October 30, 2025
Willkie partner Michele Mulrooney, who passed away suddenly on September 1, has been recognized for her leadership and accomplishments in the law by Variety in its Women’s Impact Report 2025.
Variety selected Michele, Co-Chair of Willkie’s National Private Wealth Group at the time of her passing, as one of the notable women professionals across the entertainment industry. She was recognized as a go-to private wealth and estate planning attorney for high-net-worth individuals including actors, directors, writers, producers and artists as well as for the estates of Hollywood legends.
Michele, a founding member of the firm’s Los Angeles office, had more than 30 years’ experience representing high-net-worth individuals and families in sophisticated estate planning matters. In addition to building a preeminent practice, Michele was a leader at Willkie and in the broader L.A. legal community.
Alex Weingarten, Managing Partner of Willkie’s Los Angeles Office and Chair of the Entertainment Litigation practice, recalled Michele’s commitment to clients and her elite skillset: “She was so sharp and so insightful and so knowledgeable that she would eviscerate you with that knowledge in a way that was devastating for people that claim to be experts in the space.”
Kathy Wunderli, West Coast Co-Chair of Willkie's Private Wealth Group, highlighted Michele’s impact as a mentor and advocate for women, noting the way she emphasized family throughout her trailblazing career.
“Many times during her mentorship of me, she said, ‘Whatever happens in life is OK as long as you have your family,’” Kathy told Variety. “She really, really focused on that.”
View Michele’s profile in Variety’s Women’s Impact Report 2025 here.
Variety selected Michele, Co-Chair of Willkie’s National Private Wealth Group at the time of her passing, as one of the notable women professionals across the entertainment industry. She was recognized as a go-to private wealth and estate planning attorney for high-net-worth individuals including actors, directors, writers, producers and artists as well as for the estates of Hollywood legends.
Michele, a founding member of the firm’s Los Angeles office, had more than 30 years’ experience representing high-net-worth individuals and families in sophisticated estate planning matters. In addition to building a preeminent practice, Michele was a leader at Willkie and in the broader L.A. legal community.
Alex Weingarten, Managing Partner of Willkie’s Los Angeles Office and Chair of the Entertainment Litigation practice, recalled Michele’s commitment to clients and her elite skillset: “She was so sharp and so insightful and so knowledgeable that she would eviscerate you with that knowledge in a way that was devastating for people that claim to be experts in the space.”
Kathy Wunderli, West Coast Co-Chair of Willkie's Private Wealth Group, highlighted Michele’s impact as a mentor and advocate for women, noting the way she emphasized family throughout her trailblazing career.
“Many times during her mentorship of me, she said, ‘Whatever happens in life is OK as long as you have your family,’” Kathy told Variety. “She really, really focused on that.”
View Michele’s profile in Variety’s Women’s Impact Report 2025 here.
