Michael Drake

Michael Drake is a Solicitor (non-practising) with extensive experience in family and charitable trusts. He continues to serve as Secretary of the Newmarket Stud Farmers Association Limited, Trustee of the George Gibson Almshouses Trust, and Trustee of the Miss Jarvis Charitable Trust.

Michael began his career at the historic Newmarket firm Rustons & Lloyd which was established in 1834 as a 17-year-old Articled Clerk. He qualified as a Solicitor in 1973 at the age of 23 and went on to practice in Kent with a large commercial firm before re-joining Rustons & Lloyd in 1976. He became a Partner the following year and remained with the firm until its merger with Edmondson Hall in 2019.

Throughout his distinguished career, Michael has earned a reputation for his depth of knowledge, professionalism, and long-standing relationships with his clients. In 2023, he proudly celebrated 50 years as a Solicitor.

Michael’s work has included:

• Shergar the racehorse insurance claims – Shergar was (at the time) the most famous and valuable horse in the world. He was kidnapped on 8th February 1983 and never found. This resulted in a number of insurance claims by shareholders of the Syndicate.
• Syndicating the Queen’s last stallion Royal Applause
• Involvement in the House of Lords case – for the rating of thoroughbred breeding studs
• Instructed renowned barristers from the Inns of Court in London such as Lords Marks of Henley 4 Pump Court, Walter Aylen KC – Harcourt Buildings , Nicholas Le Poidevin KC – Ten Lincolns Inn, Jeremy Storey KC – 4 Pump Court

3 cases in the Court of Appeal –

• Re: Dickson – re: revocation of Will
• Land v Sykes – notice re: Agricultural land
• Cotterill – Inheritance tax claims