Weil's Ramona Nee in Advanced Talks to Move Her Private Equity Group to Kirkland & Ellis

Published October 30, 2026

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Why it matters

Weil, Gotshal & Manges partner Barry Nee, co-leader of the firm's U.S. private equity practice and its incoming executive partner, is negotiating to join Kirkland & Ellis, Law360 Pulse reported Friday, October 30, 2026. Two people familiar with the talks said Nee would bring 40 or more Weil professionals with her. The Financial Times first reported the discussions and said Nee could agree to a move within days. Kirkland, Weil, and Nee had not commented at the time of publication. Nee was set to succeed Barry Wolf as Weil's executive partner, the firm's most senior role, overseeing strategy, client relationships, financial performance, and core management. Her practice centers on private equity, including a close relationship with Advent International. She also oversees Weil's Boston office.

The timing is set by Weil's collapse. The firm's management committee has told partners it plans to dissolve the 95-year-old firm. Before the Kirkland talks, Nee had approached Simpson Thacher & Bartlett about a possible move, but it is not public whether those discussions advanced. Six other Weil departures are part of the Kirkland discussions, including lawyers in mergers and acquisitions, debt finance, and executive compensation. The terms of any agreement, and whether the plans will change, remain unresolved.

For attorneys, the stakes are the size of the breakup. About 600 Weil associates are now looking for jobs. Kirkland is the largest potential destination, and recruiters expect a bidding war for senior partners, particularly from Weil's bankruptcy group, which has long been one of the most prominent in the market. Lawyers in those practices, and at firms competing for them, should expect rapid moves over the coming weeks.