The firm's decline followed a run of departures and failed deals. It kept losing high-profile partners, merger talks with another Am Law 50 firm fell through, and its designated chair for 2027 turned down the job. Talks with Willkie were called off after both sides had signed a non-disclosure agreement. Corporate department leader Michael Aiello announced in September that he is leaving for Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Ramona Nee, slated to succeed Barry Wolf as executive partner in January, reportedly declined the role. Other firms have aggressively pursued the remaining rainmakers.
Support is coming from several directions. In London, more firms are expected to follow in the coming weeks as Weil's graduate recruitment team continues talks with other outfits. Some firms are dropping interview stages and letting affected candidates submit CVs directly. Law schools are reaching out to students, since the affected cohort spans the classes of 2026 through 2028. Northwestern's law school is building individual job-search plans for students who were expected to join Weil. The market remains tight for associates. One recruiter put it bluntly: "They don't have any leverage at this time."
The story is moving fast. The wind-down was announced in late October, and the outcome is still open. Associates and trainees must decide quickly where to go while rival firms compete for Weil's talent and assets. AI-focused law firms are also bidding for some of the firm's data assets and intellectual property. Attorneys should watch the partner vote, the London hiring pipeline, and which firms take the remaining rainmakers.