RIP Hugh Michelmore

It is with great sadness that the Plymouth Law Society reports the death of Hugh Michelmore.

Hugh came from a legal dynasty, which included his grandfather, Harold, founding Harold Michelmore & Co, a notable practice in Newton Abbot which merged with Wollens in 2014, as well as cousins from previous generations founding Michelmores Solicitors.

Hugh followed in these legal footsteps and qualified as a solicitor in 1977 in Lincoln’s Inn and he was given the Freedom of the City of London soon afterwards.

The following year he joined GA Solicitors (or Gill Akaster as it was then) rising through the ranks to become Senior Partner of the firm in 2002.  

Hugh’s professional expertise was in commercial property work and he will be fondly remembered by colleagues, former colleagues and the wider legal and business community for his immense charm and a talent for creating goodwill. His professional circle of associates and colleagues across the business community was second-to-none.

Hugh retired from the legal sector in 2016, after nearly four decades in the profession; but remained highly involved in the local business community as chairman of both Newton Abbot Racecourse and Peninsula Finance PLC, a thriving lender based in Plymouth offering bridging finance and other mortgage lending, which he co-founded.

Hugh was a true bon viveur and he enjoyed the finer things in life including ski-ing and since retirement enjoyed travelling widely with his wife, Janine. 

Hugh will be remembered with great fondness by both his former colleagues and members of the local legal and professional community.