Milbank

Our Survey Says

Vault Verdict 

Whether it’s compensation, training, or quality of work, associates can expect the best from Milbank. Hiring is competitive, and only applicants with top grades—and usually from top law schools—who will fit in with the firm culture will get looks. That firm culture is friendly and familial, though not overly social. People understand the need for work-life balance. Associates find partners approachable and respectful, and partners seem to value associates’ input on cases and firm decisions. Training at Milbank is exceptional, with robust programs like Deals@Milbank, Advocacy@Milbank, and Milbank@Harvard, and mentors step up with helpful support for associates. Dedicated training and orientation for lateral hires are satisfactory but could use some attention. Work assignments range from basic to challenging, but overall they are substantive and commensurate with associate skill level. Assignment coordinators help ensure that tasks are distributed fairly. Associates work a lot of hours but are not held to a billable hour requirement and can reconcile work lives with personal lives. Milbank is a compensation leader, with lockstep salaries and bonuses. Tech resources are decent, and IT support is responsive to issues that arise. An on-site health center helps advance wellness, but associates don’t have time to utilize other resources like exercise and meditation programs. Dedicated staff members promote pro bono work, the hours for which are billable equivalent. At least 25 pro bono hours are expected per year. Diversity programming and hiring diverse applicants have improved, but retention still seems to be an issue. Making partner appears to be an uphill battle, but counsel positions and moves to other firms, government work, and in-house make career prospects positive overall.