Wachtell Litigation Chief Savitt Leads Six-Partner Move to Gibson Dunn

Key points

• William Savitt, a 30-year veteran and co-chair of Wachtell Lipton, is joining Gibson Dunn & Crutcher as co-chair of its litigation practice group.
• Savitt is bringing a team of five partners: Sarah Eddy, Randall Jackson, Ryan McLeod, Anitha Reddy, and Bradley Wilson.
• The move was facilitated by a coffee meeting between Savitt and Gibson Dunn’s Orin Snyder, with the transition expected to be completed in the coming days.
• Savitt is known for high-profile litigation against Elon Musk, including a 2025 jury verdict in Oakland and a 2022 Twitter acquisition case.
• Gibson Dunn has recently expanded its legal roster by hiring former Solicitor General Jeff Wall and other appellate lawyers, enhancing its corporate and litigation capabilities.

Background

This move occurs amid a broader trend of partner departures from elite firms like Wachtell Lipton, which has seen younger partners join deals-focused competitors. Wachtell, known for its lockstep pay scale and high partner profits, remains a top-tier firm despite these losses. Gibson Dunn has been actively recruiting high-profile lawyers to bolster its litigation and corporate practices, including recent hires from Sullivan & Cromwell and Kramer Levin.

How outlets are covering it

Bloomberg Law emphasizes the strategic significance of Savitt’s move for Gibson Dunn, highlighting the firm’s growing strength in both litigation and corporate deals. Law.com focuses on the mechanics of the hire, noting the quick transition following a coffee meeting and the collective value of the six-partner team. Both sources agree on the impact but differ in emphasis: Bloomberg frames it as a major competitive shift, while Law.com details the personal and professional dynamics behind the move.

Why it matters

The departure of a senior leader like Savitt underscores the competitive dynamics in Big Law, where elite firms vie for top talent. Gibson Dunn’s expansion into high-profile litigation could reshape its market position, while Wachtell’s response highlights its resilience despite losing key partners. This move may influence future hiring trends and firm strategies in the legal industry.

What to watch

The six partners are expected to officially join Gibson Dunn in the coming days. Gibson Dunn may leverage this team to take on more high-profile litigation cases, while Wachtell will need to address potential gaps in its litigation practice. The legal industry may see further lateral moves as firms compete for top talent.