James Mitchell
Founding Attorney
James Mitchell founded Ridgeview Estate Law in 1998 with a vision of providing accessible, compassionate estate planning services to families throughout Connecticut.
After earning his J.D. from Yale Law School and his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University, James began his career at a large Hartford firm before recognizing the need for a more personal approach to estate planning. He established Ridgeview Estate Law to serve families directly, without the overhead and impersonal nature of big-firm practice.
Over the past 25 years, James has helped thousands of families create comprehensive estate plans, navigate probate, and plan for long-term care. He is known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain English and his genuine care for his clients' wellbeing.
Education & Credentials
- J.D., Yale Law School, 1994
- LL.M. in Taxation, New York University, 1995
- B.A., Economics, Dartmouth College, 1991
- Admitted to Connecticut Bar, 1994
- Member, Connecticut Bar Association - Estates & Probate Section
- Member, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
Professional Affiliations
- Connecticut Bar Association
- American Bar Association - Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section
- National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
- Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
Community Involvement
James is an active member of the Westbrook community. He serves on the board of the local food bank, volunteers with the Connecticut Bar Association's probate assistance program, and regularly presents on estate planning topics at community centers and senior centers throughout the region.
