Explainer-What’s next for law firm Weil Gotshal as it plans dissolution

Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a 95-year-old prominent US law firm, is planning to disband due to a partner exodus and a failed merger. The firm, which employs around 1,200 lawyers and generated over $2 billion in revenue last year, has seen more than 30 partners leave this year. With lawyers working in 16 offices across the US, Europe, and Asia, the firm intends to wind down out-of-court with the help of restructuring advisory firm AlixPartners.

Rival firms are aggressively recruiting top remaining partners and associates, creating a competitive legal hiring market. The firm will continue to serve its clients, including Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Dow Chemical, for 90 days, and associates and staff will receive pay and bonuses at the end of 2026.