Alexander Forger joined Milbank (and Tweed, Hadley & McCloy...) in 1950 after graduating from Yale Law School—and after earning a Bronze Star as a US Army machine-gunner during World War Two. Alex became a partner in 1958 and went on to become the firm’s Chairman from 1984-1992. After retiring from Milbank, he continued his legal advocacy work with several organizations while also serving in various fiduciary roles. Alex spoke with us recently from his home in Westchester.
Hello, Alex, and happy belated birthday—you celebrated a nice round number this past February, is that right?
Thank you, yes, I’m 100 years old. I finished my first century and I’m hoping the second is just as good.
You had a long and distinguished career at Milbank. What can you tell us about the firm when you came on board in 1950?
Well, it was certainly smaller. There were 25 partners and 50 associates, all men by the way. We had just the one office in New York and one lawyer working down in Washington.
Milbank was a happy, pleasant place. We spent a great deal of time together and enjoyed one another’s company. There was a tearoom where we’d gather regularly to catch up, opportunities for discussing both personal and professional issues. We also had our annual holiday show where we lampooned each other. It was all very congenial and helped us bond. Peter Herman, a real estate partner, was a big part of organizing that. I was saddened to hear of his passing earlier this year. He was a good man.
Your focus was on trusts and estates law. Why so?
As a young associate, after I worked through my rotation period, I opted for the trusts and estates practice because I liked the idea of dealing with individuals who had a personal stake in the matters we discussed. I was interested in working with people who had their own concerns and personalities, rather than representatives of gigantic institutions. Many of those relationships became friendships.
What were the key challenges you faced while serving as the firm’s Chairman?
One of the biggest issues was diversification, or a lack of it. The firm was very heavily engaged with Rockefeller entities at the time – Rockefeller Center and the university and Rockefeller Resorts and so on. And Chase, which was a Rockefeller institution, was our only major banking client. These were wonderful relationships, but I knew that we needed to broaden our revenue base if we were going to expand. So, we focused on building relationships with investment banks and corporate clients, and that helped steer the firm toward growth. I also pushed, with others, for lateral hiring, which was not common back then. Like everything, it had its plusses and minuses, but we embraced the idea because it was a great way to bring in talented and knowledgeable attorneys who helped us expand strategically. I also helped institute merit compensation so that we could remain competitive.
We adopted a change in governance at that time as well, introducing the elected Executive Committee, which comprised three partners back then. For the first 25 years I was at Milbank, it was just a group of four or five senior partners who ran the firm.
After retiring from Milbank, what did you focus on?
In 1993 I went to Washington to head up the Legal Services Corporation, which was doing important work in funding legal aid offices across the country. The political climate was changing, and congress was trying to eliminate the program. It was challenging, but we kept it going. It was an important organization and still is.
From 2010 to 2020 I also was quite active with the New York State Commission on Access to Justice, coordinating with law firms and the legislature and providers of legal services. I also helped raise money, along with many of my colleagues, for organizations that I knew were doing vital work, be it the Legal Aid Society or Lambda Legal or the universities.
I also served as co-executor of the estates of Jacqueline Onassis and Rachel Mellon. Jackie was a wonderful person and a good friend, as was Bunny Mellon, whose estate administration was concluded in 2018, when I was 95.
You’ve been deeply involved in legal advocacy throughout your career. What draws you to these causes?
In my view, when you’re admitted to the bar it’s an extraordinary privilege that few people have. As a lawyer you have a key to the system of justice. It’s really part of your responsibility to assist folks in having access to justice and to be a caretaker of the system of justice.
The ethical standards include many mentions of the word “should” but not enough mentions of “must.” I’ve probably disturbed many lawyers with that belief, but pro bono work isn’t charity, it’s our responsibility.
Milbank’s tradition of engaging with the community through service stretches way back to even before I joined the firm. We were very involved in helping those who needed it. I’m glad to see the firm is still doing so.
Do you have any advice for young lawyers?
My advice in general is to make every day count. It may sound odd but reaching 100 years of age has made me realize that you don’t live forever. Nor do those you love. You need to ask yourself “am I doing enough, could I do more?”
At a law firm there’s always a premium on hard work and loyalty and determination. But most importantly you need to be helpful. If you’re always ready to support others, in time you will be recognized and you’ll succeed. I also urge every attorney to become active in the profession and to pursue the nation's promise of justice for all.
In the war, during the Battle of the Bulge, I learned to value others for who they are. When you’re a machine-gunner in combat, it doesn’t matter what the guys in your squad look like, where they’re from, or what their religion may be. It certainly was a lesson in understanding the value of an individual. You come away from an experience like that, if you do, with a different attitude about life and people. You learn what matters and what’s peripheral.
What keeps you busy these days?
I have a large and loving family, including seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, that I cherish spending time with. And I try to watch the Mets as much as possible. I’m also as busy as I want to be with some legal matters.
Alexander Forger is also featured in Alexander Forger at 100: “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue,” an episode in our Law, Policy & Markets: Milbank Conversations series.
