Richard Milstein, J.D. ’74, was raised in Miami and attended Miami-Dade College and the University of Miami for his undergraduate career. He originally planned to be a doctor but quickly switched to prelaw, becoming involved in debate at Miami-Dade College and majoring in American History, Education, and Political Science at UM. He spent three years as a public-school teacher before attending Miami Law.
Milstein worked during law school, teaching American history to students trying to earn their GEDs. He also worked as a law clerk. After graduating in December of 1973, he joined a mid-sized firm, working for Peter Nimkoff, who later became a federal magistrate.
Nimkoff encouraged Milstein to participate in volunteering, community activities, and pro bono representation.
Milstein was elected to the Miami Dade Bar and ultimately as its President. He was appointed representative to the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association and tapped into the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He helped found the Florida Bar Elder Law Committee and served as the third chair of the section. Involved in the Florida Bar, Milstein also served on multiple committees for the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Sections. As a result of his activities in the Florida Bar, he was also elected chair of the Counsel of Chairs. Interested in pro bono representation that would open the courts to all, he was part of the group of members of the Miami Dade Bar that established the “Put Something Back Pro Bono Program.”
He and Vance Salter, a now-retired Third District Court Judge, founded Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and worked on other cultural affairs projects. Milstein has been on the board for the Adrienne Arsht Center for 16 years, where he previously served as pro bono counsel and is the current chair, serving for four years.
The totality of the quality, from professors to students, at Miami Law stands out the most for Milstein. He appreciates that the professors appropriately challenge, teaching students to think analytically and pragmatically and, most of all, “think on their feet.” Even after five decades post-graduation, he still quotes many of his professors in conversation and professional work, including the late Professor Minnette Massey.
Graduation did not terminate Milstein’s interest in giving back to Miami Law, and he remained involved for almost 50 years in multiple capacities. Initially, he was a phone banker to raise money for the law school, which evolved into his involvement with the Law Alumni Association, where he eventually served as President. He has been on the National Accreditation Committee for the law school more than once, was appointed to the Dean Selection Committee, and then acting Dean Mary Doyle requested that he dialogue with the faculty upon the resignation of a law school dean. As a result, Milstein was able to meet, acquaint, and befriend many faculty members and cherish those relationships over the years.
Still profoundly active in the cultural arts community, Milstein may attend as many as five weekly events during the “season” with his husband, Eric Hankin, at the Arsht Center. Hankin teaches architecture, so when they frequently travel, they seek architectural and cultural enjoyment. One of their greatest joys is spending time with and traveling with their children and grandchildren.
Milstein also has an athletic side. He could often be found playing tennis and racquetball 4-5 times per week in earlier years, but now is content with long walks on the beach, through the city, or any foreign city.
When asked, or when he speaks to law students or other high school or college students, he encourages them to become involved in their education and life by determining and following their passion, whether outside or in their profession. Finding that passion helps the mind and gives interest to one’s entire life.
“As lawyers, becoming involved with our alma mater is also critical for personal development and in assisting the law school in its evaluation of today and the future of teaching law and securing the diversity of students and professors,” said Milstein. “We have the ability at Miami Law to be a shining example of that form of diversity in the law, which is critical.”
