Michael "Mike" Lee Unti

Michael Lee Unti, of Union, South Carolina, formerly of Montana, died peacefully in his sleep on July 24, 2023, at the age of 73. Mike was born in Seattle, Washington on July 13, 1950, to Francis Evans Peter Unti and Verna Elizabeth Unti.

Mike was an Eagle Scout and completed high school at Shawnee Mission South in Kansas before going on to Washington and Lee University where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa his senior year. After graduating with a B.A. in 1972 and then completing two master's degrees at Yale University he began active duty in the United States Army where he was commissioned as a Captain and proudly served overseas in the 101st Airborne Division. He served in REFORGER exercises in Germany and was in command of an anti-aircraft battery in Korea, receiving numerous commendations for his distinguished service.

Mike then attended law school at Washington and Lee, where he met wife, Brenda. Mike and Brenda moved to Atlanta where they welcomed son, James, before settling in Raleigh shortly before the arrival of son, Michael. Mike became a partner at the Hunton & Williams law firm, working in civil litigation and managing large cases. He specialized in the complex field of nuclear power plant construction and was involved in cases across the country during the late 1980's and early 1990's. He was a renowned litigator and achieved the highest possible distinction under the Martindale-Hubbell attorney ranking system.

In 1998, Mike formed his own law firm alongside partners; Margaret Lumsden and Sharon Smith. Mike continued to represent longtime civil clients, while taking on a capital appeal upon request of North Carolina's Center for Death Penalty Litigation. Mike formed a close relationship with his first client and, over the next twenty-five years, represented many more capital clients. He found the work meaningful and was beloved by his clients. He worked tirelessly in investigating the sometimes decades old cases and, through his efforts, was directly responsible for saving lives. He became a cherished member of North Carolina's capital bar.

Mike loved working with younger people. He was a patient and supportive mentor to many who still credit him as leaving an indelible mark on their lives. He is survived by his sons; James A. Unti of Phoenix, Arizona and Michael P. Unti of Sacramento, California; his brother, Steven F. Unti of Atlanta, Georgia; and four grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at New Hill Cemetery, Stumptown Rd. in Anaconda, Montana. Anaconda is a place Mike cherished and returned to throughout his life to find peace and quiet contemplation. A reception will follow at the Montana Hotel, 200 Main St. in Anaconda.

Memorials in honor of Mike are suggested to ARA – Montana Hotel, PO Box 999, Anaconda, MT 59711 or to The Center for Death Penalty Litigation, 3326 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Building D, Suite 201, Durham, NC 27707.

Please visit the sidebar to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Mike.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory is privileged to care for Mike's services and his family.