Rainmakers in Talks to Leave Weil Gotshal Amid Poaching Frenzy

Weil Gotshal & Manges is experiencing a wave of departures, with several high-profile "rainmaker" partners reportedly in talks to join rival law firms. This includes groups of star lawyers, signaling a period of significant disruption within the Big Law sector. The ongoing movement of top legal talent is a notable trend, with firms actively poaching leading attorneys.

Recent exits and confirmed moves from Weil include Jonathan Polkes, co-chair of Weil's global litigation department and a member of its management committee, who is moving to White & Case with litigation partners Adam Banks and Stacy Nettleton. Jeffrey Osterman, co-head of Weil's technology and IP transactions practice, is reportedly joining Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, following Elizabeth Weiswasser, who previously left Weil for Paul Weiss with a team of 20 attorneys. Amy Rubin, an executive compensation partner, is moving to Sidley Austin.

These departures extend a string of exits from Weil that began in November, including other practice leaders. Elizabeth Stotland Weiswasser, former co-chair of Weil's litigation department and an executive committee member, moved to Paul, Weiss. Anish Desai, former co-head of the patent litigation practice, also joined Paul Weiss, while Ray Schrock, co-chair of Weil's restructuring practice, moved to Latham & Watkins with two other restructuring partners, Candace Arthur and Alexander Welch. Edward Reines, Weil's patent litigation and life sciences practice leader, is joining Jones Day.

The departures occur amid tensions within Weil's partnership, including concerns over the influence of corporate department leader Michael Aiello and the firm's succession planning process for the upcoming retirement of executive partner Barry Wolf. While Weil remains a top firm in corporate and restructuring, these exits could impact its ability to recruit and retain talent in specific practices. The legal industry is experiencing "unprecedented competition for talent," particularly in New York, with top contributors moving more frequently.