Mitchell E. Abbott

1950 - 2020

BORN

1950

DIED

2020

About

University of Virginia

Mitchell Abbott Obituary

July 24, 1950 - April 13, 2020 On April 13, 2020, Mitchell E. Abbott, beloved husband and father, passed away at the age of 69. Mitch was born on July 24, 1950, in Tulare, CA, to Aaron and Kathryn Abbott, and grew up at Lake Tahoe. He received his bachelor's degree from UC Davis, and his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1975. He practiced law in Los Angeles for over 40 years with the firm of Richards, Watson & Gershon. On October 6, 1979, he married Mary Nielsen. They raised one son, Michael. Mitch was known for his quick wit, boisterous laugh, and sesquipedalian loquaciousness. He was a voracious reader, a skilled culinarian, and a devoted family man. Mitch was a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law, member of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers, was a Chair of the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization's Appellate Law Advisory Committee, and was a Chair of the State Bar of California's Committee on Appellate Courts. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and in Southern California Superlawyers, both in the field of Appellate Law. In addition to his legal career, he served on the Board of Directors of The Los Angeles Conservancy, was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Congregational Foundation, and was Moderator of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, where he also served on the Board of Trustees. Mitch chaired the Board of Governors of Pilgrim School, and led Pilgrim's Mock Trial program for over 20 years. He was the recipient of the Spirit of C.E.B. Award for his contribution to Continuing Education of the Bar, and was honored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation in 2011 with the Mock Trial Attorney Coach of the Year Award. Mitch is survived by his wife, Mary, son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Brenda, surrogate-son Hayden, and brother, Richard. He was predeceased by his parents. A celebration of his life will take place when we can gather. Memorial contributions can be made to First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Mitchell Abbott

8 Entries

Scott Weible

August 3, 2023

I am saddened to discover Mitch's passing ... now three years after he has left us. Mitch was instrumental, along with Arnold Simon and Glenn Watson in moulding me into the lawyer I am and providing me with the best training available anywhere, in any law firm. He was really a remarkable lawyer, and a remarkable man, and was the very first person to expose me, one Christmas, to the joys of 'rack of lamb' at his home. Glenn Watson was also a guest and afterwards we attended Christmas Mass in Silverlake. I am sorry to hear that he has passed at such a young age, as his contributions to everyone who knew him were monumental ... and I hope that he, during his life, felt the same way about some of us.

Frank L Capobianco

April 12, 2023

Ironic that I received this anniversary notice today! I saw a Volvo yesterday, like the one Mitch drove from California to UVA each year. That in turn made me remember, again, his kindness, his humor, his interesting stories. He was a joy to know!

Frank Capobianco

December 18, 2021

I was a grad student at UVa while Mitch was in law school there. We lived in adjoining rooms on Monroe Hill, and then in a lodge outside of Charlottesville during our last year there. Mitch was a wonderful person - cheerful, generous, a delight to be around. I regret losing touch with him after graduation, but am not at all surprised to learn what a wonderful family and churchman, as well as a lawyer and member of the community he was. May the Lord's peace comfort all who loved him.

Margie and Vicki Evans

September 18, 2020

May God bless, comfort and keep you is our prayer. My mother, Margie Evans, and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of our dear friend who always gave his best to assist us with Los Angles Music Week and in our personal concerns. We share this in loving memory of such a warm, wonderful person, whose ministry touched many lives. We love you, Mitchell Abbott, and we will miss you always. - Margie and Vicki Evans

Ernie Leyva

June 22, 2020

I treasure the fact that I know you. You're a big man, heart and soul.

Michael bialek

April 25, 2020

Mitch Abbott was a gentle giant. Calming and insightful, Lessons of life that stay with me to this day.
The community has suffered a great loss.

April 21, 2020

May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.

Matt Finnigan

April 20, 2020

Mitch was one of the first people I met at RWG. He interviewed me for a summer associate position. Afterwards, certain that I had failed the interview in spectacular fashion, I raced to my dictionary to decode some of the words Mitch used. I didn't fail the interview and was fortunate to work with Mitch on a full-time basis. His command of law and language was exceeded only by the size of his heart. My condolences to all who love him.

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