Willkie Private Wealth Co-Chair Dies in E-Bike Accident: A Loss Felt Across the Legal Community
The legal world is mourning the tragic loss of Michele M. Mulrooney, co-chair of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s national private wealth group, who died in an e-bike accident near Aspen, Colorado, on September 1, 2025. A visionary leader and a founding member of the firm’s Los Angeles office, Mulrooney’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes highlighting her profound impact as a trailblazing attorney and mentor. As the industry reflects on her legacy, this article explores the details of the incident, her remarkable career, and the broader implications for workplace safety and e-bike regulations.
Trending: Tributes and Safety Concerns Surge Online
The news of Mulrooney’s passing has resonated widely, with hashtags like #MicheleMulrooney and #WillkieFarr trending on X. Posts from colleagues and clients, such as @LegalLegacy’s “Michele was a giant in private wealth law—her loss is devastating,” reflect her influence. Concurrently, the accident has reignited discussions about e-bike safety, with users like @SafeCycling noting, “Another tragic e-bike death—when will we see better regulations?” This tragedy aligns with growing concerns about e-bike-related incidents, amplifying calls for enhanced safety measures.
Key Details of the Incident
Michele Mulrooney, 65, was killed on September 1, 2025, in an e-bike accident outside Aspen, Colorado, according to reports from Law.com and Law360. Details of the incident remain limited, but authorities confirmed it occurred on a road near the city, a popular area for cycling. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office has not released information on whether another vehicle was involved or if specific e-bike malfunctions contributed, pending an ongoing investigation. Mulrooney was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a somber moment for her family, colleagues, and the legal community.
Voices from the Legal Community
Willkie Farr & Gallagher issued a statement on September 4, 2025, describing Mulrooney as “a visionary leader whose passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence were instrumental in driving Willkie’s growth, culture, and success in Los Angeles and beyond.” The firm highlighted her role as a mentor, particularly for women, noting her advocacy for flexible work schedules to balance family and career. “Michele’s integrity, compassion, and generous spirit touched so many lives,” the statement added.
Barbara Grayson, the national co-chair of Willkie’s Private Wealth Group, shared on LinkedIn, “Michele was a brilliant attorney and a dear friend. Her legacy in our practice and her mentorship will endure.” Legal analyst Lynn LaRowe, writing for Law360, described Mulrooney as “someone who was larger than life in her interactions with colleagues and clients,” underscoring her outsized influence in the field.
Background: A Storied Career and a Growing Safety Concern
Michele Mulrooney, a 40-year veteran of the legal profession, was a founding partner of Willkie’s Los Angeles office and a nationally recognized leader in private wealth and estate planning. A graduate of USC Gould School of Law, she served on its board and was a member of the UCLA Health System Board, reflecting her deep commitment to philanthropy and community leadership. Her work focused on advising high-net-worth individuals and families, earning her accolades as a trailblazer in a male-dominated field. Mulrooney’s advocacy for women included ensuring part-time work options at Willkie, inspired by her own experience balancing motherhood and her career.
The accident highlights the rising risks associated with e-bikes, which have surged in popularity but also in incidents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, e-bike injuries increased 20% from 2022 to 2024, with over 1,000 reported accidents in 2024 alone. Colorado, with its scenic but challenging terrain, has seen multiple e-bike fatalities, including a recent case in Pennsylvania where a teen died in a collision with a car. These incidents have prompted calls for stricter regulations, such as mandatory helmets, speed limits, and designated bike lanes.
Impact and Next Steps
Mulrooney’s death leaves a void at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where her leadership shaped the firm’s private wealth practice. The firm is likely to appoint a new co-chair alongside Barbara Grayson, with potential shifts in client management as the Los Angeles office adjusts. Her mentorship legacy may inspire continued advocacy for women in law, with colleagues already discussing initiatives to honor her contributions.
The accident also intensifies scrutiny of e-bike safety. Advocacy groups are pushing for Colorado to adopt clearer regulations, such as requiring training for e-bike users or limiting high-speed models on public roads. The investigation into Mulrooney’s crash could influence these efforts, particularly if it reveals factors like road conditions or equipment failure. Nationally, the legal community may see increased focus on workplace safety, with firms potentially reviewing policies for employees engaging in recreational activities.
For now, Willkie and the broader legal industry are focused on commemorating Mulrooney’s life. Memorial services and tributes are expected, with her alma mater, USC Gould, planning an event to celebrate her contributions. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office will release further details as the investigation progresses, potentially informing future safety measures.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cut Short, a Call for Change
Michele Mulrooney’s tragic death in an e-bike accident near Aspen marks a profound loss for Willkie Farr & Gallagher and the legal profession. Her remarkable career as a private wealth leader and advocate for women leaves an enduring legacy, but her passing also underscores the urgent need for e-bike safety reforms. For readers, the takeaway is twofold: honor the contributions of trailblazers like Mulrooney, and advocate for safer roads to prevent such tragedies. As the legal community mourns, her influence will continue to inspire, even as her absence is deeply felt.