Closing Statement Stephen Miller ’60 commanded justice in the courtroom and an enduring legacy at W&L.

Amanda Minix
March 23, 2026

“Of the many memories that have been with me since my days at W&L, perhaps the most striking and valuable are connected with the Honor System and our Speaking Tradition… I am grateful to W&L for this training and so much more.” – Stephen Miller ’60

Described by his family and friends as a “lion of the Los Angeles legal community,” Stephen Miller ’60 led a distinguished and bold career before his death in October 2024. While Miller left an indelible mark on criminal law, he scripted another legacy through a $1.2 million charitable bequest to Washington and Lee University. His gift supports the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign focused on strengthening the W&L experience for every student.

Miller split his estate among three charities: Washington and Lee University, his law alma mater, Georgetown University, and the City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles, where he received care for a form of blood cancer.

“He wanted to give back to the places that meant the most to him during his life,” said his younger sister, Sylvia Shenk. “W&L awakened in Stephen a great love of literature and poetry, most particularly Shakespeare, which he carried with him throughout his lifetime — his book collection was incredible.”

Miller graduated from Washington and Lee in 1960, a highly engaged student who earned a spot on the Dean’s List, was a member of Jewish fraternity Zeta Beta Tau and served as the Ring-tum Phi’s business manager. Miller went on to graduate from Georgetown Law. Shenk says that shortly after Miller graduated from law school, Robert Kennedy recruited him to come to Los Angeles where he worked for the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting a variety of federal crimes, from bank robberies to tax evasion.

“Stephen jumped at the opportunity,” Shenk said. “I remember our parents were on vacation at the time, and I got in so much trouble when they came home for allowing him to go, as if I could do anything about it,” she laughed.

The Washington, D.C., native quickly made a name for himself and entered private practice in 1968, becoming one of the top white collar criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles. Miller represented a broad range of clients in criminal and civil cases, including major corporations such as Sears and General Dynamics, politicians like L.A. mayor Tom Bradley, celebrities like Frank Zappa as well as religious figures.

Nephew Maury Shenk was inspired by Miller, following his pursuit of a legal education.

“There was glamor in what he did, a great presence about him. He had charisma that could captivate a courtroom,” he said. “He was also deeply motivated by the idea that everybody, no matter the circumstances, deserves representation. He believed in enabling the criminal justice system.”

Miller’s conviction that due process was essential to justice is not surprising, given his commitment to Washington and Lee’s values and traditions. Mike Resch ’99L first met Miller when he interned at the same firm one summer. The two bonded over their shared W&L experience and sense of humor.

“Stephen believed in the honor and integrity that are foundational to Washington and Lee, and he practiced with the highest level of integrity that a lawyer could have,” Resch said. “While Stephen didn’t have any children, he treated me like family. He was a mentor and a great friend.”

In celebration of his 50^th reunion, Miller submitted an entry for the Class of 1960’s Calyx, a memory book to which classmates contribute personal updates.

“Of the many memories that have been with me since my days at W&L, perhaps the most striking and valuable are connected with the Honor System and our Speaking Tradition,” he wrote. “The Honor System has been a strong influence in my efforts to act with honesty and integrity, particularly when there were close and difficult calls to make. The tradition of speaking first to strangers on the street and in public places, such as courthouses in California, has helped greatly in forging relationships with people who soon became friends and business associates. I am grateful to W&L for this training and so much more.”

An active alumnus, Miller hosted W&L events in L.A., supported alumni in starting or developing their careers and loyally contributed to university priorities like the W&L Fund and Hillel over the years.

Miller had a contagious sense of humor that endeared him to many. He was the kind of person who would tease a summer intern about taking over his office; an individual who inspired a federal jury to sing him “Happy Birthday;” a man who, in his younger years, would drive to the office with his shirt off and the convertible top down; the man who attended his nephew’s wedding in Ireland as a Jewish officiant (whom everyone thought was a rabbi) to provide the requested representation for the groom. He was the kind of person who cared deeply and gave back generously.

“W&L was always on his lips,” Shenk said, who recalled visiting him on campus some weekends. “He would show me around with great pride. He really loved it, and it touches me that he made this final legacy contribution.”