Passion for law sparks Gail Drake Probate Court run

LEESBURG — Responding to the urging of friends, attorney Gail Drake joined three other candidates in qualifying for the vacant Probate Court judge position in Lee County.

A political newcomer, Drake has 12 years of experience and training in probate law, a fact she said will work in her favor on the bench.

“People think that probate law is boring, but it really isn’t,” Drake said in a release. “I recently closed an estate south of here with 29 heirs, some of whom weren’t exactly close kin. There was a farm for sale, stolen farm equipment and lots of snakes. When they hired me, they didn’t tell me I was lawyer No. 5 … or about the snakes. But we got the estate sold and settled.”

A 2000 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Drake said she found the Lee County community supportive when she started her law practice. She was first asked to represent the elderly in guardianship hearings, and her career quickly launched, quietly handling probate cases all over the state.

Drake also serves as a special assistant attorney general, litigating child abuse cases for the Department of Family and Children Services in three counties.

“These cases are my passion because I have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child in crisis,” she said. “We work to get these children into safety and work with the parents to address their problems and reunite their families whenever possible. It’s so rewarding. With these cases, I’ve experienced the rough-and-tumble of the courtroom and learned some rules of evidence and procedure needful to serve as a judge.

“My other passion is helping the elderly, those who need a voice. Guardianships are designed to help seniors when they become incapacitated, and it’s important that these cases are handled properly in order to protect their rights and meet their needs. I’ve been court-appointed guardian ad litem for over 50 cases. I had the privilege of serving as co-conservator for one severely injured man that involved a $4 million lawsuit. I worked closely with his family to make decisions and handle the many mandatory forms and reports for seven years. At his funeral, the family had me sit with the pall bearers. It was an honor.”

Drake is actively involved in community volunteer work, including board service for The Anchorage, Salvation Army, Ballet Theatre South, and ROCK International (a relief agency in Africa). She teaches Bible classes at the Albany Rescue Mission (women’s division) and coordinates the annual AnchorFest benefit concert.

“Gail has tirelessly served on the board of the Anchorage,” said Tim Thomas. “She is an attorney who has stood for what is right in society, putting the interest of others above herself.”

Drake said her experience and passion for probate law will help her be an effective public servant on the bench of the Lee County Probate Court. Her webpage is gaildrake.com, and her Facebook page is gaildrake4probatejudge.

Drake will face fellow qualifiers Jeffery Kirt, Melanie Gahring and Miles O’Quinn in the nonpartisan election May 24. Early voting begins May 2.