About Us

DFO was founded in 1888 by Henry George Drake and Marius Toger Flemmer, both Boer War veterans. These “founding fathers” were succeeded by descendants who became partners at the firm. In 1910, DFO was appointed chief agents to the Royal Insurance Company (later known as Mutual & Federal).

As one of the oldest and largest established law firms in East London, DFO has an invariable reputation in the Eastern Cape and nationally, and strong maritime law connections internationally.
DFO was founded in 1888 by Henry George Drake and Marius Toger Flemmer, both Boer War veterans. These “founding fathers” were succeeded by descendants who became partners at the firm. In 1910, DFO was appointed chief agents to the Royal Insurance Company (later known as Mutual & Federal).

As one of the oldest and largest established law firms in East London, DFO has an invariable reputation in the Eastern Cape and nationally, and strong maritime law connections internationally.