Alexander D. Forger

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Princeton University

Alexander Forger Obituary

FORGER--Alexander D. It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that the partners of Milbank LLP mourn the passing of former partner and chairman Alexander Forger. Alex joined Milbank in 1950 after graduating from Yale Law School. He became a partner in 1958 and built a renowned trusts and estates practice, advising many of the firm's most esteemed clients. Alex served as co-executor of the estates of Jacqueline Onassis and Rachel Mellon. As Milbank's chairman from 1984 to 1992, Alex was instrumental in steering the firm toward growth by expanding its client base and introducing merit compensation. Under his leadership, Milbank became the first law firm In New York City to offer same- sex partner benefits in 1992. After retiring from Milbank, Alex continued his legal advocacy work with several organizations while also serving in various fiduciary roles. As president of the Legal Services Corporation, he advocated for access to justice for the underrepresented. He also championed several gay rights and HIV anti-discrimination initiatives. In 2011, the ABA's HIV/AIDS Impact Project named an award after Alex in recognition of his insightful leadership. We appreciate Alex's contributions to our firm, his commitment to justice, and his inspiring humanity, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 18, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Forger

8 Entries

Bernie Rubin

August 29, 2025

I was the front desk concierge at Waterstone of White Plains in 2024 and I would see him when he picked up his meals and around our facility. He was a true gentleman with class and I realized later that he was quite brilliant. He would interview our residents as part of a continuing series. I was so sad to learn of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Miriam Bright

March 29, 2025

In loving memory of Mr. Forger, a wonderful person who I was fortunate enough to meet and enjoy the company of during a difficult time in my life. He's kindness and grace in befriending me will live with me as an example of how to treat others. My condolences to the family for your loss.

Katherine Dexter

March 25, 2025

Dear John and family I am so sorry to hear about your dad oh my God I happen to look John for your number and I saw the obituary of your dad I am so sorry to hear that I know I never met him but I feel like I know him from what I it was a very great man I'm sure he lived a wonderful Life again my condolences to the family Catherine Dexter

Ellen Myrda

March 21, 2025

Dear Jim, Sending hugs and sincere sympathy in the loss of your amazing father! The world could use more kind intelligent men just like him. Take care, Shawn´s mom and dad. Clint and Ellen Myrda

Stephen H Case

March 18, 2025

Al Forger and I (each with different employers) started working on the same stuff, oh, back in the early 1990's. All that continued until two or three years ago. Twenty years my senior, he was (it early-on became clear) infinitely wiser and better at what we did than I. Happily recognizing this, I began telling him then (and I repeated this to him at an in-person visit in January 2025) that, if I ever grew up, I wanted to be him.

Whadda guy!

Dear Al, may your deserving, wonderful soul rest in peace!

Steve Case

Mark Epley

March 17, 2025

Alex Forger was a true gentleman of the old school. I got to know him 10 years ago in his work for Bunny Mellon´s estate. We reached an oral agreement to buy some property and when a higher bid emerged, he refused to break his word. I enjoyed lunching with him at Essex House. A class act!

John Feerick

March 17, 2025

Alexander Forger possessed a majestic reputation as a lawyer and gentleman. He brought to every matter a commitment to excellence, quality, and ethics. For him there was no more important duty than serving the legal profession as a citizen lawyer, ensuring access to our system of justice and adequate legal assistance for the poor and those unable to afford such assistance. He was a champion of the rule of law, public education of the law, and a strong system of legal education. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as a lawyer's lawyer, a role model par excellence as New York's delegate for many years to the American Bar Association. He will also be remembered for being a courageous and pioneering advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, beginning during the HIV epidemic. It was an honor and privilege to know and serve with him as a member of the legal profession. Dean Emeritus John D. Feerick

Mark Alcott

March 17, 2025

Alex was a dear friend, neighbor, and colleague at the bar. He was a great leader of the profession and served as president of the New York State Bar Association. During my own tenure as president of the State Bar, I awarded Alex the Association´s gold medal - - our highest honor. He was a major source of wisdom and advice to me. As a Larchmont neighbor, he was a cherished friend - - as was his first wife, the late Nan Forger- - and community leader. He will be sorely missed.

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