Gaithersburg based firm focusing on wills, trusts, estate planning, special needs trusts, probate and business. Henry C. Clarke, Jr., P.A. prides itself on its extensive legal experience and its commitment to its clients whether the matter involves wills, trusts, and other forms of estate planning, probate, trust administration, special needs planning, business succession, or corporate formation.
Our smaller size is intentional. Our mission is to devote our full attention to your legal issue. The "factory" approach to the practice of law is highly unlikely to satisfy the natural need of every client not only to understand the legal principles which apply to their pending matter but also to receive the focused and personal attention to which every client is entitled.
Our smaller size is intentional. Our mission is to devote our full attention to your legal issue. The "factory" approach to the practice of law is highly unlikely to satisfy the natural need of every client not only to understand the legal principles which apply to their pending matter but also to receive the focused and personal attention to which every client is entitled.
Services
Henry C. Clarke, Jr., was raised in Wayzata, Minnesota and attended and graduated from The Blake School in Hopkins, Minnesota. In 1974 he graduated from Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Catholic University of America in 1977. Mr. Clarke has been in private practice in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1980.
Sarah L. Hess was born and raised in Maryland. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Maryland, College Park. She joined Clarke Law in 2015, but has over 15 years of paralegal experience in law firms and in corporate legal departments. She has greatly enjoyed her career as a paralegal and she gets the most satisfaction out of working closely with clients to help them achieve their goals.
We believe that service is not only a integral part of life but also a duty. For that reason we are actively involved in providing legal counsel and time to several key local community organizations. I chose, a number of years ago, to refine the nature of my practice and to focus upon listening, advising and counseling instead of participating in the adversarial aspects of the practice of law.
Special Needs Trusts (also Supplemental Needs Trusts) are vital elements of an estate plan for a family with a developmentally disadvantaged child or adult or a child or adult family member who has suffered a debilitating inury severely compromising his or her ability to care for him or herself.
A primary and legitimate goal of Special Needs Trusts is to preserve and protect the ability of the individual to obtain and maintain public benefits to address life needs including, but not limited to, special teaching services, food, shelter and transportation.Special Needs Trusts are another important tool in the estate plan approach and experience of Henry C. Clarke, Jr.
A primary and legitimate goal of Special Needs Trusts is to preserve and protect the ability of the individual to obtain and maintain public benefits to address life needs including, but not limited to, special teaching services, food, shelter and transportation.Special Needs Trusts are another important tool in the estate plan approach and experience of Henry C. Clarke, Jr.
Reviews (10)
Kimberly Patro
Dec 30, 2021
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Henry and his assistant Sarah are the best. He quickly answered my incessant emails with kindness and patience. He helped me and my husband navigate our legal issue in a compassionate manner. I can go on and on about how amazing Henry is but just hire him for your legal needs so you can experience his brilliance yourself. I completely agree with other reviewers, I wholeheartedly recommend him in every possible way. Thanks for everything Henry and Sarah!
Dilara Orer
Sep 15, 2021
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Would give 10 stars if I could. Henry and his assistant Sarah walked me through, step by step, creating a last will & testament, plus all other necessary documents, for my parents. I had never done anything like that before, and neither had my parents. Due to their advanced age and something of a language barrier, they (and I !) were very nervous about the process, but Henry’s thorough knowledge, light touch and generally awesome sense of humor helped us get all their documents in order. Sarah, Henry’s assistant, was so great with communicating - answering all the many MANY questions we had
Britt L. Stouffer Esq
Aug 16, 2020
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Lawrence Lawson
Jan 10, 2020
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I have known Henry Clarke for almost 40 years and he has handled all of my legal dealings. He wrote my initial will 30 years ago and has helped me update it periodically. He handled my mother in law's will. He has helped me with settlements over the years and advised me on trading real estate in kind. He is very knowledgeable about all law, particularly his areas of specialty. Moreover he is a pleasure to deal with. If he were a doctor his bedside manner would be outstanding. I highly recommend him
Ellen Milne
Nov 24, 2019
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My parents, Jane and Steve, have known Henry for 14 years and have come to know him as a trusted friend. They feel he is a very trustworthy, honest, and knowledgeable attorney. Plus, he has a good sense of humor. My mother has referred many members of local law enforcement to Henry, and they have thanked her for her recommendation.
PS: I’m posting this for my parents since neither one has a gmail account. Mom dictated this referral to me.
PS: I’m posting this for my parents since neither one has a gmail account. Mom dictated this referral to me.
Eileen Lissak
Aug 09, 2019
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The circumstances that brought us to the offices of Henry Clarke were extremely difficult, and from our first meeting Henry was sensitive to that. Walking us through the process of making dificult decisions with his lovely manner, and good sense of humor made the process effortless. The office is in a convenient location and you can expect to be warmly greeted by Ms. Sarah Hess- Mr. Clarke's paralegal/right hand. Working together as a trustworthy, efficient team one can be assured the experience of dealing with Henry C. Clarke, Jr., P.A. will a good one.
Martin Ottolini
Jul 10, 2019
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It is all about confidence in your attorney's competence and "trust" in their careful approach and good judgment. Mr. Clarke set up our family trusts in a well-planned and thorough way that gives us a great deal of confidence that our family is well prepared for the unexpected aspects of the future.
Erin Von Nessen
Jun 10, 2019
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I have known Henry for many years. He is a kind compassionate man who puts people at ease within minutes of meeting him. He worked with me and my mom on her estate planning and eventual settlement of her estate. Both Henry and his paralegal Sarah Hess are very knowledgeable regarding estate planning. They both went above and beyond helping me through the settlement of my mom's estate. Their kindness and professionalism are bar none the best around!! I can't thank them enough.
Beverly Keller
Dec 27, 2018
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Along with being professional, Henry Clarke made us feel at ease. Like talking to a trusted friend, while making important life decisions and pointing out needs we had not thought about before-hand. He was very patient during the whole process. We never felt rushed. We were very happy with our experience there and would definitely recommend Henry Clarke to anyone who needs estate planning advice.
Douglas Miller
Sep 18, 2018
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I highly recommend Mr. Henry Clarke for all your estate planning needs. As the owner of Miller Realty Services, LLC I refer clients to Mr. Clarke all the time. Without exception, my clients have all given 5 star reviews of his services and caring qualities. Henry Clarke has prepared my will, and trusts as well as many of my friends and family. I have known Henry Clarke for thirty years, I trust my future and that of my family with him for all my planning needs and you can too!
