Marvin Mitchelson

Marvin Mitchelson (May 7, 1928 - September 18, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California) was a high-powered celebrity lawyer who pioneered the concept of palimony.

Related Topics:
May 7 - 1928 - September 18 - 2004 - Beverly Hills, California - Palimony

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Mitchelson earned a B.A. from UCLA and his J.D. from Southwestern University, and was admitted to the California Bar on June 4, 1957. In 1963, he won a landmark United States Supreme Court decision giving indigent defendants the right to legal counsel.

Related Topics:
UCLA - Southwestern University - June 4 - 1957 - United States Supreme Court

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He became a household name when he was hired by Michelle Triola, who lived with actor Lee Marvin as his common law wife from 1964 until 1970, when Marvin told her to move out because he wanted to marry another woman. He helped Triola - who claimed that she was entitled to the same benefits as a divorcée, which meant half of Marvin's then-$3.6 million fortune - win her right to bring suit. Although Triola was awarded $104,000 for "rehabilitation" in 1978 (the ruling was overturned in 1981; Marvin never paid Triola any money), Marvin v. Marvin (Triola assumed Marvin's name during the relationship) set a precedent. Ironically, Mitchelson was married 45 years; he joked that his matromonial success was bad for his divorce practice.

Related Topics:
Lee Marvin - Common law

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He had a record of disciplinary actions against him, including a 1993 suspension for failure to adequately supervise an associate and improper conduct in the use of a client trust account, a 1994 suspension for failure to take the professional responsibility exam, a 1995 probation revocation, and a 1996 discipline for failure to provide accountings or return unearned fees in 14 client matters. A 1993 conviction for paying taxes on some $2 million in income resulted in suspension from the Bar, bankruptcy and eventually two years in jail from 1996 to 1998. He was able to resume his practice in 2000.

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His last high-profile client was longtime friend Phil Spector, whom Mitchelson was to defend against murder charges when he died.

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