// Soon-to-be first-year associates have some reasons to be nervous. With graduation in May, student loans start coming due by November so making sure they start their lucrative Biglaw jobs before then is incredibly important. And some firms — Cooley and Gunderson, so far — have pushed back the expected start date of their incoming classes. So, it might be nerve-racking if you haven’t heard from your perspective employer.

The folks at Milbank understand that anxiety. So they’ve sent an email, available in full on the next page, assuring their incoming class that Milbank will *not* be delaying its start date. As initially set, first years will start at the firm on September 18th.

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It might seem like non-news, since the status quo remains in place, but it reflects an understanding of what folks are going through. Doom and gloom is being forecast across the industry with legal commentators speculating which other firms will follow Cooley with their own delays. Milbank knows that, and wants to make sure their people know they don’t have to worry. Classy move, all the way around

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If your firm or organization is delaying associate start dates, doing layoffs, stealth layoffs, or voluntary buyouts, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Our vast network of tipsters is part of what makes Above the Law thrive. You can email us or text us (646-820-8477).

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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on

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Biglaw, First-year associates, Milbank