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Milbank's Reopening Plan Includes More Mandatory In-Office Days For Younger Associates

Are any other firms requiring younger associates to spend more time in the office than their peers?

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MILBANK — MEMO — RETURN TO US OFFICES UPDATE

Over the last 18 months, we have tested and proven the strength of our Milbank community.  Together, we successfully navigated the unprecedented challenges imposed by COVID-19 while continuing to provide excellent service to our clients.  That said, we believe that a return to the office is critical for the long-term success of the Firm, our culture, and the effective training and integration into the Firm of our newest colleagues.  Over the last few weeks, we have seen a significant increase in lawyer attendance in our US offices.  But without a formal return to the office, we won’t be able to reestablish the vibrant community that we have enjoyed in the past and that has enabled our culture of collaboration, mentoring and teamwork, all of which have been instrumental to our success and growth.

Fortunately, recent guidance from health experts, and our Firmwide vaccination policy, positions us to move forward with the next phase of our plan to return to our US offices. The Firm has set November 8, 2021 as the mandatory return date for all lawyers in our NY, DC and LA offices.

Lawyers

Starting November 8, associates in classes 2021 and 2020 are expected to return to the office four days a week.  All other lawyers are expected to return to the office three days a week.  However, all lawyers will be permitted to work on a fully remote basis the weeks of November 22 (Thanksgiving holiday) and December 27 (Christmas/New Year’s holiday).

We will remain flexible in accommodating lawyers with specific personal health risks or circumstances that would impact their return to the office at this time.  Extended full-time remote working arrangements are still permitted for those with extenuating circumstances through January 2022 and should be discussed with and approved by legal personnel and your practice group leader.

All of our lawyers are strongly encouraged to start or continue their return to the office (as the case may be) as soon as possible.  In that regard, we note that our first year lawyers will be starting in the office on Thursday of next week.  We know that they are looking forward to experiencing law firm life in person, and their experience and training will benefit enormously from attendance of senior lawyers.

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Business Services Employees

Our business services employees will continue to work remotely for the time being except in cases where the Firm’s business necessitates in-person attendance.  Department heads and your direct supervisor will determine departmental working arrangements based on business requirements, specific office needs, and individual roles and duties.  However, effective November 8, all business services employees should be prepared to return to the office on an as-needed basis to the extent that the Firm’s interests require a return to the office for particular employees.   A final determination as to our general policies on back to office arrangements for business services employees will be made at a later date.  Our NY Whitehall office remains closed until January 1, 2022, at this time.

Mask-Wearing Update

For those of you currently coming into our Hudson Yards office, mask-wearing is now optional in conference rooms.  Anyone who is not comfortable joining a meeting in a conference room may join via Zoom from a private office.  For those of you who share offices, mask-wearing is optional if both lawyers are comfortable with not wearing a mask.  Anyone who is not comfortable sharing an office may request a private hotel office and we will do our best to accommodate these requests.  Our Hudson Yards restaurant seating is now open for those of you who wish to eat in the restaurant.  We ask that you please keep your mask on in the restaurant other than when eating.  Masks must still be worn at work stations (other than when eating and drinking) and in all common areas, e.g., hallways, reception, hubs/pantries, restrooms, elevators and the restaurant (other than when eating and drinking).

For those of you coming into our LA and DC offices, masks must continue to be worn in all public/open areas, conference rooms, workspaces and shared offices due to local requirements.  In our LA and DC offices, masks may be removed in private offices, and in common dining areas, conference rooms, and work stations for eating and drinking only.

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Health and Safety Protocols

As a reminder, all employees must be fully vaccinated by November 8, barring an approved medical or religious exemption.  If you have submitted a medical or religious exemption request, you will be notified about the status of your request in advance of November 8.

The health and safety of the Milbank community remains our priority.  If you do not feel well you should not come to the office.  Additionally, you have recently received an email from our benefits team regarding the seasonal flu vaccine.  Our insurance provides coverage so you may get free shots at any provider in your neighborhood.

We recognize that the COVID situation is ever changing and we will continue to take precautions based on the advice that we have received from health experts.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and flexibility.  We are excited about seeing you in person soon.

The Executive Committee | Milbank

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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