At Milbank, we’ve long recognized that a diverse and inclusive culture where individuals feel valued and empowered to be their best selves is critical to our success. We’ve shown this commitment at the highest levels for more than three decades. More recently, the Firm has been intentional about embedding DEI into our ways of working, using data to drive decisions, connecting DEI efforts to overall strategy, and recognizing the benefits of inclusion. This intentionality has enabled the Firm to leverage DEI efforts for the benefit of the Firm’s colleagues, clients, and the communities served.
Career Development Opportunities
Unique to the Firm are the Milbank@Harvard Program (M@H), and the Career Development & Coaching Program.
M@H is the Firm’s flagship program with Harvard Law School. Open to mid-level associates and offered over the course of 3 years, the program provides a unique professional development opportunity for all associates globally. Its curriculum includes intensive, interactive courses on finance and accounting, leadership and team management, strategy, marketing, negotiations, and macroeconomics taught by Harvard faculty.
Additionally, Milbank offers associates the Career Development & Coaching Program. As with M@H, this program is open to mid-level associates. The 9-month cohort program provides each associate a partner mentor, coach, and the opportunity to craft a bespoke career development plan while honing their skills.
Both programs provide incredible opportunities for associates to cultivate relationships while learning, irrespective of practice group or geography. Milbank’s career development focus extends beyond the Firm with strong and growing partnerships with leading organizations that champion DEI in the legal industry.
Using the Law to Make A Difference
The Firm also provides extensive pro bono services to promote equity and equality, and to defend the rights of marginalized communities. Milbank’s commitment to DEI is further evidenced by its impactful work in this space.
We believe that lawyers have a responsibility to use the law to make a difference and the Firm has a long history of doing racial and social justice work. Over the past 3 decades, Milbank lawyers have contributed over 1.25 million hours on matters involving the promotion of racial equity, civil and voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for immigrants, protecting survivors of domestic abuse or gender-based violence, assisting not-for-profits in environmental and animal rights space.
Milbank requires every lawyer at the Firm to perform at least 25 hours of pro bono work. In 2022, the Firm exceeded 59,000 pro bono hours globally, and more than 97% of the Firm’s US lawyers performed pro bono work.
Committees, Affinity Groups, and Networks
The Partner led DEI and Women’s Initiative Committees support our affinity groups and networks by i) providing a platform for groups underrepresented in the practice to build strong careers; and ii) assisting them in achieving their full potential.
Relatedly, the Associate led affinity groups and networks have enabled colleagues to build a sense of community, share professional development advice and experiences, and celebrate their rich and varied backgrounds. By design, Milbank’s affinity groups and networks are open to both members and allies, offering cross-collaboration and continuous learning opportunities throughout the year.
Milbank’s affinity groups and networks offer a robust calendar of cultural heritage celebrations, networking and development opportunities, and speaker events led by thought leaders in law and business. These offerings range from cultural to career focused. They also serve to reaffirm our commitment to creating a culture where everyone can chart a path towards success.
Awards and Recognition
- 2022 Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index – Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality
- 2022 Associate Satisfaction A-lister by the BTI Associate Satisfaction Survey
- #11 Vault Law 100 Prestige Ranking
- #13 for our Breath of Commitment to Pro Bono
- #17 in the 2022 AmLaw Diversity Scorecard
- #19 in the 2022 Pro Bono AmLaw Ranking
While we recognize that we still have more work to do, the Firm is proud of external recognition of our efforts.
In 2023, Milbank will continue to focus on DEI as a key driver of excellence that benefits our colleagues, client deliverables, and the communities we serve.
