“The ability to assist families that believe or have been told that nothing can be done keeps me coming to the office each day.”
Attorney Mitchell (Mitch) Adel is the managing partner of Cooper, Adel, Vu and Associates. Mitch’s close relationship with his extended family has given him a deep appreciation for the issues we all face as we age. He is passionate about finding solutions that protect and preserve the wealth of his clients and for those they leave behind. Mitch has a mission to educate seniors and their families about elder law issues which he does through weekly educational seminars throughout Ohio and by contributing to publications such as USA Today, Forbes Magazine, Consumer Reports, Yahoo Finance, the Cincinnati Enquirer and Columbus Business First.
Attorney Adel is a contributor to Our Generations Magazine, Senior Outlook Today, and DepositAccounts.com.You can also see him in TV appearances on local news stations such as 620 WTVN, 92.7 WBEX, WSOC-TV and WSBT. Mitch Adel was among the first 19 attorneys in Ohio to receive Dual Certification as an Elder Law Specialist by both the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) and the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA).
Mitch is rated “10 Superb” by Avvo, a national organization that rates 95% of the attorneys in the US that considers years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. In 2014, Mitch was recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer by The National Advocates. He has also been admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mitch is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) as well as the current President of the American Association of Trust, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys (AATEELA), an invitation-only, nationwide professional association.
Prior to joining the firm in 2005, Mitch worked as a Public Defender in Franklin County. Mitch graduated from Ithaca College in upstate New York with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. He received his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. In his spare time, Mitch enjoys spending time with his niece and nephew and playing golf with his dad in Boca Raton, Florida. He also hosts a tailgate party with friends for each of The Ohio State University home games.
Interview
Where did you grow up?
Buffalo, NY
Why did you decide to become an attorney?
My grandfather took me to see his estate planning attorney when I was younger and expressed to me that this is what I should do when I grow up. I also liked the idea that you are always helping people.
Why did you decide to practice Estate Planning / Elder Law?
Estate planning was my first choice when I interviewed after law school, however, there were not many positions open for new attorneys with no experience. During law school, I worked as a clerk with the public defender, so when a position opened there, I took the job. At first, I loved the “TV” aspect of being in court, but It became tougher and tougher to justify to family and friends “how I could do what I do?” plus it became very repetitive and mundane. I wanted a change of pace and luckily Thom Cooper had posted an ad for a new attorney. So right time, right place!!
What do you love about helping the people of Ohio?
I feel like every day, every client is a new challenge. Rarely do I come across two people with the same situation in a day. Because we have developed so many different strategies, we have many options to offer our clients. There is no better feeling than hearing clients say, “I wonder why my attorney didn’t tell me that”.
Why Cooper, Adel, Vu? What is so unique about this firm?
First, we have legal, tax and investment advice available in one place, but even more, the ability to use all the facets of our company to create integrated solutions for clients.
What is something your clients don’t know about you?
I was extremely shy as a child. Amazing because I have publicly presented over 1,000 educational workshops to date!
What is the firm’s main goal?
To create solutions for families so they don’t lose everything that they spent a lifetime to earn and to make sure that they don’t create a mess for their families after they’re gone.
Who are your clients?
Anyone who lives in Ohio, predominantly over 55.
What do your clients mean to you?
It feels great to be able to sit with parents and help their children understand planning so they know they are now in good hands and find that they may want similar planning for their own families.
What are your clients’ concerns? Worries?
Having their assets run out before they make it to the finish line. Leaving their spouse/children in a bad spot if high medical costs.
Why is it important to take care of your estate early?
Obviously older people have more risks, but a simple car accident could result in a death or catastrophic health event.
What could happen if you pass away without a plan?
Court involvement and high attorney costs, as well as fighting between family members
What do you hope to accomplish for your clients?
Zero court involvement at death
To minimize taxes on investments and real estate
To protect the inheritance they leave their children and future generations
Why do you do this work? What drives you?
I love it! Solving problems that other attorneys have not been able to and/or have not fully explained (like a will does not avoid probate) is my passion. I feel like more of a counselor than an attorney. I give the pros and cons versus just selling the product.
Why should clients need to consult with an attorney for Estate Planning & Elder Law?
The internet has created a lot of DIYers and clients assume they know what they need from their own research. Most attorneys do exactly what the client asks for and I feel we take it a step further, “sure you need a will, but lets examine why a will is not all you need”.
Accolades
