Weil’s Corporate Chair Leads Six-Partner M&A Exodus to Cravath

Key points

• Michael Aiello, Weil’s corporate chair and management committee member, is exiting for Cravath Swaine & Moore.
• Aiello is taking five other M&A partners with him: Matthew Gilroy, Amanda Fenster, Meghan Pendleton, Eoghan Keenon, and Michelle Sargent.
• Weil confirmed the departure, stating the group is moving to a 'smaller platform.'
• This follows recent exits by private equity and funds partners to Paul Weiss and Simpson Thacher.
• The move occurs as Weil prepares a leadership transition, with Ramona Nee set to succeed Barry Wolf as executive partner in January 2027.

Background

This exodus follows a pattern of senior partner departures from Weil, Gotshal & Manges. In early 2026, the firm saw multiple private equity partners leave for Paul Weiss and Simpson Thacher, raising concerns about talent retention. The current move to Cravath adds to a broader industry trend where elite firms compete aggressively for top partners, often offering significant financial packages. This trend is fueled by the decline of traditional lockstep pay models, which previously stabilized partner compensation based on seniority.

How outlets are covering it

The Wall Street Journal first reported the move, identifying Aiello as the lead. Law.com confirmed the exit and noted that Weil described the group as moving to a 'smaller platform.' Non-Billable emphasized the context of a broader 'talent war' and noted that Cravath, despite being a selective recruiter, has also lost partners recently. Legal Business provided the specific names of the five accompanying partners. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: Law.com focuses on the leadership transition at Weil, while Non-Billable frames the move within the context of changing pay structures and competitive dynamics in Big Law.

Why it matters

The departure of a corporate chair and five senior M&A partners signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape for top legal talent. It underscores the impact of performance-based compensation models on partner mobility and the challenges firms face in retaining key revenue generators. For Weil, this exacerbates concerns about succession planning and firm stability as it undergoes a leadership transition. For Cravath, it represents a strategic expansion in its M&A practice, potentially enhancing its market position in New York.

What to watch

Weil is expected to finalize its leadership transition with Ramona Nee succeeding Barry Wolf as executive partner in January 2027. The firm may need to address potential gaps in its M&A practice following the departure of six senior partners. Cravath will likely integrate the new hires, potentially impacting its internal dynamics and client relationships. The broader legal industry may see continued movement of top partners as firms compete for talent in a market where performance-based pay is increasingly common.