Michael Drysdale

I am a principal associate in the corporate law team, having joined Higgs when it acquired Vialex in February 2026.

I have almost 20 years of experience in corporate work, principally helping clients to buy or sell companies and businesses, and to make or secure investments. 

I have particular expertise in advising founders and startup companies at all stages of the lifecycle, from formation through to exit, and have completed a large number of investments involving angel investors and/or venture capital funds.

The other main part of my role is advising clients on everyday commercial matters (for example, NDAs, employment contracts, consultancy contracts, settlement agreements, share option schemes, intellectual property agreements and so on) and helping them to avoid pitfalls.

I aim to provide pragmatic advice while keeping the legal process as simple as possible, so that you can focus on the commercial decisions that matter. I work closely with clients' other advisers, such as their accountants and tax advisers, as well as specialists at Higgs, to make that happen.