Milbank LLP

• “Deal-related work over the summer exposed me to the basic tasks a junior would be doing. My pro bono work was more substantive.”
• “Easier to perform substantive work in litigation and financial restructuring practice group rotations as a summer associate because of the lower barrier to entry for junior-level assignments (e.g., legal research). Transactional opportunities were made available when possible, though (e.g., diligence review), and were supplemented by mock negotiations, formal learning opportunities, and call shadowing.  Formal introductions to the practice groups were extensive, and emphasis was put on the soft skills required to be a successful associate such as email management.”
• “Even though all work was introductory and I felt as if I wasn't a full member of my deal teams, I still felt as if I was contributing and grateful for how many associates took time out of their day to explain deal mechanics for my benefit. I think it made my eventual start at Milbank smoother.”
• “I rotated through three practice groups. I was fully staffed as a first-year would be. I felt supported and included without feeling overwhelmed, and I learned a ton. I remain very impressed with Milbank's summer program.”

• “Milbank is a highly collegial firm with an earned reputation for fun summer events and outings. The summer associate seafood and dim-sum walk-off events were highlights, but there were many other fun times. Each group also puts its own spin on the summer. Attorney interactions are many, as summer associates are genuinely onboarded onto deal teams (at least in my groups) and lunches are common.”
• “Social events were plentiful and featured a variety of large-scale (e.g., practice group river cruise) and small-scale events (e.g., coffee chats with junior associates). Each produced great camaraderie among summer associates and provided plenty of meaningful interactions with attorneys.”
• “Many scheduled and unscheduled social events throughout the summer. Everyone of all levels of seniority is approachable and seeks out summer associates. Camaraderie among summer associates was great. Best summer event was go-cart racing in NJ and dinner afterward with a small group of partners, associates, and summer associates.”
• “We had a lot of social events with the litigation department, all summer associates, and partners. My favorite event was a smaller event at a partner's home. She had a jazz band perform, and it was a great opportunity to network with a smaller group of associates and partners.”

• “Expected the flow of work to be more consistent instead of coming in waves. Was pleasantly surprised by how much emphasis is put on education and ensuring that first years understand the fundamentals of the relevant law (seemingly practice group-specific).”
• “When I rotated as a summer, the program was set for three rotations, to be completed for three weeks each in the summer, and then three months each as a first year. Now, the rotation is only two, so as a first year, I am rotating through two groups for 4.5 months. I was expecting to rotate through three groups as a first year, so this change between being a summer and actually starting was unexpected.”
• “I think my summer experience aligned with my experience as an associate because I was able to try out so much substantive work. I feel like some of my friends at other firms barely worked as summer associates, so it was harder for them to adjust to coming back full-time.”
• “Other than the obvious increase in workload, I have not noticed a huge shift from being a summer. All my coworkers are very kind, helpful, and welcoming. We have had weekly trainings to help us get accustomed to the firm and being an actual lawyer rather than a student. I am constantly asking questions, and no one has ever complained or seemed annoyed. Associates and parters alike are very grateful for the work we do and communicate that to us regularly.”

A microcosm of life at Milbank, our summer program is an opportunity for students to learn firsthand about our practices and culture. Professional and career development is the mainstay of our program, as it is with our regular associates. Summer associates participate in an intensive, collaborative and summer-long training program that follows a hypothetical company from inception to bankruptcy and restructuring. We offer multiple training sessions that serve as previews of our best-in-class Milbank@Harvard training program, including sessions on resilience and teamwork. Summer associates rotate through three practice areas, based on their preferences, and each summer is assigned a partner and associate mentor as resources. Summer program events this year include Broadway shows, concerts, partner events, and more.