Alexander ("Alex") Forger joined Milbank LLP as an associate in 1950 after graduating from Yale Law School—and after earning a Bronze Star while serving in the US Army during World War II. Alex became a partner in 1958 and served as Milbank’s chairman from 1984 to 1992. Now 100 years old, Alex is retired—but still active in legal matters—and lives in Westchester, New York.
A renowned trusts and estates lawyer, Alex represented numerous notable clients through the years, including Jacqueline Onassis and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, as well as the J&J Johnson and Rockefeller families.
Alex’s leadership on issues vital to the LGBTQ+ community has been equally impressive. While head of the Firm, Alex was instrumental in guiding Milbank to become, in 1992, the first New York City law firm to offer health benefits to same-sex partners. Through his pro bono efforts and legal advocacy, Alex contributed crucial guidance in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, helping to provide access to legal services for people with HIV/AIDS. He also, at the request of Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS), helped assemble a team of partners from several New York City law firms who provided legal assistance to AIDS patients being treated in local hospitals. In 2011, the American Bar Association established the Alexander D. Forger Award to recognize lawyers and legal service providers committed to the advancement of the rule of law for individuals living with HIV.
“Alex’s inclusive and visionary leadership has benefited Milbank and the LGBTQ+ community in so many tangible ways,” said Viren Mascarenhas, a Litigation & Arbitration partner in Milbank’s New York office and adviser to the Firm’s Pride affinity group. “He inspires us to build a world in which everyone is accepted for who they are and is able to realize their full life.”
Tawfiq Rangwala, a Litigation and Arbitration partner in New York and Chair of Milbank’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, added, “Having worked with Alex early in my career, I witnessed how he encourages young lawyers to never forget to contribute to society while building a practice. It is important that he be recognized as a pioneer in promoting and protecting LGBTQ+ rights.”
We are proud to commemorate Alex’s commitment to these important issues as we celebrate Pride Month.
