Chip Mellor’s Enduring Legacy of Liberty

In October, as this issue of Liberty & Law began production, the Institute for Justice lost its remarkable founder and board chairman, Chip Mellor. Chip co-founded IJ in 1991 as a new kind of civil liberties law firm that would protect the constitutional rights of ordinary Americans. He passed away surrounded by family at age 73 at the home he loved in Moab, Utah, after a struggle with leukemia.

I met Chip before I had even passed the bar, when he interviewed me for an attorney position at the soon-to-be-launched Institute for Justice. Chip had the vision to see the potential in both ideas and people. He hired me, an unproven 24-year-old at a then-unproven public interest law firm. As you know, in 2016, I had the honor of succeeding Chip as president of IJ, while Chip became chairman of our board. In that role, he continued to nurture IJ. He marveled at our growth, supported us when we faced setbacks, and cheered on our string of successes for the rest of his life.

Chip had the rare trait, especially around the Washington D.C. beltway, of always thinking about building an institution rather than merely promoting oneself. As a result, the institution he founded has grown from the tiniest of places at the beginning (I know, I was there!) to a truly powerful force for good throughout the nation. I am heartened that Chip passed knowing that IJ will remain that force advancing freedom and justice—never partisanship nor politicians—for decades to come.

In future issues of this publication and in other IJ forums, we will further document Chip’s enduring legacy at IJ and how we continue to build upon his vision. But, for now, I want to pass along just a few words about Chip’s character. He was undoubtedly a man of Western-style grit and integrity—and great heart and compassion. I, like so many others still at IJ and beyond, made my career under his mentorship. We worked alongside Chip and grew not only to deeply respect him but also to love him and the values for which he stood. After his passing, I heard from person after person—IJers and ex-IJers, clients, donors, allies—about the enormous impact and influence Chip had on their lives and how they look at the world.

Chip was a devoted husband to his wife, Alison, and father to their children, Mitch and Sarah. He was dedicated without reservation to the principles of liberty upon which IJ was founded. Chip was an institution builder with undeniable love and sentiment inside.

Shortly before Chip’s passing, Bob Levy—who served on IJ’s board of directors for 25 years and co-authored a book with him—sent Chip a letter. In it, he wrote: “We’ve had some terrific times together—both business and personal. There’s no one I hold in higher esteem and no one I’m more privileged to have known.” Many people throughout the land feel exactly the same way, Bob.

Scott G. Bullock is IJ’s president and chief counsel.