Michael Mills, a key figure in the legal technology domain and co-founder of no-code automation provider Neota Logic, passed away on October 1, at his residence in St. Helena, California, at the age of 77. Mills had an illustrious career in the legal sector. He was an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell, served as General Counsel for the Central Park Conservatory, and was a partner at Mayer Brown, before moving back to Davis Polk as its Chief Knowledge Officer and Co-Head of Technology.
Leading industry analyst Ron Friedmann, who worked alongside Mills from the late 1980s, noted that Mills had a unique knack for simplifying complex legal problems for the practitioners. The Law Practice Technology Roundtable that Friedmann ran from 1991 through to 2003, was one of the platforms where Mills’ intellectual prowess was both showcased and sought after.
Mills’ generosity with time and knowledge made him a dependable mentor for many in the legal profession, an aspect of his persona that remains a cherished memory for many. Notably, he was quite instrumental in helping establish the importance of legal automation in the industry.
Mills’s significant contributions to access to justice initiatives should also not be overlooked. He was a passionate advocate for removing barriers in the offering of legal services. He was the founding director, vice chair, and donor to Pro Bono Net, a nonprofit that aimed to extend legal services to the less privileged through technology.
Beyond his influence as an early legal technologist and his generous nature, Mills was well known for his humility. Despite his extraordinary contributions, Mills often downplayed his own impact on the field. His significant mark on not only on his colleagues but also on the systems and processes that exist today remains as an undoubted testimonial of his towering legacy. He is survived by his partner, Karen MacNeil, and his two brothers, John Mills and Peter Mills. The family is redirecting memorial donations to Pro Bono Net. Read more about Mill’s journey and contributions in the original obituary.