Weil's management committee has recommended an orderly wind-down to partners, who may vote in the days ahead, after merger talks with Willkie fell through.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP intends to wind down and dissolve its operations after merger discussions with Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP fell through, according to Bloomberg Law and Reuters reports cited by Australasian Lawyer and Canadian Lawyer. Both firms are headquartered in New York City.
A Weil spokesperson said the firm's management committee, following a careful review of strategic alternatives, has recommended to the partnership that the firm pursue an orderly wind-down. The spokesperson said the firm will continue serving clients during the process over the coming months, and that partners may vote on the recommendation in the days that follow.
Bloomberg Law reported that a Weil practice group head told associates on Oct. 27 to seek employment elsewhere while still employed at the firm. A person informed about what lawyers were told on Oct. 28 said associates and staff could expect salary and benefits for 90 days, and bonuses near the end of 2026 if they stayed. The wider effects on the workforce remain unknown.
Bloomberg Law reported that private equity partners left earlier this summer for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Reuters reported two London partners left for Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. In September, Michael J. Aiello, formerly corporate department chair, said he was moving to Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP; Reuters reported he took five partners with him.
Weil announced in March that Ramona Y. Nee would replace Barry M. Wolf as head of the firm in January 2027, but she decided not to take over. After the merger did not proceed, Weil brought in Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP for restructuring assistance, and, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, retained AlixPartners to help with the wind-down.
