The Passing of Partner Ken Meade

  • 6.21.2013

Ken Meade’s family has asked that the following information be shared with the WilmerHale community. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent in Ken’s memory to the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia (1331 H Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005; +1 202 628 1161) and Environment Virginia (218 D Street SE, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20003; contact David Wyman at +1 202 683 1250). In addition, Partner Carol Clayton is organizing an effort to establish an educational fund for Ken’s daughters, both of whom will be in college next year. Those interested in contributing to the educational fund should contact Carol at +1 202 663 6650 or [email protected].


It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the loss of WilmerHale Partner Ken Meade, who died in an ocean accident on June 20 while vacationing with his family in North Carolina.

Ken joined our Firm’s Washington D.C. office in 1988, after serving as a Clean Air Act counsel at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He was a versatile lawyer who handled a wide range of environmental and natural resources policy and regulatory matters, enforcement cases, and transactional projects. Ken was particularly known for his deep expertise in Clean Air Act law and regulation and climate change policy.

Ken engendered tremendous client loyalty. Like Ken’s colleagues at WilmerHale, clients valued Ken’s unerring legal judgment in equal measure with his integrity, collegiality, and sense of humor.

Ken was an integral part of the fabric of WilmerHale. He served for many years on the Firm’s Associates Committee. Ken was genuinely interested in the lives and professional progress of associates and counsel, and gave generously of his time and expertise. Ken will long be remembered as a “glue person” who brought out the best in others.

Above all, Ken was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Oram, and two daughters, Allison and Cameron, who were the pride of his life.