A Glimpse Into Chip’s Legacy

America lost one of the most significant civil liberties pioneers of the past 40 years: William “Chip” Mellor—the founding president and recent board chairman of the Institute for Justice, a national, public interest law firm—died at his home Friday, October 11, 2024, in Moab, Utah, after a battle with leukemia. 

Thanks to Mellor’s vision and the advocates he hired and inspired, IJ has won many pathbreaking constitutional cases that have set the standard for legal change. Mellor understood that principled change takes time, so he established IJ to engage in long-term, strategic public interest litigation rather than react to current controversies or issues of the week. He fostered an entrepreneurial, happy warrior culture within IJ, where many make their careers to change the world for the better. He also ensured that IJ was a well-run, transparent nonprofit, one which has earned Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for over 20 years in a row. 

In addition to leading IJ for its first 25 years, Mellor personally litigated economic liberty and educational choice cases, including arguing Craigmiles v. Giles, in which the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the government cannot impose protectionist regulations on casket sellers. He also successfully defended New York City’s “dollar vans,” which continue to serve disenfranchised communities, when the city threatened to put them out of business.

“Chip demonstrated remarkable vision and a knack for public interest litigation throughout his life. He brought together cutting-edge legal advocacy, media relations, grassroots activism, legislative work, and strategic research in a pioneering and innovative way. He made the Institute for Justice a powerhouse for the protection of constitutional rights.”
Scott Bullok IJ’s President and Chief Counsel
“Few attorneys have had a greater impact on public interest law in the past half century than Chip. Mellor’s visionary leadership and tireless commitment to defending individual liberty and the Constitution have had an enduring impact on the American legal landscape.”
Jim Lintott Founder and Chairman of Sterling Foundation Management and Acting Chairman of IJ’s Board
“In court and throughout the free market movement, Chip demonstrated how goodwill, principled and strategic advocacy, and a long-term adherence to mission can foster ever-growing success.” 
Dana BerlinerIJ Litigation Director
“When it came to fundraising, Chip always said that it wasn’t how much money you raised, but how you raised it. He always kept his word to IJ’s clients and supporters while finding ways to grow those around him every day.”
Beth StevensIJ Vice President for Development
“Chip continually looked for ways to improve how we work at IJ. One of his special talents as a leader was harnessing the best out of people. He built a supportive culture and inspired everyone around him.”
Deborah SimpsonIJ’s Chief Operating Officer
“Chip was always a Westerner at heart. He embodied the American pioneering spirit and intrepid nature that accomplishes the seemingly impossible while enjoying the effort along the way, no matter what obstacles may come. For so many friends and IJ clients, Chip was the cavalry riding in to save the day when all seemed lost. He set the standard as a leader and as a friend.”
John KramerIJ Vice President for Strategic Relations

William H. Mellor, 1950-2024

He built the Institute for Justice, which defends against government abuses.

Litigating for Liberty

Chip Mellor, president of one of America’s most influential law groups is expanding freedom on political speech, organ transplants and other economic frontiers.

LIBERTY & LAW
Chip Mellor’s Enduring Legacy of Liberty
PRESS RELEASE
Chip Mellor, Institute for Justice Visionary Cofounder and Former President, Has Passed Away