Curtains up on DASLS 2025

The DASLS Legal Awards 2025 take place tonight, with nearly 400 guests gathering at the University of Exeter’s Great Hall for one of the biggest nights in the regional legal calendar.

The evening will celebrate outstanding legal talent across Devon and Somerset — from paralegals and partners to support staff, rising stars, and entire law firms. There’ll be fine dining, high-impact speeches and maybe even a few surprises.

BBC broadcaster David ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald returns as host, bringing his trademark wit and warmth to the stage. Joining him is special guest speaker Penny Mallory — former rally champion turned performance coach — who brings an inspiring story of resilience, success, and serious grit.  Now preparing to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in 2026, Penny will share her insights on mindset and motivation with a legal audience ready to be inspired.

Here is a reminder of the brilliant sponsors:

• Lockton – Support Team Member of the Year & Chartered Legal Executive of the Year

• TM Group – Rising Star 

• Arbuthnot Latham – Leader of the Year

• Review Solicitors – Solicitor of the Year

• Insight 6 – Client Experience

• Aspiria – Team of the Year

• Miller Insurance – Legal Team of the Year

• Nexus OS – Law Firm of the Year (up to £4m turnover)

• Landmark – Sustainability Award

• Magdalen Chambers – Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year

• ITEC, a Xerox IT Solutions company - Support Team Member of the Year
• PFK Francis Clark - Law Firm of the Year (£4m+ turnover)
• G2 Legal - After Party 
• Actionstep - Programme 
• St John's Chambers - Drinks Reception

And finally, a special shout out to Tony Steiner – DASLS Chief Executive and the driving force behind the awards. From spreadsheets to speeches, Tony is the reason tonight’s celebration happens. As he put it: “It’s going to be more colourful, more exciting — a real party atmosphere.”

Let the countdown end — it’s showtime. Good luck to all our finalists, and here’s to a brilliant night celebrating Devon’s legal legends.