Michael Aiello, a top M&A lawyer at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, is leaving for rival Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
He will join Cravath with five other Weil M&A partners. The group includes Matthew Gilroy, Eoghan Keenan, Amanda Fenster, Michelle Sargent, and Megan Pendleton.
Together, the six lawyers will add major M&A experience to Cravath. Meanwhile, their departure adds to recent partner exits at Weil.
The move also comes during a leadership change at Weil. Therefore, the development could affect the firm’s corporate practice.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Aiello is leaving Weil for Cravath with five M&A partners.
- Matthew Gilroy is part of the group and co-leads Weil’s M&A practice.
- Aiello previously chaired Weil’s corporate department.
- That department has about 600 lawyers.
- Aiello has advised Goldman Sachs, Dow Chemical, and Sanofi.
- Cravath will gain six senior M&A lawyers.
- Several other senior lawyers have also left Weil.
- Weil is preparing for a leadership transition involving Barry Wolf and Ramona Nee.
Michael Aiello Leaves Weil for Cravath
Aiello has built a strong career in mergers and acquisitions. At Weil, he served as chairman of the corporate department.
The department has about 600 lawyers. In addition, Aiello has advised major companies on large transactions.
His clients have included Dow Chemical, Goldman Sachs, and Sanofi. As a result, his departure is important for Weil’s M&A practice.
Cravath, however, will gain an established dealmaker. The firm will also add five other Weil partners.
Six Weil M&A Partners Are Joining Cravath
The six lawyers joining Cravath are:
- Michael Aiello
- Matthew Gilroy
- Eoghan Keenan
- Amanda Fenster
- Michelle Sargent
- Megan Pendleton
Gilroy is another important addition. He co-leads Weil’s M&A practice.
Therefore, Cravath is gaining an entire group of M&A partners. The move goes beyond a single lateral hire.
Cravath Strengthens Its M&A Practice
The six lawyers will add depth to Cravath’s M&A practice. They also bring years of experience with major deals.
Senior M&A lawyers can help firms win new business. They can also build client relationships and guide younger lawyers.
For that reason, team moves can be valuable for large law firms. They allow firms to add several lawyers at the same time.
Cravath presiding partner Faiza Saeed welcomed the incoming lawyers. She described them as talented M&A advisers.
She also said the group fits Cravath’s culture. As a result, the firm expects the team to add value to its corporate practice.
Weil Faces More Partner Departures
The latest move follows several other partner departures from Weil.
For example, Chris Machera left Weil for Paul Weiss. He had co-headed Weil’s private equity group.
Stephanie Srulowitz also left Weil. She moved to Simpson Thacher after co-heading the firm’s U.S. private funds group.
Meanwhile, Daniel Stein left for Freshfields. He had co-headed Weil’s global white-collar defense practice.
Consequently, Aiello’s departure adds to a larger pattern of partner moves.
Weil, however, says it remains focused on growth. A firm spokesperson said Weil plans to move faster with its growth strategy.
Weil Leadership Transition Continues
The departures come as Weil prepares for a leadership change.
Longtime executive partner Barry Wolf plans to retire as a partner at the end of 2027. Meanwhile, private equity partner Ramona Nee is expected to become the firm’s new leader in January 2027.
Aiello also played a role in Weil’s leadership plans. In March 2026, the firm named him chair of a new global strategy committee.
Therefore, his departure comes at an important time for Weil.
Why the Weil to Cravath Move Matters
Senior M&A lawyers are valuable to major law firms. They can lead complex deals and advise major companies.
In addition, experienced partners can help firms attract new clients. They can also support younger lawyers and build strong practice groups.
That is why team moves can have a major effect. Several partners can strengthen one firm while creating challenges for another.
For Cravath, the move adds six M&A partners. For Weil, it creates another test during a leadership change.
What the Move Means for BigLaw
The Weil-to-Cravath move shows the strong fight for legal talent.
BigLaw firms compete for lawyers with strong deal records. They also seek partners with deep client ties.
As a result, lateral hiring has become a key growth strategy. Firms can quickly expand a practice by hiring established teams.
However, partner departures can hurt the firms that lose them. A major exit can affect client coverage and practice strength.
It can also create pressure on recruiting teams. Therefore, firms must work to keep top lawyers while attracting new talent.
Impact on M&A Lawyers
The development also offers lessons for M&A lawyers.
First, strong deal experience can create new career options. Lawyers who work on major transactions can become attractive targets.
Second, focused skills can improve career mobility. Firms often seek lawyers with experience in specific types of transactions.
For associates, the move shows the value of gaining deal experience. It also highlights the importance of strong legal and client skills.
Recruiters, meanwhile, will continue to watch M&A hiring. More team moves could follow if firms seek to expand their corporate practices.
What’s Next for Weil and Cravath?
Cravath will now bring the six Weil partners into its M&A and corporate practices.
Meanwhile, Weil will need to manage another senior departure. The firm will also continue its growth plans.
The leadership change adds further importance to the situation. Ramona Nee is expected to take over in January 2027.
Barry Wolf, meanwhile, plans to retire as a partner at the end of 2027.
As a result, both firms face important changes. Cravath gains M&A talent, while Weil works through several senior departures.
FAQs
Who is leaving Weil for Cravath?
Michael Aiello is leaving Weil, Gotshal & Manges for Cravath, Swaine & Moore. He will make the move with five other Weil M&A partners.
How many Weil partners are joining Cravath?
Six Weil M&A partners are joining Cravath. The group includes Michael Aiello, Matthew Gilroy, Eoghan Keenan, Amanda Fenster, Michelle Sargent, and Megan Pendleton.
Who is Michael Aiello?
Michael Aiello is a prominent M&A lawyer. He previously chaired Weil’s corporate department, which has about 600 lawyers.
Who is Matthew Gilroy?
Matthew Gilroy is one of the Weil partners joining Cravath. He co-leads Weil’s M&A practice.
Why is Aiello’s move important for Cravath?
Cravath will gain six experienced M&A partners. Therefore, the firm will add more senior talent to its corporate practice.
Why is the move important for Weil?
Aiello’s departure adds to several recent partner exits. It also comes while Weil prepares for a leadership change.
Who will lead Weil?
Ramona Nee is expected to become Weil’s new leader in January 2027. Meanwhile, Barry Wolf plans to retire as a partner at the end of 2027.
What does the move mean for BigLaw?
The move highlights strong competition for M&A talent. It also shows how a team move can quickly change the strength of a law firm’s practice.
Looking for your next legal career move?
LawCrossing connects attorneys and legal professionals with relevant law firm and legal job opportunities. Explore current openings and find roles that match your skills and career goals.
See Also:
Legal Work and Mental Health: 41% of Lawyers StruggleThe post
Weil Deal Maker Exits With M-A Team for Cravath first appeared on
JDJournal Blog.
