Clifford E. Muller
Obituary
(March 30, 1956 – January 2, 2026)

Known for his good-natured personality, gentle demeanor, quick wit, and quiet generosity, Clifford Emil Muller died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep on Friday, January 2, 2026, at home.  He was 69 years old.

Cliff was born on March 30, 1956 to Emil and Patricia Muller and was raised in Westwood, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, magna cum laude, at Bucknell University and a Juris Doctor, with highest honors from, and a member of The Order of the Coif at, George Washington University Law School.  Thereafter, Cliff pursued what became a highly distinguished legal career.

For 45 years, Cliff practiced law in Washington, D.C. at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan (now Eversheds Sutherland). Cliff became a trusted advisor on structuring international mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, transfer pricing, and the general implications of cross-border transactions. He developed a substantial practice and stellar reputation in the field of international tax. He earned a variety of awards including Best Lawyers in the area of tax law; Washington Business Journal's Top Washington Lawyer in the area of tax; Chambers Global: World's Leading Lawyers in the area of international tax; and The Legal 500 United States in the area of international tax. Cliff was an active member of the American Bar Association (ABA). He was a member of the ABA's Committee on Financial Transactions and formerly served as Chairman of ABA's Subcommittee on International Financial Transactions. Building on the opportunities and guidance provided by his mentors, Mac Asbill, Jr., Paul Freeland, and Bill Corey, Cliff grew and led the firm's premier international tax practice, and, like them, dedicated the entirety of his career to the firm, remaining a loyal partner and colleague.

Throughout his adult life, Cliff was passionate about supporting veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.  As a trustee of Kieve Wavus Education, Cliff supported its veterans' programs which provide wilderness experiences for men and women returning from war.  As he described it, "they come with their invisible wounds to heal in the woods of Maine."  In addition, he provided pro bono legal assistance to veterans.

When not reading the U.S. tax code, Cliff spent time on Nantucket Island, where he enjoyed fishing and boating with family and friends.  Some of Cliff's happiest times were surfcasting at "The Point of Greatness."  Most recently, Cliff revived his fledging golf career in Vero Beach, where he was frequently seen with his loyal and furry sidekick, Sully, riding shotgun in the golf cart.

Cliff was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Sandra M. Squillace, and his brother, Russell G. Muller.

Cliff is survived by his beloved wife, Courtney Shepard Muller, and their three adult children, Grace, Caroline, and Clifford ("Mac"); his favorite golfing partner, Sully; and his nieces, Kristin Squillace Kelleher (Timothy Kelleher) and Susan Squillace Persampieri (Stephen Persampieri).  Of the many roles Cliff valued over the course of his life, it was as husband, father, uncle, and friend where he made the most meaningful impressions and lasting memories.  From humble beginnings, Cliff believed that taking the road less traveled might make all the difference.  And it did.  He will be dearly missed.

The Muller Family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. A celebration of life is being planned at a later date and, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Cliff's memory to the veterans' programs at Kieve Wavus Education P.O. Box 169, Nobleboro, ME 04555 or online at www.kwe.org/give .