Associates banking on a projects, white-collar or capital markets practice at the “top of the game” needn’t look any further.
Milbank Lateral Profile 2025
In these turbulent times, it’s important to look for practices that can withstand the economic storms that follow: “I wanted a firm that was diversified in what they do and the types of clients they have,” one source commented, “Milbank has both strong transactional and litigation practices. So, when one is slower the other picks up. You will always have your back covered!” Certainly, Chambers USA can speak to Milbank’s expertise across both, affording the firm top US-wide rankings in bankruptcy/restructuring, capital markets, securitization, mining and metals, projects, and transportation finance, alongside general commercial, securities and white-collar crime and government investigations litigation. Milbank also collects over 80 rankings in Chambers Global, with the highest praise in the Asia-Pacific region for projects & infrastructure work. The firm’s network includes eight offices in vital financial hubs across Europe and Asia. At home, the firm’s New York HQ, DC and LA offices make up the domestic offering, with the Big Apple housing the largest number of associates.
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say…
“The culture of the firm and training opportunities. During the interview process, the firm preached about its great culture, and it has proven to be completely true. The firm obviously works hard, but also cares about its associates as people, which goes a long way in this job. Additionally, the training the firm offers is exceptional. I feel that I am much further ahead as a young associate compared to my counterparts at other firms, which is evidenced by my knowledge base when working across from other firms.”
“Its excellent reputation for finance and transactional work, culture, and emerging position as a market leader on associate compensation.”
“I knew I wanted to do project finance and energy law, and Milbank had the reputation as being one of the best, if not the best, firm in that practice area. It also had a reputation for being collaborative, intellectual, and not full of jerks.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
13 |
3 : 1 |
52% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of associates intend to make partner |
||
|
52% |
47% |
41% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilities | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
no requirement |
15 |
51 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
53% |
75% |
85% |
| agreed they had a good work-life balance |
felt like they could take vacation/annual leave on their own terms |
found the firm's claims around bonus allocation to be authentic |
Salaries
1st year: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
Is Milbank the right firm for you?
|
83% |
91% |
83% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work they received was of the right quality |
felt comfortable being themselves at work |
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“Milbank is the best culture fit for me where I can both learn and advance my skillset, while also doing high quality work with people I like. Feeling comfortable asking questions and confident that the firm would be invested in my growth is important to me.”
“The firm is very collegial. Partners and associates alike are concerned about each other's personal time. The firm oversees everyone's workload to ensure equitable distribution.”
“There is a much warmer and supportive culture here than I've seen elsewhere in BigLaw. The people seem to enjoy working with each other, and they are patient about teaching new lawyers and the inevitable the mistakes that come with learning the trade. There are also formal metrics that demonstrate the culture, such as the lack of a billable hour requirement and guaranteed bonuses. You will work hard, but you won't feel like it's just to meet some number, so people are more self-motivated.”
Pro Bono
|
44 |
84% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Delaware Innocence Project (criminal defense/wrongful convictions); Bankruptcy Assistance Project (consumer protection/fraud); Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (criminal justice: juveniles serving life sentences with no chance of parole); Vance Center (climate change/international law).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Partner Recruiting - Jeanne Farkas, Executive Coordinator - Partner Recruitment
212.530.8537
jfarkas@milbank.com
Associate Recruiting (NY) - Bridie Riordan, Senior Legal Recruiting Specialist
212.530.8511
briordan@milbank.com
Associate Recruiting (LA) - Elsie Arisa, Legal Recruiting Manager
424.386.4582
erisa@milbank.com
Associate Recruiting (DC) - Nga Phan, Human Resources & Recruitment Manager
202.835.7529
nphan@milbank.com