Empathy, Expertise, Excellence
About Mitchell Law Group, LLC
Since 1972, Mitchell Law Group has consistently achieved results in the matters of personal injury and workers’ compensation law for clients in Washington, PA, and the surrounding area. When your legal rights and quality of life are at stake, we are here to help you. For more than 40 years, we have fought hard for our clients and their best interests in a broad range of practice areas. We understand the stress that accompanies legal proceedings, so we work diligently to create a strategy unique to your specific case. We also meet one-on-one with you, so you are not meeting with a junior associate or paralegal.
Ready To Stand By You!
Meet Our Attorneys
Clark A. Mitchell
Clark A. Mitchell was born and raised in Washington, PA. He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1969 with a B.A. degree and the University of Akron School of Law in 1972, having received a Juris Doctorate Degree. Mr. Mitchell first practiced law for Attorney Melvin Bassi in Charleroi, PA, when he entered private practice in 1975. In addition to his private practice, Mr. Mitchell was an Assistant Public Defender for Washington County. Mr. Mitchell served in the United States Army Reserves from 1971-1979, having served as Executive Officer and Company Commander of Co.G.429 Engineer Battalion, Washington, PA.
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Mr. Mitchell has been practicing law for more than 40 years, concentrating his practice on representing injured victims in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and social security matters against powerful insurance companies and employers. Mr. Mitchell is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the Federal District Court of Western Pennsylvania. Clark A. Mitchell is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, and both the Washington County and Allegheny County Bar Associations. He is a past board member of the Washington/Greene County Cancer Society.
Mr. Mitchell, with his history of helping the injured and disabled, has built and maintained a distinguished and extensive legal practice, having received the highest Peer Rating possible from his fellow lawyers. Automobile accidents, fall-downs, premise and work accidents, as well as medical malpractice, are just some of his other areas of practice in addition to workers’ compensation. He has represented various unions in Washington and Allegheny Counties, including Union Plus, Communications Workers of America Local 13000, Boilermakers 154, and the local Steelworkers.
Mr. Mitchell is married to his wife, Mary Ellen, and has three children and three grandchildren.
Clark A. Mitchell Jr.
Clark Mitchell Jr. graduated from Duquesne University in 2008 with a BA degree and from the Thomas Cooley School of Law in 2012 with a JD Degree. He is a partner at Mitchell Law Group, with an emphasis on personal injury, workers comp, oil and gas, auto accidents, and estate planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a will?
A will allows you to control how your assets are distributed after your death, name beneficiaries,
appoint an executor, and designate guardians for minor children. Without a valid will,
Pennsylvania law determines how your estate is distributed.
What happens if I die without a will in Pennsylvania?
If you pass away without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Pennsylvania
intestate succession laws. This may not reflect your wishes and can create additional
complications for your family.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every three to five years or whenever a major life event occurs,
such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or a significant change
in assets.
Can I change my will after it is signed?
Yes. A will can be amended through a codicil or replaced entirely with a new will, provided you
are mentally competent and follow Pennsylvania legal requirements.
Does a will avoid probate?
No. A will directs how your assets should be distributed, but the will generally must still go
through the probate process.
What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical
decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make those decisions yourself.
Who should I choose as my healthcare agent?
You should choose someone who understands your values, is willing to advocate for your
wishes, and can make difficult medical decisions under stressful circumstances.
Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney the same as a Living Will?
No. A Living Will outlines your preferences for end-of-life medical treatment, while a Healthcare
Power of Attorney appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Many estate
plans include both documents.
When does a Healthcare Power of Attorney take effect?
Typically, it becomes effective when your physician determines that you are unable to make
your own healthcare decisions.
Can I revoke a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
Yes. As long as you are mentally competent, you may revoke or modify your Healthcare Power
of Attorney at any time.
What is a Financial Power of Attorney?
A Financial Power of Attorney authorizes another person to manage your financial affairs if you
become incapacitated or otherwise unable to act on your own behalf.
What responsibilities can a Financial Power of Attorney handle?
Depending on the authority granted, your agent may pay bills, manage bank accounts, handle
investments, file taxes, manage real estate transactions, and conduct other financial matters.
When should I create a Financial Power of Attorney?
Every adult should consider having a Financial Power of Attorney. Unexpected illness or injury
can occur at any age, and having this document in place can prevent costly guardianship
proceedings.
Can I choose more than one agent?
Yes. You may appoint co-agents or name successor agents who can step in if your primary
agent is unable or unwilling to serve.
Does a Financial Power of Attorney remain valid after death?
No. A Financial Power of Attorney automatically terminates upon your death. At that point, your
executor or personal representative assumes responsibility for estate matters.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of validating a will, appointing an executor or administrator, paying
debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Does every estate need to go through probate?
Not necessarily. Some assets, such as jointly owned property or accounts with designated
beneficiaries, may transfer outside of probate.
How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the estate, creditor claims, tax filings, and
whether disputes arise. Many estates take several months to more than a year to fully
administer.
What does an executor do?
An executor is responsible for gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, communicating with
beneficiaries, filing required court documents, and distributing estate property according to the
will.
Do I need an attorney to administer an estate?
While not always legally required, working with an estate administration attorney can help
ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law and reduce the risk of costly mistakes or delays.
What happens if family members disagree about the estate?
Disputes may involve will contests, executor actions, asset distribution, or creditor claims. An
experienced estate attorney can help resolve conflicts and protect your legal rights.
What documents are included in a complete estate plan?
A comprehensive estate plan often includes a will, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Financial
Power of Attorney, Living Will, beneficiary designations, and, in some cases, trusts.
When should I start estate planning?
Estate planning is important for adults of all ages. Creating a plan early helps protect your loved
ones and ensures your wishes are honored if an unexpected event occurs.
Can estate planning help avoid family disputes?
Yes. Clear legal documents and proper planning can reduce confusion, prevent
misunderstandings, and minimize the likelihood of disputes among family members.
What is the difference between estate planning and estate administration?
Estate planning involves preparing documents and strategies during your lifetime. Estate
administration occurs after death and involves carrying out the terms of the estate plan and
settling the estate.
How often should I review my estate plan?
Most people should review their estate plan every three to five years and after major life
changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, retirement, or significant changes in assets.
Can estate planning protect my family if I become incapacitated?
Yes. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives can provide clear instructions and authorize
trusted individuals to act on your behalf if you become unable to manage your affairs.
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