Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has named William M. Jay as head of its Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Practice.
Jay will join Paul Weiss as a partner in Washington, D.C. He spent the past 14 years at Goodwin.
The appointment follows the departure of Kannon Shanmugam. Shanmugam left Paul Weiss in April 2026. He then joined Davis Polk.
Shanmugam also helped launch Davis Polk’s Supreme Court and appellate practice.
Jay brings years of Supreme Court experience to Paul Weiss. He has argued 19 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
He has also briefed more than 65 cases on the merits. In addition, he has briefed more than 150 cases at the certiorari stage.
The move strengthens Paul Weiss’s appellate team. It also reflects strong demand for top Supreme Court lawyers.
Key Takeaways
- William M. Jay will lead Paul Weiss’s Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Practice.
- Jay has argued 19 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
- He spent 14 years at Goodwin before joining Paul Weiss.
- He served earlier as an Assistant to the Solicitor General.
- Jay also clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia.
- His appointment follows Kannon Shanmugam’s departure.
- Shanmugam later joined Davis Polk with Masha Hansford.
- Jay adds major appellate experience to Paul Weiss’s litigation team.
William Jay’s Supreme Court Experience
William Jay has built a career in appellate law. His work spans private practice and government service.
He has also worked in federal courts. According to Paul Weiss, Jay has handled more than 100 oral arguments.
Those arguments include cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. They also include cases before other appellate courts.
Jay has argued 19 cases before the Supreme Court. That record makes him a major addition to Paul Weiss.
Jay Handles Complex Legal Matters
Jay has worked across several areas of law. His experience includes intellectual property and financial services.
He has also handled class actions and mass torts. In addition, his work includes antitrust and securities litigation.
Jay also works on administrative law matters. His practice includes constitutional challenges to state laws.
This broad background could help Paul Weiss handle complex appeals. It could also support the firm’s wider litigation work.
Jay’s Government and Clerkship Experience
Jay has significant government experience. Before joining Paul Weiss, he spent 14 years at Goodwin.
Earlier, he served as an Assistant to the Solicitor General. That role gave him experience with federal Supreme Court cases.
Jay also clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia. He later clerked for Ninth Circuit Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain.
As a result, Jay has worked across several areas of the legal system. His background includes government work, clerkships, and private practice.
That experience can be useful in Supreme Court cases. It also gives him a broad view of appellate litigation.
Paul Weiss Names Successor After Shanmugam
Jay’s appointment follows a major change at Paul Weiss.
Kannon Shanmugam left the firm in April 2026. He then joined Davis Polk with Masha Hansford.
The two lawyers helped launch Davis Polk’s Supreme Court and Appellate practice.
Shanmugam had previously led Paul Weiss’s Supreme Court practice. He had also argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court.
His departure created a major leadership change. Paul Weiss has now turned to Jay to lead the practice.
Davis Polk Builds Its Supreme Court Practice
The moves show strong competition for appellate talent.
Davis Polk recruited Shanmugam and Hansford to build its new practice. The group focuses on major Supreme Court and appellate matters.
Meanwhile, Paul Weiss has appointed Jay to lead its practice.
The two moves highlight the value of Supreme Court experience. They also show how firms compete for top appellate lawyers.
Paul Weiss Expands Litigation Team
Jay’s appointment fits into Paul Weiss’s broader litigation strategy.
The firm has continued to expand its Litigation Department. Jay adds another senior lawyer with strong appellate experience.
Paul Weiss Chairman Scott Barshay has praised Jay’s appellate record. Litigation Department co-head Michael Holston has also highlighted his experience.
The hire gives Paul Weiss more than a new practice leader. Jay can also help the firm pursue major litigation matters.
His experience covers many legal issues. This range could help the firm compete for complex cases.
Why the Hire Matters for Legal Careers
The move also matters to lawyers and recruiters.
Law firms continue to seek lawyers with appellate skills. Supreme Court experience can make lawyers attractive to firms.
This is especially true for firms building appellate practices.
Jay’s career may also interest law students. His path included federal clerkships and government work.
He then built a long private-practice career. Therefore, his career offers one possible path for lawyers interested in appellate law.
What Jay’s Move Means for Paul Weiss
Jay gives Paul Weiss a new leader for its Supreme Court practice.
He also brings experience beyond oral arguments. Paul Weiss says Jay often works with clients before trial.
He can help clients address major motions. He can also help prepare cases for possible appeals.
This approach can help clients earlier in a dispute. It allows lawyers to consider appellate issues before trial ends.
Furthermore, Jay’s broad practice could support Paul Weiss’s growth. His work includes antitrust, securities, and constitutional law.
Supreme Court Talent in Demand
Major law firms continue to compete for Supreme Court lawyers.
A strong appellate practice can help firms attract major clients. It can also strengthen a firm’s reputation.
Jay’s appointment therefore matters beyond one personnel move. It keeps Paul Weiss focused on Supreme Court litigation.
The move follows Shanmugam’s departure. At the same time, Davis Polk has built a new appellate practice.
That competition shows the value of top Supreme Court talent.
What to Watch at Paul Weiss
The next question is how Jay will build the practice.
He already brings a strong Supreme Court record. However, Paul Weiss could add more lawyers to the team.
The firm’s wider litigation strategy will also be important. Jay adds another senior advocate to the growing department.
For legal professionals, the move sends a clear message. Top appellate lawyers remain highly valued across BigLaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head of Paul Weiss’s Supreme Court practice?
William M. Jay is the new head of Paul Weiss’s Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Practice.
He will join the firm as a partner in Washington, D.C.
How many Supreme Court cases has William Jay argued?
Jay has argued 19 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
He has also briefed more than 65 Supreme Court cases on the merits. In addition, he has briefed more than 150 cases at the certiorari stage.
Where did William Jay work before Paul Weiss?
Jay spent 14 years at Goodwin before joining Paul Weiss.
Earlier, he served as an Assistant to the Solicitor General.
Did William Jay clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia?
Yes. Jay clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court.
He also clerked for Ninth Circuit Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain.
Who previously led Paul Weiss’s Supreme Court practice?
Kannon Shanmugam previously led the practice.
He left Paul Weiss in April 2026. He later joined Davis Polk with Masha Hansford.
Together, they helped launch Davis Polk’s Supreme Court and appellate practice.
Why did Paul Weiss appoint William Jay?
Jay brings extensive Supreme Court and appellate experience to Paul Weiss.
He has argued 19 Supreme Court cases. He also has experience in government and private practice.
His background gives Paul Weiss an experienced leader for its appellate team.
What areas does William Jay practice?
Jay has worked on several areas of law.
His experience includes intellectual property, financial services, class actions, and mass torts.
He also works on administrative law, antitrust, and securities litigation.
His practice includes constitutional challenges to state laws.
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