A focal point of our DEI efforts is Milbank’s processes – what we do and how we do it – to encourage everyone to reach their full potential. We recognize that a singular approach to development does not fit all, and we look to infuse inclusion principles into our initiatives to allow for nuance and variation. At Milbank, we know that unique perspectives and diverse life experiences combine for powerful results, and the Firm recruits, trains, and mentors with this in mind.
Recruitment
Milbank strives to attract a broad pool of high-caliber talent with various backgrounds and perspectives. We seek to create a rich tapestry of legal talent and harness unique skillsets to provide excellent legal services to our clients. To that end, Milbank has formed strong partnerships with over 30 law school student affinity groups and engages in a variety of global pipeline initiatives.
Training & Development
The DEI Team works closely with Milbank's Professional Development team to provide our attorneys with meaningful opportunities for growth and development at the Firm. We not only invest in our associates’ development by creating bespoke learning opportunities tailored to various levels and practice groups, but we also cultivate relationships with external organizations geared towards the professional development of attorneys.
Women's Growth Initiative
In 2024, the DEI and Professional Development Teams, in partnership with the WI Committee, launched the Women’s Growth Initiative, a comprehensive global professional development initiative providing seniority-appropriate programming for women attorneys at every stage of their careers. During the year-long programming, women attorneys at every level hear from industry experts on a variety of topics including business development, self-advocacy, career-development, and projecting credibility and confidence. The initiative also includes small group coaching sessions for women attorneys to dive deeper into relevant topics.
Milbank@Harvard
Our flagship program with Harvard Law School, Milbank@Harvard, is open to mid-level and senior associates and provides a comprehensive and unique professional development opportunity over the course of three years. Concepts of inclusion are woven throughout the curriculum and each year has sessions focused on leadership skills in which associates are taught that teams consisting of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences are stronger because members will provide different perspectives and offer creative solutions. Click here to read more.
External Partnerships
Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond our Firm. We maintain deep relationships with over 35 bar and industry associations that both support the development and success of our lawyers and help us participate in building a more inclusive legal industry for all.
