Weil Partners Line Up Rival Moves as Trainees Face Uncertain Future

More than 40 Weil lawyers could follow private equity partner Ramona Nee to Kirkland & Ellis, according to Bloomberg Law, as the collapsed firm's most senior figures secure lucrative exits while roughly 30 London trainees face an uncertain future.

Nee had been chosen to lead Weil from the start of 2027. She is now in advanced discussions with Kirkland & Ellis on a possible deal involving more than 40 of her colleagues, Bloomberg Law reports. The US-based private equity specialist would land at one of the biggest names in American law.

What is Gibson Dunn doing?

In London, Gibson Dunn is reportedly preparing to welcome a sizeable group from Weil's private funds practice, with almost 40 lawyers potentially making the switch. The deal would see several partners join the US outfit alongside other members of the team.

The move is not simply a response to Weil's recent troubles. Gibson Dunn had reportedly been trying to bring the group on board for more than a year, with negotiations starting well before the firm announced plans to close.

The developments come amid a wider exodus of senior talent, including high-profile departures to Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Sullivan & Cromwell. The sums involved in the reported moves remain unknown.

What happens to the trainees?

It remains unclear whether any of Weil's trainees will be included in the potential moves to Kirkland and Gibson Dunn. Questions persist over whether those still completing their training contracts might find new homes at rival firms.

Weil recruits around 15 trainees each year in London, the 2027 Legal Cheek Firms Most List shows, meaning roughly 30 rookies are currently working through its two-year training programme. The planned closure raises questions about how they will complete their training contracts and what happens to students who have already accepted offers to join in future years.

Associates at the firm's City office are understood to have been offered a 90-day payout ahead of an expected closure on 31 December. The City of London Law Society (CLLS) has pledged to support those affected, with particular concern for trainees and junior lawyers.

Colin Passmore, chairman of the CLLS, said: "Our primary concern is everyone at Weil's office, particularly the trainees and junior lawyers here in London, who will understandably be anxious about what these latest developments mean for their careers."

Why the gap in fortunes?

While some of Weil's most senior lawyers appear to have plenty of options, things are less straightforward for those only just starting their legal careers. The difference in fortunes comes against a backdrop of hefty earnings at the top of the firm, where average profits per equity partner stand at around £3.6 million.

Weil announced last week that its management committee had recommended an "orderly wind-down", bringing months of senior departures, unsuccessful merger discussions and leadership uncertainty to a head. The New York-founded firm has around 1,200 lawyers globally and has been in business for more than 90 years.

The proposal is expected to go before partners for a vote in the coming days. The firm says it will continue supporting staff during the closure process.

For practitioners, the practical stakes are clear. Partners with portable books are being absorbed by rivals in bulk team moves negotiated long before the collapse, while junior lawyers and trainees must rely on the CLLS and market goodwill to salvage their training contracts before the 31 December closure date.