Irving previously served as Co-Chairman, Chief Executive and Managing Partner of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a national law and consulting firm with offices in California, New York and Washington, D.C. He retired from Manatt and recently completed a fellowship at Harvard University′s Advanced Leadership Initiative, a collaboration of Harvard graduate schools created to advance social reforms and address national and global problems, where he studied leadership, strategy and performance enhancement in social enterprises.
"Paul shares our commitment to democratizing human, social and financial capital in ways that improve the lives of people everywhere," said Institute Chairman Michael Milken. "We′re fortunate to have him join us."
During more than 25 years with Manatt, Irving served in numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Financial Services Group and member of the firm′s Board of Directors. His corporate practice included mergers and acquisitions, capital markets activities, governance issues and a wide range of business and financial industry regulatory matters.
"Paul brings to the Institute a track record of accomplishment, broad experience gained during a distinguished legal career, an understanding of financial markets and a demonstrated passion for helping others," said Michael Klowden, Milken Institute President and CEO. "I look forward to partnering with Paul at this exciting time in the Institute′s evolution and growth."
Irving is a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of East West Bancorp, Inc. A frequent speaker on leadership and strategy, he serves on the Board, Executive Committee and Audit Committee of Operation Hope and on the National Council of Human Rights First. Irving previously served as Co-Chairman of Hope Coalition America, a member of the Board and Executive Committee of New Roads School, a Board member of Bet Tzedek — The House of Justice, and a member of the Corporate Circle of the Center Theatre Group. He also was a fellow in Leadership L.A. and an Adjunct Professor at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. In 2006, Irving received the Loyola Law School Board of Governors Award for outstanding contributions to society and the practice of law.
"The Milken Institute is a regional, national and global treasure," Irving said. "Through its scholarship, convening power, emphasis on action and broad influence, the Institute is making a difference in the lives of millions. Its work on medical solutions, job creation, clean energy, poverty eradication and the democratization of capital could not be more vital. I′m excited and honored to have the opportunity to focus on this work in the next phase of my life."
Irving received his J.D. from Loyola Law School — Los Angeles, and earned a B.F.A. from New York University.