Attorney Profiles

Robert F. Claraval

Bob Claraval has been a personal injury trial attorney for over 45 years. He brings his strong Christian belief to the practice of law. He graduated from the Dickinson School of Law in 1974. For many years he was a partner with Larry Adler and then Larry’s sons Bill and Craig Adler. In 2001, he had the pleasure of starting a personal injury law firm with his wife Attorney Mary Ann Claraval.

Bob has tried many jury trials in Dauphin County and other central Pennsylvania counties. He has argued cases in all the appellate courts of Pennsylvania including several in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 

Bob is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, in which membership is limited to those attorneys who have displayed excellence in civil trial advocacy by obtaining jury verdicts exceeding one million dollars. 

During his legal career, the Judges of the Dauphin County Court have repeatedly selected him as both an arbitrator and chairman of the Court of Common Pleas arbitration panel. 

Our firm primarily represents the victims of auto crashes and medical errors. Bob has also had the honor of representing victims of abuse by the clergy and by licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical doctors. He has also represented many lawyers and law firms with their partnership and employment issues. 

Bob has been a lecturer for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and for Chiropractic Associations. Many chiropractors are close friends of the law practice. 

Bob graduated from Penn State in 1970 where he was a multiple letter winner on the varsity tennis team. Today he is an active Karate Sensei holding a 7th degree red and white belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate. Bob was a second lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from 1970 through 1976. 

Mary Ann Kennedy Claraval

Mary Ann developed the skills to successfully teach, mentor and assist clients, first as a working mother of two small children in the banking industry.  Personal interaction with clients and putting their needs first is a priority. She devotes her time to protecting clients who have been wrongfully injured and holding those accountable.

Having been repeatedly appointed as arbitrator and chairman for the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas arbitration panel and trying hundreds of cases, confirmed her integrity and expertise in the law.  After 19 years of representing hundreds of clients as a personal injury lawyer, she continues to proudly, ethically and aggressively serve the community by protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured. 

As an experienced litigator, Mary Ann was elected to the William W. Lipsitt American Inn of Court.  She was a founding committee member of the “Lipsitt Serves” Committee, a community outreach program of the Lipsitt Inn of Court.  The Committee oversees service and donations to local charitable organizations from the members of the Lipsitt Inn of Court.  Mary Ann also provides pro bono legal services for members of the Middle District Federal Court program, “Care Court” designed to assist Moderate and High-Risk offenders in making a successful return to society. 

Moved by the need for legal protective services for victims of domestic violence, Mary Ann served on the YWCA Board of Directors from 2006 to 2015 serving as President in 2013.  She was a founding committee member and is a continued sponsor of the “Pursuit of Justice” Purse Auction.  

Since 2008, Mary Ann has served as co-chair of the MS George Hempt Polo Match Committee, which sponsors an annual polo match.  The Central Pennsylvania premier event raises over $90,000 each year in support of much-needed research to end Multiple Sclerosis. 

Spending time with her husband, grandchildren Blake and Jack, and golden retriever Riley, are Mary Ann’s favorite activities.  She also very much enjoys spending time with her two sons, Scott and his wife Amber, and Eric and his girlfriend Mary.  She is an avid fitness cross trainer, Penn State football fan, a 3rd degree Black Belt in Isshin-Ryu karate.  

  • Pennsylvania State University, BS Public Policy, 1998 
  • Widener University Commonwealth Law School, JD, 2001   

Admitted to practice: 

  • Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 
  •  United States District Courts for the Middle District of Pennsylvania 

Awards and Memberships: 

  • Dauphin County Bar Association  
  •  Pennsylvania Bar Association 
  •  Pennsylvania Association for Justice 
  •  Honorable William W. Lipsitt Inn of Court 
  •  Outstanding Service Award Widener University School of Law, 2001 
  •  President’s Award YWCA, 2017 
  •  Tribute to Women of Excellence YWCA, 2018 

Becky Arney | Paralegal

Becky Arney began her legal career at Claraval & Claraval in 2015 as a paralegal to Attorney Mary Ann Claraval. She earned a degree in Paralegal Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College, graduating in 2015 with the highest honors.  While at HACC, Becky made the Dean’s List and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

When not at the firm, Becky works behind the scenes at several area theaters, designing props and painting and dressing sets. She is also active in her church and enjoys drawing, painting and spending time with her family and friends.

Mary Zell | Paralegal

Mary Zell began her legal career with the firm in 2011 as a paralegal to Attorney Robert F. Claraval. After earning her Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College, Mary continued her education at Central Penn College where she was also a member of the Legal Studies Society. In 2012, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies, graduating with highest honors.

When not at the firm, Mary manages an equestrian farm located in her hometown of Carlisle where she cares for over 25 horses.  From 2011 to its closing in 2019, Mary volunteered weekly with Chasing Rainbows, a nonprofit therapeutic equestrian program designed to assist individuals with special needs and prepare athletes for the Special Olympics. She was the program’s longest-serving volunteer.  Currently, she volunteers weekly with various nonprofit rescues for large and small animals throughout the central Pennsylvania area. In her spare time, Mary likes to stay active as an experienced outdoor enthusiast, snowboarding instructor, and pianist.  She enjoys spending time with her friends, family and rescue pets.

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