Michele Mulrooney Los Angeles CA Obituary, Michele Mulrooney Death: Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Dies in Aspen CO Bicycle Accident
The legal and entertainment industries are mourning the tragic death of Michele Mulrooney, a highly respected attorney, partner, and Co-Chair of the National Private Wealth Group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Michele passed away following a bicycle accident in Aspen, Colorado, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence, personal warmth, and deep commitment to her clients, colleagues, family, and friends.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Michele had built a distinguished career over decades, specializing in estate planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, and family offices. She was admired not only for her technical expertise but also for her ability to connect with clients on a personal level, guiding them through some of life’s most complex financial and personal decisions.
Her clientele spanned a wide spectrum, from entertainment industry professionals—actors, directors, producers, writers, and artists—to business leaders, entrepreneurs, sports figures, and real estate investors. Michele’s ability to navigate the unique legal needs of these groups earned her recognition as one of the leading practitioners in her field.
Her work extended far beyond conventional estate planning. Michele was deeply experienced in the preservation and protection of wealth across generations, advising on private foundations, estate and trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, cross-border planning, and complex insurance matters. For majority owners of private and public companies, she provided invaluable counsel on recapitalizations, buy-sell agreements, intra-family transfers, and sales to third parties.
What set Michele apart was her holistic approach. She understood that her clients’ lives often blended personal, professional, and financial complexities. In response, she developed a broader service offering, providing guidance on general business and personal matters. She frequently advised in complex divorce situations, working alongside family law counsel, and she also served as trustee and executor of many clients’ trusts and estates. These roles reflected the deep trust her clients placed in her—not just as a lawyer, but as a confidante and partner in navigating life’s transitions.
Her dedication and impact did not go unnoticed. Michele was ranked as a leading practitioner in Chambers High Net Worth 2024, where one client described her as “simply amazing” and praised her extensive knowledge, sophistication, and ability to craft highly effective estate planning strategies. To those who knew her, Michele was more than her accolades. She was known for her intelligence, grace, warmth, and genuine care for the people around her.
The sudden loss of Michele has left her colleagues at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, her clients, and her loved ones in deep sorrow. Tributes continue to pour in from across the legal, business, and entertainment worlds, remembering her as a trailblazer in her field and a woman of immense character.
Michele Mulrooney’s life was a testament to professionalism, dedication, and compassion. While her passing is a devastating loss, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the profound contributions she made to her profession.
