ABOUT USYour Local Legal Experts
With client satisfaction at the heart of what we do, Dunn & Baker Solicitors have been providing legal services to private clients and the business communities of Exeter and Cullompton since 1885.
We strive to build a strong and trusting relationship between our clients and the firm, allowing them to benefit from the wide variety and depth of expertise that we have to offer. At Dunn & Baker Solicitors, we know how important it is to have a legal expert you can rely on to get the job done properly, so we provide a tailored solution that focuses on getting the best service for your money, without cutting ‘cost’ corners.
OUR MISSION
CLIENT PROMISE
It goes without saying that we aim to provide the best service possible for our clients and provide a number of promises to ensure that we meet that expectation:
PROVIDE REGULAR UPDATES
Because life is busy and you deserve to know how your matter is progressing
BE PROMPT
We know what delays can mean so we aim to deal with all letters, calls and emails promptly, politely and efficiently
LEGAL ADVICE TO YOUR DOORSTEP
If you can’t get to us, we can get to you and provide a service that meets your needs
BE CONSISTENT
We know that life can be disappointing sometimes, so we make sure to provide a consistent level of service throughout your matter so that you have one less thing to worry about
PROVIDE A POINT OF CONTACT
At the outset of your matter, you will be provided with the name of a Partner or senior member of staff that you can contact if we are failing to uphold any of your expectations
1885
Albert Edward Dunn (Member of Parliament) was admitted as a Solicitor in the year 1885 and practised at Castle House, Castle Street, Exeter and took into Partnership Charles Baker who, after a short period of time, left the Firm and went to London where he assisted in forming the well known firm of Kenneth Brown, Baker and Baker.
Albert Edward Dunn, a philanthropic gentleman, gave three of his employees, namely Michael John McGahey, Albert Martin Alford and Thomas John Wembridge Templeman, free articles and in due course they all qualified as Solicitors. Michael John McGahey obtained First Class Honours for which he received an Award from the Devon and Exeter Law Association for his distinguished achievement.
In due course, Albert Edward Dunn retired and Messrs M J McGahey, A M Alford and T J W Templeman entered into partnership in the name of Dunn and Baker at the previous premises at Castle House, Castle Street, Exeter.
M J McGahey was a well known advocate in the City and, together with T J W Templeman, took an active part in the City’s interests. Mr McGahey and his then Managing Clerk, Sidney Herbert Thomas, assisted in the formation of the Exeter City Football and Athletic Club. Mr T J W Templeman was a local Councillor as well as the Mayor and Alderman of the Exeter City Council. S H Thomas was eventually appointed Life President of the Exeter City Football Club.
1932
In 1932, Dunn and Baker moved from Castle House, Castle Street, Exeter to new premises at Castle House, 26/27 Southernhay West, Exeter which was subsequently destroyed by enemy air raids in 1942. After temporary accommodation in the home of M J McGahey in St Leonards, Exeter, new offices were acquired at Number 21 Southernhay East, Exeter.
In the early 1930s, two of the sons of M J McGahey and the sons of A M Alford and S H Thomas took articles and, on their being admitted as qualified Solicitors, joined the firm as Assistant Solicitors and eventually became partners of the firm. These were Robert James McGahey, Arthur John McGahey and Ewart Angwin Thomas.
1939
The firm continued to function during the Second World War with a very depleted staff, with only Ewart Angwin Thomas and T J W Templeman remaining to carry on. Many members of the staff were in the Armed Services, including R J McGahey who served with the Royal Navy and A J McGahey who served in the Royal Air Force.
After the War, the firm continued to practice as family Solicitors, with the sons of A J McGahey and E A Thomas qualifying and joining the firm as Assistant Solicitors and Michael Ewart Thomas, son of Ewart Angwin Thomas, eventually becoming a partner.
Both R J McGahey and Ewart Angwin Thomas completed more than 50 years’ service with the firm.
1973
On the retirement of R J McGahey in 1973, Gareth Alan Fergus Owens, who joined the firm in 1972, became a partner along with Michael Ewart Thomas and Patrick C M Nicholls, who had completed his articles with the firm and who was admitted in December 1974.
1978
In 1978 due to the retirement of A J McGahey, R J McGahey and E A Thomas and also a number of senior Legal Executives, the firm of Dunn and Baker amalgamated with Roger M L Williams and Co, creating the Firm in its present format.
1999
This firm was approved as a Quality Mark Specialist Provider in October 1999, with all branches being given the franchises in publicly funded work.
2011
In May 2011 Dunn & Baker Solicitors gained the CQS quality mark in May 2011 and joined the QualitySolicitors Network in September 2011.
2013
On the 16th July 2013, Dunn & Baker Solicitors became a Limited Liability Partnership and, on the 1st January 2014, Dunn & Baker LLP were authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to become an ABS (Alternative Business Structure). In turn, Dunn & Baker Solicitors appointed Simon Cutting as the first Non-Lawyer Partner in its history. Simon joined Dunn & Baker in 1982 and is now an Equity Partner and the Managing Partner of the Firm.
Present
Having navigated through the Covid 19 pandemic, Dunn & Baker Solicitors continue to offer a range of legal services from their Exeter and Cullompton offices. The current partnership members are:
– Nicholas Penwell – Senior / Equity Partner
– Simon Cutting – Managing / Equity Partner
– Darren Cleverdon – Equity Partner
– Daniel Pollard – Equity Partner
– Neil Starr – Equity Partner
– Darren White – Partner
– Teresa Woon – Partner
– Clare Handley – Partner
– Julia Spies – Partner
Data collected during April 2024, at which point in time we employed 57 members of staff.
| Position | Female | Male | Declared non-minority ethnic |
Declared minority ethnic |
Declared disability | Works flexible hours |
| Partner | 3 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Solicitor | 3 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Licensed Conveyancer | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Legal Executive | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Non-qualified fee earners | 11 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Other supporting role | 15 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Business administration / other | 5 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 38 (67%) | 15 (26%) | 51 (89%) | 1 (2%) | 1 (2%) | 23 (40%) |
Please click here to view our Equality and Diversity Policy.
We are committed to running our firm fairly, openly, honestly and in accordance with our professional rules. It is an offence to offer or to receive benefits to induce another to act improperly. The firm has zero tolerance to any bribery received by or offered to partners or staff.