Michael Drake

Michael Drake

Lawyer
  • Chodola Reynolds Binder
  • 519-254-6433

I was born and raised in Windsor. I attended Holy Names High School in South Windsor. At an early age, I had a keen interest in sports, academics, and being involved in clubs and organizations that supported our community. I was fortunate to have a great upbringing and very supportive parents. I was always taught to work hard and to always accept others.

Michael Drake trophyI started my involvement in the community with the local chapter of the Red Cross when I was in High School. I received the Service Award for volunteer hours when I graduated from High School. I played many sports growing up and continue to get out as often as I can to play golf and go curling. I have been fortunate to meet many others in the game for which I enjoy the competition and the friendship of those that I meet.

When my Dad retired from work in 2001, we went on a Fall trip each September/October to a different U.S. State. These are memories that I will always have for a lifetime. We covered 15 different U.S. states all within a one-day driving distance from Windsor. We are no longer able to go now but I continue to play golf with my Dad in the area for as long as he can continue to play.

Michael Drake golfAt the University of Windsor, I was a Student-Athlete in Cross Country and Curling. I completed my studies by receiving an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics and was awarded the Governor General Medal for the highest Academic Achievement in my graduating class.

I applied to Law School at the University of Windsor and to do my Masters in Economics. I was accepted into the Faculty of Economics at the University of Western Ontario but decided to follow my passion of helping others and enrolled at Law School at the University of Windsor in 1995. I completed my studies and received my Law Degree in 1998. I continued to work with local organizations while I was in Law School. I ran a local golf tournament to help raise monies for the Easter Seals Campaign. I went on to help Easter Seals as a VIP Panelist on the annual giving program.

After my completion of my Bar Exam and acceptance into being a member of the Law Society as a Lawyer, I joined CRB Law in the Fall of 1999. I was a Partner in 2005 and continue to date to practice in areas of personal injury law, family law, insurance defence, and employment law.

Michael Drake Rotary ClubIn the year after I became a Lawyer, I ran and secured a seat as the Junior Director with the Essex Law Association. I continued my involvement with our Law Association and was President in 2006 to 2008. In 2009, I was honoured to Chair the 125th Anniversary of the Essex Law Association which had a plaque revealing at the Superior Court of Justice and a Gala Evening to recognize the Law Association. I went on to be a part of the County and District Law Presidents Association as a representative to the Law Society Library Board that was responsible for the operation of the local law libraries across the Province of Ontario.

I have been a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) since 2001. I served as Club President from 2015 to 2016. I have been involved with the organization of volunteers at the annual Art in the Park since 2005. I serve as the Club’s Membership Chair. Rotary has touched the lives of so many around the world and it was an honour to be able to take a leadership role in our Club which has been such an integral part of the community in Windsor for over 100 years.

I am proud of my time as a volunteer with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. My first volunteer experience was when I was still in Law School in the late 1990s. I helped out with the organization of our annual Carrousel of Nations. I served as President of the Agency Board for the MCC in 2013 to 2014. I continue to serve on the Foundation Board. The organization has brought so much support to those who are new to our area and want to be able to secure a better life for themselves and their child. The tireless work of this agency and the dedication of the staff has been incredible to watch. 

Recently, I was named to the Board of Director of the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor Essex. I look forward to being able to do what I can to assist the organization  with the challenges that so many families in our community are facing with providing care for our loved ones and assistance to individuals that are living with dementia.

Practices

  • Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
  • Civil Litigation
  • Personal Injury Litigation
  • Sexual Abuse Claims
  • Insurance Defence
  • Family Law
  • Wills and Estates
  • Employment Law

Contact Info

Education

  • University of Windsor, LL.B. (1998)
  • University of Windsor, B.A. in Honours Economics (1995)

Memberships & Awards

  • 2022 Ontario Volunteer Service Award Recipient
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Essex Law Association (Director 2002 – Present)
  • Essex Law Association (President 2007 – 2008)
  • Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association Social Member
  • Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) (President 2015-2016)
  • Defence Lawyers Research Institute
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Instructor, Continuing Education Faculty, St. Clair College, Windsor
  • Easter Seals Society, Windsor
  • Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (Secretary)
  • Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (President 2008-2009)
  • Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County Foundation Board (Vice President 2019–present)
  • Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor Essex (Board Member 2022-present)