Milbank

For associates looking to (Mil)bank on the future of projects, capital markets, and restructuring – this New Yorker is a firm bet.

About the Firm

Milbank has long stood tall in the world of BigLaw – not just for being one of the firms that sets the standards for associate salaries, but for how it continues to balance ambition and humanity, says its associates: “To an extent, BigLaw firms are a billing machine, but Milbank strives to strike the best balance.” This goes for its locations too: this New Yorker is headquartered in Hudson Yards (where most of our associates were calling us from), but the firm also has national offices in Washington DC and Los Angeles, along with eight international bases.

“It’s the highest level of clients, events, and prestige, but there’s a human touch too.”

The firm’s stance in changing the legal industry may be a big reason for joining this firm, but insiders made it clear that it’s the people that really count. As one underlined, “It’s the highest level of clients, events, and prestige, but there’s a human touch too.” While our interviewees can speak to the latter, our sister guide, Chambers USA, can back up the firm’s prestige. Bankruptcy/restructuring receives a standing ovation in New York, while the firm gets its flowers nationwide for capital markets: securitization: CLOs, a whole host of projects work (mining & metals, power, renewables & alternative energy), space, and transportation: aviation: finance. As such, we weren’t surprised by associates’ insistence that Milbank is a dark horse that aspiring attorneys should keep an eye on: “Milbank is a firm that is actively growing and not stagnating,” one nodded, “That’s definitely something to watch out for.”

Strategy & Future

"We're going to continue to attract the top talent at the associate level. That is a big part of our strategy,” says practice group leader of the litigation & arbitration group, and co- chair of the Milbank’s hiring committee, Alex Lees. Milbank’s commercial strategy is something the firm prides itself on, “our commercial strategy is always the same,” highlighted Lees, adding that: “It is that we need to continue to achieve substantive excellence and grow the firm… Size is important. Scale is important.”

However, Lees stated how the firm does not just grow for the sake of growing. “We are very choosy about whom we invite into our practice,” shared Lees. Adding that it’s not only about substantive excellence, the candidate also has to fit within the workplace and the values that the firm holds. In regard to artificial intelligence, Milbank is a firm that isn’t allowing it to slip through their fingers. Lees highlighted how everyone at the firm is expected to be adapting to the new tools that are available, adding how those who chose to learn the tools we will turn into "more productive and efficient workers."

Summer Program

One thing about summering at Milbank is that there will never be a shortage of activities. Associates applauded the constant events that were held over the eight-to-ten-week period, claiming that there were at least twenty (!) offsite events. This included a day trip to Six Flags, a Dodgers baseball game, and a day trip to Catalina Island. Former summers discussed how the firm allows you to really “take the reins” on pro bono assignments; they also mentioned being able to get insight into what associate life at the firm looks like. “I got to be looped in a lot of deals, sit in a lot of client calls, and observe and shadow associates in the group,” one reminisced. Sources advised summers to try everything, noting that it’s a suitable time to figure out your interests. Additionally, one interviewee advised: “Learn how to do the simple things that feel like admin tasks; you’ll have to do it your whole career anyway.”

The Work

We were told that staffing works slightly differently across groups, oscillating between a centralized, relationship-based, and hybrid work assignment system. That said, all groups have a staffing partner who oversees workflow.

Career Development

Sources at Milbank were united in their views on their development at the firm. “Since I’ve been at Milbank, I haven’t felt like just a number in the masses,” one newbie shared, “People have really cared about my career from day one.” Juniors described the core formal training programs and mentorship opportunities offered at the firm, such as Advocacy@Milbank for litigators and Deals@Milbank for transactional associates. The rotational program was also a huge plus for our insiders: “Even if you think you already know what you want to do, it’s a good way to get a mixed learning approach before joining your specific group.” Fourth years also get the opportunity to join Milbank@Harvard, a week-long professional development program at Harvard University taking place each year over three consecutive years.

“Since I’ve been at Milbank, I haven’t felt like just a number in the masses.”

While the firm’s formal training got its flowers, it was the informal, hands-on training that took the cake for rookies: “I get the impression at other firms that there’s pressure for juniors to be correct and fast,” contemplated an interviewee, “but here, there’s leeway, understanding, and opportunities to ask questions and take leaps – all helping personal growth.” Newbies are given a mentor to help them navigate associate life at the firm, and we heard that this mentorship “is definitely the most impactful. You’re generally paired with a second year, so they can relate to you and give you the most applicable advice.” Those who lateraled into the firm expressed how easy it was to find work and integrate with their team: “I easily hit the ground running,” a lateral nodded, “As long as you’re nice, intellectually curious, and you put in the effort, you will thrive.” A similar sentiment was conveyed about partnership, which all our interviewees considered to be attainable.

Hours & Compensation

Milbank has no formal billable hour requirement, but productivity is tracked as a percentage. Reviews about this system were mixed; while some praised it for promoting a flexible and stress-free environment, others caveated that “for some associates, it means ‘I will bill as much as I can take,’ and for others, it means ‘I will bill as little as I can.’” Quick word of wisdom: try to take the attitude of the former associate, not the latter!

Associates at Milbank were well-aware of the firm’s reputation for long hours, with one shrugging, “I knew what I was signing up for,” and another admitting that “we work around the clock.”

While most associates expected the time commitment when joining the firm, some wished they had a tad more free time: “I was expecting a harsh work week, but I wasn’t expecting that there’s truly no time outside of the office where you’re not meant to be readily available to answer an email or phone call… that part I was shocked by,” an interviewee shared candidly, but the general sentiment was that rookies quickly become accustomed to this part of the BigLaw expectations. It’s no surprise that hours can be intense, with some reporting 90-hour weeks (!) during especially busy periods, though the average junior was working an eight-hour day. The firm’s compensation structure follows the Cravath scale, but juniors quipped that since Milbank has “historically led the market in pay increases, it should be renamed the Milbank scale!” Indeed, in June 2026, the firm announced it would be upping its pay-scale, leading the way on the latest salary race.

Milbank is recognized as a Strong Performer for Benefits & Quality of Life in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Pro Bono

Juniors are encouraged to do as much pro bono work as they can – within reason, of course. There is a minimum requirement for all attorneys to complete 25 hours of pro bono a year, and as one put it, “the good news is we have a floor, not a ceiling.” There are two head coordinators on the pro bono team, and associates can get work by emailing to inform them of their availability and interests, or partners working on a specific case can contact juniors directly asking for assistance. There is a range of opportunities available, including animal rights, name changes, LGBTQIA+ cases, domestic violence, veterans’ rights, housing, and immigration.

Milbank is recognized as a Strong Performer for Pro Bono in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Culture

“It’s a high octane, but good environment,” said one insider. Sources described all attorneys of all seniorities as “kind, friendly, and willing to answer any questions.” As one interviewee shared, “the personal interactions I’ve had with senior colleagues are mostly non-hierarchical, but whenever there is a hierarchy, it is to our benefit.” Another added: “The people here make time to talk to you, and they were honest about their experience. Every job has its hardships, but everyone here is authentic and true while staying positive.” There is no expectation at Milbank to come in and already “be a superstar in any category to thrive here,” we heard, “You just need to be prepared to learn the ropes quickly.” While the firm has an open-door policy and juniors often find themselves chatting with their colleagues in the hallways, those conversations don’t always leave the workplace: “I don’t think people spend a lot of time with each other outside of work,” one candid attorney contemplated, “That’s just not us!”

“Milbank is probably the best office in New York.”

“Milbank is probably the best office in New York,” boasted a New Yorker, highlighting the benefits that are offered in Hudson Yards, including (but not limited to!) free breakfast on weekdays, an office barrister, an in-office restaurant, and a terrace.

Milbank is recognized as a Strong Performer for Culture in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.