Milbank

Training & Assignments

• “There were a lot of opportunities to learn in theoretical settings, like at trainings and programming. When I completed work assignments, I often got feedback from the attorneys above me, which was very valuable.”
• “The summer program was a great opportunity, and well balanced. SAs were not overworked, and thus, had time to explore firm culture, and make social connections with attorneys. On the other hand, I personally sought out substantive work, and the groups were happy to provide that, too. I had an opportunity to work on a wide variety of billable matters and pro bono matters.”
• “The firm's partners and associates did a great job of managing the level and amount of work. There was a good deal of substantive tasks, but not overwhelmingly so.”
• “I did a variety of work, including some document review, research assignments, summarizing evidentiary documents, and interview prep. The assignments were diverse, but sometimes I felt like I lacked work, or that the work I was doing wasn't particularly substantive.”

Social Opportunities

• “During COVID, we had remote events that weren't ideal. Cheese tasting. Olive oil tasting. Paint nights. Cooking classes. Flower arranging.”
• “The formal social events were mostly online due to the pandemic; however, the firm did hold several fun events for those in New York City. In addition, attorneys from each practice group I worked with regularly invited SAs out for informal get-togethers. I really felt included as part of the group.”
• “Milbank organized a number of social events, both virtual and in-person, that were generally enjoyable and interesting. I appreciated that many attorneys also attended these events.”
• “The summer program generally was well organized, and provided ample opportunities to get to know fellow summers. It could have been a bit more relaxed so that summers had more time to meet up on their own, rather than in an organized and less-relaxed environment.”

Associate Experience vs. Summer Expectations

• “My experience as an associate is what I expected it to be based on my experience as a summer associate.”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised at the consistency in firm culture between what was presented to us as summer associates and what the reality has been as a full-time associate. The only difference is that the litigation staffing coordinator is the one giving us assignments, instead of the mid-levels who gave out assignments to the summer associates. Everything else—mentoring, camaraderie, even team dinners—has been pleasantly consistent.”
• “As a summer associate, you do not have as much insight to the hours/work-life balance as a full-time associate. However, in my specific group, I do not feel as though my expectations were not largely met from when I was a summer associate.”
• “During recruiting, everyone that I met, from partners to associates, was very friendly and easy to talk to. I was worried that this might be a front or change once I started full time. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that now, even eight months in, the majority of attorneys are still as friendly and helpful as day one.”

Favorite Summer Events

• “Charcuterie class and weekly Friday happy hours with my fellow summers.”
• “Pottery, painting, pizza making, and oil and cheese tasting.”
• “Impromptu drinks with first- to third-year associates, and long lunches.”
• “One of my favorite summer events was informally organized by a mid-level. On our first day, he took a handful of summer associates to dinner with other mid-levels. We felt welcomed at the firm, and, by the end of dinner, we felt comfortable enough coming to the mid-levels for advice for the rest of the summer.”

A microcosm of life at Milbank, our summer program is an opportunity for students to learn firsthand about our practice 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 which 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 a baseball game, partner events, shows and concerts, and more.