Law firms, law schools, and legal professionals are stepping up to support associates and law students affected by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s impending wind-down, offering resume reviews, referrals, networking opportunities, and expedited interviews. Recruiters report strong demand for Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP talent, with some candidates already receiving multiple offers, signing bonuses, and year-end incentives. However, first- year associates and law students face greater uncertainty due to fewer professional connections and limited experience. As a result, many are broadening their job searches to consider different markets, practice areas, and opportunities they may not have previously pursued. Despite the challenges, a strong lateral hiring market is creating opportunities, with some former Weil partners also helping associates secure positions at other firms.
MARKET MOVEMENTS
Ramona Nee, the co-leader of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's U.S. private equity practice who had been poised to become its leader, is engaged in talks to join Kirkland & Ellis
Arnall Golden Gregory LLP announced Monday that it has opened its third office nationally, setting up an outpost in Boston with the addition of three partners, Nathan T Harris, Angelyn Larkin, And Craig R. Smith
A prominent co-leader of the real estate practice at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Thomas Henry is joining Goodwin
Latham & Watkins has hired a former Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP partner, Steven Johnson
FIRM SPOTLIGHT - HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
Holland & Knight LLP is a global law firm with roots dating back to 1889 and offices across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. With approximately 200 practice areas, the firm provides legal services spanning corporate law, litigation, healthcare, energy, intellectual property, real estate, financial services, and government affairs. Its growth has been driven by several major mergers, including Thompson & Knight LLP in 2021, which strengthened its energy practice, and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in 2023, which expanded its healthcare capabilities and geographic reach. The firm also maintains a strong presence in Washington, D.C., where its government affairs team helps clients secure funding and navigate regulatory matters. Beyond its legal work, Holland & Knight is recognized for its extensive pro bono efforts, particularly its longstanding support of military families and Holocaust survivors, as well as its broader commitment to community outreach.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Winston Taylor is raising associate salaries from the current $225,000 to $435,000 range to $235,000 to $455,000, according to a Friday internal memo. The raises will become effective February 1.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's campaign and a political action committee supporting his candidacy received about $700,094 from attorneys and law firms, according to a recent review of the Florida Department of State Division of Elections' campaign finance database.
BCLP announced Tuesday that it has promoted 15 lawyers to partner across eight offices in Europe and the U.S.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro significantly outpaced Republican challenger Stacy Garrity in legal industry fundraising, attracting larger law firm contributions and broader attorney support, including a top individual donation of $75,000 compared with Garrity’s $7,500.
120 Weil Attorneys Head to Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn is set to hire approximately 120 attorneys from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's U.S. and London private funds teams, marking the largest group departure since Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced plans to wind down operations. The move includes 12 U.S. partners and eight London partners, including private funds practice leaders Andrew Chizzik, James Bromley, and James Sargent. The hires come as competing firms move quickly to recruit Weil’s top talent, with Kirkland & Ellis, Goodwin, and Quinn Emanuel also making moves to bring on former Weil partners and attorneys. These departures highlight the rapid redistribution of talent across the legal market following Weil’s impending closure.
Athena Raises $2.5M for Legal AI
Athena, a legal AI startup founded by former Legora employees, has raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz’s Speedrun program. The platform is designed to help commercial real estate investors navigate acquisitions, sales and financing alongside transactional attorneys at its affiliated law firm. Athena uses AI to streamline legal work while keeping attorneys responsible for all legal decisions, with a focus on reducing review time and delivering faster, fixed-fee services. The funding comes as investment in legal technology continues to grow, with legal tech companies raising $4.01 billion in the first half of 2026, up 12% year-over-year.
