Milbank Adds Former Federal Prosecutor as New Partner
The firm adds an expert in securities litigation to manage high-stakes financial defense for its clients in New York.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Andrew Thomas has joined the New York office of Milbank LLP as a partner in the firm's litigation and arbitration group. He previously served as the Co-Chief of the Securities and Commodities Task Force at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
Why it matters
The addition of a former federal prosecutor specializing in securities and commodities enforcement signals Milbank LLP's focus on bolstering its defense capabilities for complex financial litigation. For firms operating in highly regulated sectors, such high-level talent shifts often anticipate increased scrutiny and enforcement trends in federal courts.
Milbank LLP added one partner to its New York litigation and arbitration group, drawing from the senior leadership ranks of the Southern District of New York. The scale of the firm's legal practice remains unchanged pending further announced expansions.
The players
Andrew Thomas
A former Co-Chief of the Securities and Commodities Task Force at the U.S. Attorney's Office who has transitioned to private practice as a law firm partner.
Milbank LLP
A global law firm providing legal services to corporate, financial, and institutional clients, specializing in high-stakes litigation and financial transactions.
United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York
A federal prosecutorial office known for handling significant financial fraud, corruption, and securities litigation in the New York district.
The details
Thomas transitions to private practice after leading the Securities and Commodities Task Force at the U.S. Attorney's Office. In his new role at Milbank LLP, he will focus on complex litigation and arbitration, leveraging his background in handling financial investigations and enforcement actions for the government. Private firms frequently recruit senior federal prosecutors to strengthen their internal expertise in managing white-collar defense and regulatory challenges for corporate clients.
Timeline
Milbank announced the hiring of Andrew Thomas on October 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
The hiring reflects the ongoing industry trend of private law firms recruiting senior federal prosecutors to manage complex financial defense work. This move follows a long-standing pattern where firms prioritize deep experience in federal enforcement to provide competitive legal counsel.
Operators facing federal investigations should note the strengthening of high-tier defense capabilities within their law firm networks. It is a strategic time to audit legal retainers to ensure they match the increasing complexity of federal securities and commodities enforcement.
The takeaway
The pivot of former top federal enforcers into private practice provides businesses with deeper insight into how regulators build and litigate financial fraud cases. Monitoring the movement of federal talent to private firms can serve as a leading indicator of where regulatory focus will land next.
Further reading
For broader trends in legal talent acquisition, review the latest updates in our People section.
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Does the frequent movement of prosecutors into private law firms hurt trust in corporate regulation?
