John Edward Darby is a founding partner of Darby & Darby, bringing decades of experience and a steady, community-rooted presence to the firm’s Torquay, Brixham, and Dartmouth offices.

John began his solo legal practice in St Marychurch in 1983, opening his doors as John Darby & Co. Over the years, his commitment to personal service and high-quality legal care earned a reputation in South Devon that allowed the firm to expand. In 2000, his son Ben Darby joined him, and together they rebranded as Darby & Darby in 2007, growing into a multi-office, multi-discipline legal practice.

John’s core expertise lies in high-street legal services: residential conveyancing, wills, probate, and family law. His pragmatic, approachable style makes him both reassuring and trusted by clients navigating important life moments. Over the decades, he has fostered connections across the community, ensuring that the firm remains a reliable, local legal partner.

John operates with the same family-run values that define Darby & Darby – approachable, dependable, and deeply rooted in client care. He continues to model how the firm turns complex legal matters into understandable solutions, making challenging situations feel manageable and human.

Outside the office, John is a familiar face in Torquay. His long-standing engagement with the local community and his hands-on leadership continue to reinforce the firm’s presence and values across Devon.