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Karen Wong
Retired at Milbank LLP
Karen Wong is a retired senior partner from Milbank LLP, where she had a distinguished career spanning over 30 years. She joined Milbank in 1990 as an associate and became a partner in 1996, specializing in the Global Project, Energy, and Infrastructure Finance group. Throughout her tenure, Wong was instrumental in establishing and expanding Milbank's renewable energy and development practices, leading significant transactions valued at over $30 billion globally. These included pioneering projects such as the first U.S. offshore wind project and the first wholly foreign-owned power project in China.15
Wong holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California (USC), where she has also been actively involved in various leadership roles. Recently, she was appointed chair of the USC Gould School of Law’s Board of Councilors, reflecting her commitment to legal education and community service.13 She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including recognition as a leading lawyer in California and being named to several prestigious lists by legal publications.15
After her retirement from Milbank, Wong continues to contribute to the field through engagements such as guest lectures and mentorship at USC.24
Highlights
To the 86590 viewers of my retirement post (how is that even possible?!) and future viewers, and especially to those individuals who I know and had the pleasure of working with/for/across (and you know who you are!), please don't be offended if I don't respond to your posts. I was told that it was proper social media etiquette to send a response/reaction to every post within 24 hours. My retirement post was my first-ever post in my LinkedIn account and I never bothered with a Facebook account because responding to client and work-related emails was a full-time job. While sending a post was definitely an efficient way to let everyone who I didn't have the time to personally call or email know about my decision to retire, I suspect that everyone in my network is tired of seeing my gratitude expressed over and over for all the congratulatory posts (though certainly genuine and heartfelt!).
Going forward, please messenger me instead of posting a response, because I definitely appreciate staying in contact and hearing from you. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU for all the posts with wonderful sentiments, compliments, congratulatory notes and well wishes! It has been truly overwhelming and I am deeply touched.
On December 31, 2020 I signed my last legal opinion and closed my last transaction as a Milbank partner. As of January 1, 2021 I have retired from the firm where I have spent over 30 years working on many cutting-edge and first-of-its kind transactions around the world. My parents, two immigrants from China with only high school degrees, have expressed their great pride in my professional accomplishments in the legal industry. I entered law school as an idealistic 22-year old, with the goal of effectuating social change and making the world a better place. From working on the legal side of renewable energy projects since 1987, I like to think that by facilitating transactions that improve our environment that part of my goal has been achieved. In my next 60-year life cycle, I am looking forward to spending quality time with my aging parents and recording their life experiences and finding other ways to make a positive impact. Many thanks to my wonderful clients and colleagues for making my journey so fulfilling and enjoyable!
