The American Law Institute is deeply saddened to share the news that Milton “Milt” Schroeder, a longtime and highly valued member of the Institute, has passed away.
Elected to ALI in 1972, Milt was a dedicated and engaged participant in our work for more than five decades. He contributed generously to numerous ALI projects through his service on Members Consultative Groups, offering thoughtful guidance grounded in both his academic expertise and practical experience. His work in commercial and banking law left a lasting mark not only on his students and colleagues but on the legal community at large. More than that, Milt was a kind, collegial presence—generous with his time, wisdom, and encouragement to others in the ALI community.
Professor Schroeder served on the faculty of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University beginning in 1969, where he also held the role of Associate Dean from 1978 to 1980. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Chicago Law School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the University of Chicago Law Review. He began his career clerking for the Hon. Carl McGowan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He went on to practice law at Sidley and Austin in Washington, D.C., focusing on complex litigation and administrative regulation.
A leading scholar in banking and commercial law, Professor Schroeder authored the treatise The Law and Regulation of Financial Institutions, maintaining its updates for many years. His courses and research spanned a range of topics, including secured transactions, sales and leases, credit systems, banking law, and international finance. He also consulted on the adoption of Revised Article 9 of the UCC in Arizona and worked on efforts to prevent the misuse of banking systems to finance terrorism.
Beyond the classroom and the courtroom, Milt devoted time to public service, including as a judge pro tempore for the Arizona Court of Appeals and as an arbitrator for the Maricopa County Superior Courts. His contributions extended to intercollegiate athletics as well, representing ASU to the Pac-10 and NCAA and serving on national committees focused on student-athlete eligibility and infractions.
Milt Schroeder's contributions to the law, to ALI, and to public service were substantial and enduring. We are grateful for his many years of engagement with the Institute and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues.