Weil's Corporate Chair Decamps For Cravath, Which Weil Would Like You To Know Is 'A Smaller Platform'

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   Weil Corporate Chair Mike Aiello and M&A Team Move to Cravath

   Weil Gotshal is losing its corporate chair, Mike Aiello, and five other partners to rival law firm Cravath. Aiello, described as a top dealmaker, is departing alongside his M&A team. While the move represents a significant loss of leadership for Weil, the firm has characterized Cravath as a smaller platform. This group hire marks a major shift in M&A talent between the two firms.

   Why it matters

   The departure of a corporate chair and multiple partners typically triggers client poaching and revenue loss. These firms compete for high-stakes corporate mandates. The move reflects ongoing competition for top-tier legal talent in the M&A sector.

   What is confirmed

   • Weil corporate chair Mike Aiello is leaving the firm for Cravath.
   • Five other partners are joining Aiello in the move to Cravath.
   • Aiello is departing with his M&A team.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Weil described Cravath as a smaller platform.
   • Law360 described the move as a historic group hire.

   What to watch next

   • Announcement of specific clients moving from Weil to Cravath
   • Weil's appointment of a new corporate chair
   • Statements from Cravath regarding the integration of the M&A team
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. WSJ — Exclusive | Weil Gotshal to Lose Top Dealmaker and Five Other Partners to Cravath
   2. Law.com — Mike Aiello, Weil Corporate Chair, Plans Exit for Cravath
   3. Reuters — Top Weil dealmaker to depart with M&A team for rival law firm Cravath
   4. Law360 — Cravath Makes Historic Group Hire In Weil M&A Addition
   5. Above the Law — Weil's Corporate Chair Decamps For Cravath, Which Weil Would Like You To Know Is 'A Smaller Platform'
   confidence 95%