Joon Kim is joining Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. He brings years of federal legal experience.
Wachtell confirmed the move on October 1, 2026. Now, Kim will join the firm as a litigation partner.
The move adds a former Manhattan federal prosecutor to Wachtell. Meanwhile, major U.S. firms continue to hire senior lawyers.
Kim was a litigation and enforcement partner at Cleary Gottlieb. Before that, he held senior roles at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
He also served as acting U.S. attorney. As a result, Kim brings experience in major federal cases.
Key Takeaways
- Joon Kim joins Wachtell as a litigation partner.
- Meanwhile, Kim is leaving Cleary Gottlieb.
- Earlier, he served as acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan.
- In addition, he worked on major federal cases.
- In 2021, he led an investigation involving Andrew Cuomo.
- At the same time, his move follows partner departures from Wachtell.
Joon Kim Moves to Wachtell
Kim’s move adds an experienced lawyer to Wachtell’s litigation team.
At Cleary, Kim worked in litigation and enforcement. There, he handled white-collar cases and government matters.
Wachtell praised Kim’s work as a lawyer and adviser. The firm also highlighted his work on major investigations.
In addition, Kim brings years of government experience to Wachtell.
His government work included federal cases. Earlier, he also held senior roles at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Kim’s Prosecutor Background
Kim spent much of his government career at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
During that time, he held several senior roles. He served as deputy U.S. attorney.
He also served as chief of the criminal division.
In 2017, Kim became acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
At the time, he led a major federal prosecutor’s office.
The office handles major cases in New York. For example, these cases can involve fraud and corruption.
They can also involve securities crimes. In addition, Kim worked on federal investigations.
Later, that work helped him in private practice.
Kim’s Major Federal Cases
Kim worked on several major federal cases.
For example, he was a senior official during the SAC Capital investigation.
He also worked on the Silk Road case. Later, he oversaw the prosecution of professional gambler Billy Walters.
Kim handled that case while serving as acting U.S. attorney.
As a result, he gained years of federal court experience.
His work also covered investigations and enforcement. Now, he will bring that experience to Wachtell.
Kim Led Cuomo Investigation
Kim also led an investigation involving former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
In 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James chose Kim to lead the probe.
The inquiry examined sexual harassment claims against Cuomo. Later, investigators found that Cuomo had sexually harassed multiple women.
Cuomo resigned after the findings became public. As a result, the investigation drew national attention.
The case gave Kim experience with a major public investigation. It also added to his work on sensitive matters.
Kim’s Career at Cleary Gottlieb
Kim has a long history with Cleary Gottlieb.
He joined the firm as an associate in 1997. Later, he left private practice for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Kim eventually returned to private practice. He then rejoined Cleary as a partner in 2018.
His work included litigation and enforcement cases. During his career, he also represented major companies.
His clients have included Nissan and Sequoia Capital. Now, Kim is leaving Cleary for Wachtell.
Wachtell Adds Litigation Talent
Kim’s arrival follows several partner moves at Wachtell.
Former Wachtell co-chair William Savitt moved to Gibson Dunn earlier this year. At the same time, five other Wachtell partners also joined Gibson Dunn.
Savitt was a senior Wachtell litigator. He also served as co-chair of the firm’s executive committee.
As a result, Kim’s arrival adds another senior lawyer to Wachtell’s litigation team.
Wachtell is known for its corporate work. However, it also has a strong litigation group.
Its lawyers handle complex business disputes. In addition, they handle investigations.
The Financial Times has reported on Wachtell’s partner numbers. The firm has about 20 litigation partners.
It also has about 35 corporate partners.
Why the Wachtell Move Matters
Kim’s move is another senior law firm change.
Generally, firms hire lateral partners to add skills and experience.
Kim brings government and private-practice experience to Wachtell. In particular, he has worked on federal cases.
He also has experience in investigations and enforcement. For recruiters, his career shows a path from government to private practice.
For lawyers, it also shows how legal experience can transfer between roles.
Career Lessons for Lawyers
Kim’s career offers useful lessons for legal professionals.
First, government work can lead to senior law firm roles.
Career Lessons for Lawyers and Law StudentsCareer Lessons for Lawyers and Law Students
Second, legal skills can open new career paths.
Kim built experience in investigations and litigation. In addition, he worked on enforcement matters.
He also advised private clients. Therefore, government lawyers can develop skills that help in private practice.
For law students, Kim’s career shows that legal careers can take different paths.
What Comes Next for Wachtell?
Kim’s arrival adds an experienced lawyer to Wachtell’s litigation team.
His background includes federal prosecution. In addition, he has worked on major investigations.
He also has years of private-practice experience. At the same time, his arrival follows several partner departures.
As a result, Kim’s appointment marks another change for Wachtell.
FAQs
Who is Joon Kim?
Joon Kim is a lawyer and former federal prosecutor. Now, he is joining Wachtell as a litigation partner.
Before Wachtell, Kim was a partner at Cleary Gottlieb. Earlier, he held senior roles at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Where did Joon Kim work before Wachtell?
Kim joins Wachtell from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.
He was a partner in the firm’s litigation group. Earlier, he worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
What position will Joon Kim hold at Wachtell?
Kim will join Wachtell as a litigation partner.
In addition, his background includes federal cases and investigations.
Was Joon Kim an acting U.S. attorney?
Yes. Kim served as acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Before that, he served as deputy U.S. attorney. He also led the criminal division.
What investigation did Joon Kim lead?
In 2021, Kim led an investigation involving then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
New York Attorney General Letitia James chose Kim to lead the investigation. Later, the findings became public.
Cuomo resigned after the findings were released.
Why is Joon Kim joining Wachtell?
Kim brings government and private-practice experience to Wachtell.
In particular, he has worked on federal cases and investigations. He also handled litigation and enforcement matters at Cleary.
What legal areas does Joon Kim work in?
Kim’s background includes litigation and investigations.
In addition, he has worked in white-collar matters and enforcement.
His career also includes senior roles as a federal prosecutor.
The Bottom Line
Joon Kim is joining Wachtell after years at Cleary Gottlieb.
He also spent years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan.
His career includes federal prosecution and major investigations. Now, he will bring that experience to Wachtell’s litigation team.
The move also follows several partner departures. Therefore, Kim’s arrival marks another change for the firm.
For the legal industry, the move highlights one path from government service to private practice.
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See Also:
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Former Manhattan Prosecutor Makes Move to Wachtell first appeared on
JDJournal Blog.
