1986 Baker, S.G.B. Yeovil 1853 Messiter, Henry Wincanton 1920 Goode, William Winter Langport 1987 Osmond, J.G. Taunton 1854 Murley, G.B. Langport 1921 Harris, Richard Granville Wells 1988 Stokes, R.M. Yeovil 1855 Hill, John 1922 Pearse, Thomas Vincent 1989 Gardner, A.J. Cheddar 1858 No Minutes 1923 Chubb, Alfred Everard Wells 1990 Close, J.M. Taunton 1859 Hill, John Paulton 1924 Wilson, Colin McClure Wells 1991 Mulligan, R.K. Wellington 1860 Louch, John Langport 1925 Teek, Henry Comer 1992 Warren, Olga Taunton 1861 Murley, G.B. Wincanton 1926 Watson, Douglas Statham Burnham 1993 Moule, P.F. Yeovil 1862 Randloph, James Milverton 1927 Bath, Robert Glastonbury 1994 Fox, P.L.M. Taunton 1863 Hill, John Paulton 1928 Foster, E.P. Wells 1995 Watkis, J.B. Burnham/Sea 1864 Swayne, Walter Thomas Glastonbury 1929 Wedd, H.G. Langport 1996 Pollard, T.G. Wells 1865 Pinchard, Wm. P. Taunton 1930 Channer, O.R.M. Taunton 1997 Rose, M.R. Taunton 1866 Trevor, John Bridgwater 1931 Whitley, G. Bridgwater 1998 Jerram, K.I. Weston-s-Mare 1867 Boucher, Benjamin Wiveliscombe 1932 Burrough, W.G. Wedmore 1999 Pulvermacher, F.M. Taunton 1868 Foster, John Hopkins North Curry 1933 Warry, H.C. Yeovil 2000 Priest, S.R. Yeovil 1869 Messiter, Henry Wincanton 1934 Barrington, T. Bridgwater 2001 Davidson, J.R. Wells 1870 Trenchard, Henry C. Taunton 1935 Stiling, W.H.C. Burnham/Sea 2002 Allan, N.J. 1871 Warden, Thomas Williton 1936 Dodson, F.S. Taunton 2003 Edwards, R. Yeovil 1872 Auber, Henry P. N Petherton 1937 Willmott, F.W. Taunton 2004 Morgan, R.W. Taunton 1873 Baker, John 1938 Moger, H.G.D. Taunton 2005 Murray, F.G. Taunton 1874 Trevor, John Bridgwater 1939 Poole, G.S. S Petherton 2006 Morris, W.P. Taunton 1875 Do. 1940 Cruttwell, G.H.W. Frome 2007 Hayllar, C.F. Bridgwater 1876 Do. 1941 Pulman, T.M. Taunton 1877 Messiter, Henry Wincanton 1942 Lee-Michell, F. Wellington 2008 DELS/SLS Merger 1878 Payne, Edward Turner Bath 1943 Thorne, W.H.A. Minehead 1879 Do. 1944 Batten, Major H.C.C. Yeovil 1880 Do. 1945 Briggs, A.H.H.G. Weston * Mr. Baker died within a short time of his election. 1881 Do. 1946 Boxall, F.S. Yeovil + There was no General Meeting in 1960 and Mr. Wyatt held 1882 Trevor, John Bridgwater 1947 Clarke, Geoffrey P. Taunton office until Mr. Powell was elected at a special Meeting in June 1883 Do. 1948 Pardoe, C.B. Bridgwater 1961. 1884 Do. 1949 Blake, J. Humphrey Crewkerne Officers of Somerset Law Society 1796 - 2007 Honorary Secretaries & Treasurers Honorary Secretaries Honorary Treasurers

1796 – 1810 Charles Edwards, Chard 1977 – 1983 F.M. Pulvermacher, Taunton 1977 - 1981 D. Perratt, Taunton 1810 – 1836 Uriah Messiter, Wincanton 1984 F.M. Pulvermacher, Taunton ] 1982 - 1993 W.P. Morris, Taunton 1837 – 1862 Wm. Price Pinchard, Taunton R.M. Fountaine, Wells ] (joint) 1994 - 1997 F.G. Murray, Taunton 1863 – 1897 John Henry Biddulph Pinchard, Taunton 1985 – 1988 R.M. Fountaine, Wells 1998 - 2007 R.E.E. Parkman, Weston-super-Mare 1898 – 1899 John Edward William Wakefield, Taunton 1989 R.M. Fountaine, Wells ] 1900 – 1910 Edgar Henry Watson, Taunton J.S. Walters, ] (joint) 1911 – 1927 Herbert Byard Sheppard, Taunton 1990 – 1991 J.S. Walters, Radstock 1928 – 1948 Geoffrey Peard Clark, Taunton 1992 J.S. Walters, Midsomer Norton ] 1949 – 1960 Walter Rex Williams, Taunton K.J. Shearn, Bridgwater ] (joint) 1961 – 1970 Patrick Fenton Moule, Yeovil 1993 – 2007 K.J. Shearn, Bridgwater 1971 – 1976 Francis Michael Pulvermacher, Taunton Full list of Devon & Exeter Law Society Presidents since Incorporation until 2007

1926 C R M Clapp Exeter/East Devon 1954 F F Annear North Devon 1982 D G Williams Exeter/East Devon 1927 G B Oerton North Devon 1955 W F Pugsley North Devon 1983 J I Mosley South Devon 1928 A Anstey Exeter/East Devon 1956 J J Malim South Devon 1984 M E Barnes North Devon 1929 H C Brown North Devon 1957 G H S Butcher Exeter/East Devon 1985 J W Parkinson Exeter/East Devon 1930 G H Stephens Exeter/East Devon 1958 L J Hallett Exeter/East Devon 1986 D J Jones South Devon 1931 J Symes Exeter/East Devon 1959 C Hamlyn Taylor South Devon 1987 F P de M Horsey North Devon 1932 M A Mathew Exeter/East Devon 1960 S W Wright North Devon 1988 J F Eden Exeter/East Devon 1933 T Phillips Exeter/East Devon 1961 V O M Donnithorne Exeter/East Devon 1989 B G Nelson South Devon 1934 T J W Templeman Exeter/East Devon 1962 N H H Cordwent South Devon 1990 G A Feinson North Devon 1935 S Hilton South Devon 1963 D C Harward North Devon 1991 S A Lawson Exeter/East Devon 1936 F P Cottey Exeter/East Devon 1964 T Anstey Exeter/East Devon 1992 M B G Cosgrave South Devon 1937 H W Michelmore Exeter/East Devon 1965 H A T Coles South Devon 1993 J M Rowland North Devon 1938 R Boase North Devon 1966 D F Brown North Devon 1994 R D Newman South Devon 1939 S H Easterbrook South Devon 1967 A J McGahey Exeter/East Devon 1995 J C N Robinson Exeter/East Devon 1940 N J Lake Exeter/East Devon 1968 H Sykes-Balls South Devon 1996 C J C Palmer North Devon 1941 B R Dunning Exeter/East Devon 1969 D W Blackwell North Devon 1997 A N Pryce South Devon 1942 H T Michelmore Exeter/East Devon 1970 J S Pope Exeter/East Devon 1998 S W Arnold Exeter/East Devon 1943 H Linford Brown Exeter/East Devon 1971 The Rt Hon Lord Citrine South Devon 1999 D L Whiteley North Devon 1944 G C Daw Exeter/East Devon 1972 Sir John Palmer North Devon 2000 G G N Bond South Devon 1945 P H W Almy South Devon 1973 W J Hallett Exeter/East Devon 2001 R J Challans Exeter/East Devon 1946 V Thompson Exeter/East Devon 1974 B R Wordsworth South Devon 2002 J J Ferguson North Devon 1947 F M I Watts South Devon 1975 E F Clark North Devon 2003 J W Howell South Devon 1948 J W Waddingham Exeter/East Devon 1976 D B Crosse Exeter/East Devon 2004 P A Derbyshire Exeter/East Devon 1949 G H McMurtrie South Devon 1977 T C Richards South Devon 2005 P R Mole North Devon 1950 S W Cleave Exeter/East Devon 1978 J M H Arthur North Devon 2006 C D Hart South Devon 1951 S A Copp North Devon 1979 B A Harris Exeter/East Devon 2007 V E S Salomonsen Exeter/East Devon 1952 F C Landsell South Devon 1980 Mrs M Anstey South Devon 1953 Sir Godwin Michelmore KBE Exeter/East Devon 1981 C M Verney North Devon 2008 DELS/SLS Merger

Officers of Devon & Exeter Law Society 1920-2007 and of Devon & Somerset Law Society 2008-present

Honorary Secretaries Honorary Treasurers

1920 - 1929 M A Mathew 1920 - 1929 M A Mathew 1929 - 1934 J W Nowell* 1929 - 1934 J W Nowell 1934 - 1946 J W Waddingham* 1934 - 1936 J W Waddingham 1946 - 1952 J S Pope 1936 - 1946 M A Mathew (1951 D Lyon Smith - Assistant Secretary) 1946 - 1949 J W Waddingham 1952 - 1968 D Lyon Smith 1949 - 1959 J W Waddingham and M A Mathew joint (1963 - 1968 J F Eden - Assistant Secretary) 1959 - 1975 G H S Butcher 1968 - 1974 W S Simey 1975 - 1988 B R Wordsworth 1974 - 1975 W J M White (1987 - 1988 D L Whiteley - Assistant Treasurer) 1975 - 1980 J W Parkinson 1988 - 1998 D L Whiteley 1980 - 1987 S A Lawson 1998 - 2007 R A Adams (1985 - 1987 C J C Palmer - Assistant Secretary) 2008 - present R A Adams 1987 - 1994 C J C Palmer (1987 - 1989 P L Mattholie - Assistant Secretary) (1993 - 1994 J A Spiers - Assistant Secretary) 1994 - 2007 J A Spiers MBE * It should be noted that Mr J W Nowell and Mr J W Waddingham 2008 - 2014 J A Spiers MBE were one and the same. 2014 - present C D Hart

Presidents of Devon and Somerset Law Society 2008 - present

2008 A McNeill, North Devon 2017 S Aggett, South Devon

2009 J M G Cross, South Devon 2018 S St J Mahoney, Somerset

2010 R E E Parkman, Somerset 2019 N H Lyons, Exeter/East Devon

2011 D M Turner, Exeter/East Devon

2012 R D Bowen, Exeter/East Devon

2013 P R Dyson, South Devon

2014 A Mason, Somerset

2015 W F Michelmore, Exeter/East Devon

2016 M S Roome, North Devon