A partner in our Leveraged Finance Group since 2001, Michael Bellucci has spent his legal career at Milbank since summering at the firm in 1992. As Chair of Milbank’s Alumni Committee, Mike oversees a program that includes thousands of former Milbankers around the world.
You’ve spent your legal career at Milbank—what first drew you to the firm?
Coming out of law school at the time, there wasn’t a marketplace of information about big law firms like we have today. So it was really a question of interviewing with a number of firms, learning about them and meeting people—it was an intangible thing, but I remember that the place had a good “feel” about it. I’ve always liked Milbank’s culture.
How has your practice evolved?
I’ve been in a number of practice groups since joining the firm; I started in Banking and Institutional Investment, which evolved to handle securitization, derivatives, leveraged buyouts, and a host of other areas. By 2006, it was clear that we needed a standalone group dedicated to leveraged finance, so I played a role in establishing the practice as we know it today.
Why did you decide to take on the role of Alumni Chair?
In my practice, I’ve had the chance to work with Milbank colleagues throughout our practices and offices globally. When I learned there was an opportunity to extend these connections beyond Milbank as the chair, I was happy to take it on. I enjoy being an ambassador for Milbank. I’m always impressed by the breadth of what our alumni do, and the genuine good will that they have toward the firm.
What can we expect to see from Milbank’s Alumni program in coming years?
In New York, as we move to Hudson Yards in fall 2018, we expect to have more opportunities to host alumni in a space more customized for our firm’s needs. We want to continue to share news and updates from our alumni with one another, and the firm, through this website, our e-newsletter, and social media. And I’m interested in hearing more from alumni about how they can benefit from their connections with Milbank.
