Remembering George McMillan: A Legal Pioneer and Champion for Alabama
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our esteemed colleague, George McMillan, who served as an attorney of counsel at Greene & Phillips. George’s remarkable life and career exemplify the values that our firm strives to uphold – dedication to public service, legal excellence, and a passionate commitment to improving communities across Alabama.
A Distinguished Legal Career
George McMillan’s legal journey began after graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1969. He founded his own law practice in 1971, which would become a springboard for both his legal and political careers. For sixteen years, George was a founding partner of the Birmingham law firm McMillan & Spratling where he earned a reputation for excellence in legal practice.
With over 50 years of legal experience, George brought invaluable expertise to Greene & Phillips. Throughout his tenure with Greene & Phillips, George was always eager to help and ready to provide advice and counsel as needed. His experience serving as a law clerk to a U.S. Federal District Court Judge and his extensive practice background made him a valued collaborator as the firm grew and opened a Birmingham office. His effectiveness as a mediator stemmed not only from his legal knowledge but also from his unique background in public service, where he developed a distinctive understanding of human nature and conflict resolution.
A Meteoric Political Rise
George’s rise in Alabama politics has been described as “meteoric.” He was elected to the Alabama House in 1973, moved to the Alabama State Senate in 1974, and then became Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor in 1978. In 1982, he came remarkably close to defeating George Wallace in the governor’s race, the closest anyone had come since 1958.
Political observers noted how George was painted as the “New South” candidate who had support from younger and more progressive voters. Throughout his political career, he put the state first, rather than politics first – a principle that guided his work both in public office and in private practice.
Expanding Greene & Phillips’ Reach
George’s extensive connections throughout Alabama proved instrumental in helping Greene & Phillips grow beyond our Mobile roots. His deep understanding of the legal landscape across the state combined with his respected reputation from Birmingham to Montgomery to the Black Belt region opened doors for our firm to serve clients statewide.
As an attorney of Counsel, George helped establish and strengthen our Birmingham office, allowing us to better serve clients throughout Alabama. His connections and experience contributed to building relationships with legal professionals across the state as we expanded our geographic reach.
Beyond the Courtroom
Beyond his legal accomplishments, George’s commitment to community development was evident in his founding of the City Stages music festival in Birmingham in 1989 and his role as a co-founder of the Black Belt Community Foundation in 2002. His passion for improving Alabama communities complemented his work with our firm, where colleagues appreciated his professional expertise and personal warmth. George brought this same dedicated spirit to his interactions with clients across the state.
Continuing His Legacy
As we mourn George’s passing, we at Greene & Phillips remain committed to building upon his legacy. Our continued expansion throughout Alabama honors his vision of a law firm that serves communities statewide with excellence and integrity.
George McMillan’s impact on our firm and our state and its communities will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and remain grateful for his extraordinary contributions to Greene & Phillips and to Alabama.
