2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Milbank

• “I received substantive assignments, and attorneys were very willing to provide guidance. I felt like I learned a lot and was excited to come back to work.”
• “I received substantive assignments in each of the three groups I rotated through. I was included in training programs designed for junior associates, and partners/other senior members of the group also held trainings specifically for summer associates.”
• “Looking back at my summer, I was given assignments that I now frequently do as a first year. I was also given good directions and was never left to spin my wheels wondering what to do. I also received feedback for all my assignments.”
• “Work assignments ranged from discrete research assignments to PowerPoint decks for client trainings to a brief in a state court case for a pro bono matter. Hours were fairly light and assignments were fairly meaningful/substantive.”

• “Our summer associate program had awesome social events that permitted us to meet with attorneys as well as to bond with fellow summer associates. The firm really invests in its people and wants to ensure that summers get to know attorneys from different practice groups as well as each other while also having fun. Along with social events hosted by recruiting, practice groups and affinity groups also held social events, coffee chats, and meals for summer associates.”
• “The social events were all great and well-attended by summer associates and attorneys alike. We had a great summer class, and I always enjoyed talking with them at the events.”
• “The social events were great and allowed the summer associates to meet many different attorneys in all different groups. I felt valued and created many relationships that last today.”
• “The social aspects of the summer associate program were fun and entertaining. The summer class was close, and the full-time associates did a great job making us feel welcome.”

• “I do not think the summer program is meant to (or should) mimic the experience of being an associate. The point is to get to know a lot of people, have some substantive experiences, and to understand the culture of the firm.”
• “The learning curve is steep—there is no amount of law school or summer program that will prepare you for the types of work that you will be asked to learn, master, and perform. On-the-job training and mentoring are the paths to growth.”
• “I had basically no work as a summer associate—it was all about meeting people and figuring out which practice groups I was interested in. I was under no illusions that my experience as a summer associate would resemble anything like the day-to-day life of an associate.”
• “Summer associates were often given random, one-off assignments that did not capture the life of an actual associate. Especially in the transactional practice groups. Also, the pacing—summers just screw around and don't really see how many hours go into the job.”

• “Six Flags, lobster boat, bowling.”
• “Olive oil-tasting event, cooking classes, cocktail hours.”
• “Dave & Buster's, wine tasting, baseball game.”
• “Rooftop happy hours or the Yankees game.”

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.