WHEREAS, Albert T. Mitchell admirably served the Commonwealth as the Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney for 17 years; and

WHEREAS, born in Alexandria and a graduate of Francis C. Hammond High School, Albert T. "Al" Mitchell earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond in 1964 and received a law degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1967; and

WHEREAS, soon after graduating from law school, Al Mitchell and his family moved to Shenandoah County where he began his legal career in the Law Offices of Marsh & Sarver in Strasburg; he later formed the firm of Mitchell & Arthur with Douglas C. Arthur; and

WHEREAS, Al Mitchell's public service began in 1972 when he was elected Commonwealth's Attorney for Shenandoah County; colleagues and clients appreciated his even-tempered nature and courteous demeanor, an outlook that stemmed from his strong sense of what is right and fair; and

WHEREAS, Al Mitchell, who returned to private practice in 1976, became Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in 1990, serving in that position for nine years until, in 1999, he was appointed Commonwealth's Attorney to fill a vacancy; he then was elected to the post and served until 2011, when he did not seek reelection; and

WHEREAS, a skillful practitioner of the law, Al Mitchell's office successfully prosecuted thousands of cases in Shenandoah County's courtrooms, and he also served as special prosecutor in neighboring jurisdictions; he ably advised law-enforcement personnel on criminal law and procedures; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his work as a prosecutor, Al Mitchell is known for the guidance, encouragement, and mentoring that he provided to his assistants over the years; his gentlemanly conduct and courteous style made a lasting impression on his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career in public service, Al Mitchell emphasized the pursuit of justice and fairness to the people involved; he diligently applied the law to the facts of each individual case, regardless of public opinion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Albert T. Mitchell for his many years of exemplary service to the citizens of Shenandoah County as Commonwealth's Attorney; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Albert T. Mitchell as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and gratitude for his many contributions to the law and to his community.