It is with great sadness that we report the death of our retired partner Robert S. Mueller, III. Bob passed away in Charlottesville, Virginia, last night, leaving his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann. Bob is also survived by two beloved daughters and five grandchildren.

Bob had an indelible impact on the country that he served with distinction whenever called. Bob was a Marine officer, decorated for his valor in combat in Vietnam. He will be remembered and revered as the sixth Director of the FBI, a position he held for twelve years.  He was appointed to that post by President George W. Bush and started his term just one week before 9/11. After Bob served the statutory maximum 10-year term, President Obama asked Congress to pass special legislation allowing him to serve for an additional two years. The Senate passed that legislation by a vote of 100-0.  

Bob was known more recently to the country as Special Counsel and the namesake for the Mueller Report, which described Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election and former President Trump’s actions towards the investigation of Russia’s conduct. 

We remember Bob fondly as our partner and friend. We will always be deeply grateful for and fiercely proud of the example of integrity that Bob set, and all he brought to the WilmerHale community.  

Bob served his country in many roles, but he always said he was most proud that the Marines deemed him worthy and capable of leading other Marines.  And towards the end of his career, Bob said that the lessons he learned as a Marine stayed with him throughout his life. The value of teamwork, sacrifice, and discipline—life lessons he could not have learned in quite the same way elsewhere. Bob embodied integrity, candor, and humility (it’s not about you, he would say, referring to himself). As a leader, he noted, it is critical to ask hard questions, to listen, and to be willing to change course.  

Bob often concluded speeches with a modest comment on service. He said, “the way in which you choose to serve does not matter—only that you work to better your country and your community. Each person must determine in what way they can best serve others…a way that will leave them believing that their time has been time well spent.”

Bob’s life was exceptionally well spent. He was an extraordinary husband, father, brother, son, Marine, public servant, and partner. He will be missed.