February 6, 2025
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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our partner, colleague and friend Michael G. Babbitt. Mike was a brilliant lawyer, committed mentor, and tireless advocate for helping others through pro bono work and civic commitment. Mike passed away on February 3, 2025 at the age of 42.
Throughout Mike’s life and career, it was abundantly clear how deeply he loved his profession as a lawyer, having fun, and most of all his wife Elizabeth and their three young children. Many of his colleagues looked up to him as someone who reflected the truest meaning of being a good father, husband and lawyer. His kindness and authenticity were always on display and his ability to make people around him laugh was unmatched.
A partner at Willkie Chicago since its founding four-and-a-half years ago and with more than 100 lawyers today, Mike was widely recognized by numerous publications and legal guides for his legal capabilities and wide ranging accomplishments. With a background in electrical and computer engineering, Mike had an unparalleled legal mind and an uncanny ability to navigate the complexities of patent, trademark, and copyright law. Mike also had the rare ability to communicate complex technology to anyone with simplicity and a measure of humor. He was often sought after by many of the most prestigious companies and organizations to serve as their legal counsel. He was a member of the PTAB Bar Association’s Board of Directors and served as a sponsor in the USPTO Legal Experience and Advancement Program. He was also a Trustee of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago.
Equally impressive to his legal work was Mike's staunch belief in the power of the law to bring about meaningful change. He not only devoted many hours to his own pro bono cases, resulting in life-altering outcomes for so many who would not have had access to justice without him, he also served as the pro bono coordinator for Willkie Chicago. In that role, he oversaw the office's pro bono commitments as part of Willkie's firmwide pro bono program, and as a result of his leadership 100% of Willkie Chicago attorneys now represent clients on a pro bono basis.
Mike was a dedicated mentor to young lawyers and took great pride in helping to shape the careers of aspiring attorneys, offering guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights through teaching and other mentoring activities. He served as a role model to others, highlighting the importance of integrity, compassion, and advocacy for justice.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, including his wife Elizabeth and their children, who will always be part of our Willkie family. Mike left this world far too soon and his loss will be felt by his many friends and colleagues at Willkie, and by all those whose lives he touched.