Weil at a Glance
With an entrepreneurial spirit at our core, Weil lawyers bring passion, creativity and optimism to every effort. Always curious and driven to innovate, the team consistently explores how to perform better.
Our success stems from our roles as strategic business partners and problem solvers for clients, wherever they operate. Talented individuals who want to tackle complex, challenging matters on behalf of world-class companies will find ample opportunities to shine.
- Pioneered major areas of law, including corporate governance, private equity, and bankruptcy and restructuring
- Advised on more than 1,900 deals in the last five years totaling $3 trillion+
- Won more than 40 victories at all phases of the litigation process and in every practice area since 2018
- Chief debtors’ counsel in 6 of the 10 largest U.S. bankruptcy filings in history
- Performed more than 1 million hours of pro bono service since 2005
- Five affinity group partnerships that address the intersectionality of race, sexual orientation and other diversity demographics and strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Our Offices
Offices spanning 3 continents and 5 countries:
- Boston
- Brussels
- Dallas
- Frankfurt
- Hong Kong
- Houston
- London
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Munich
- New York
- Paris
- San Francisco
- Silicon Valley
- Washington, D.C.
Our Practices
Weil is a full-service firm that counsels clients on matters across four departments:
- Corporate
- Litigation
- Restructuring
- Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits
Launch Your Career with Weil: Choosing Your PracticeOur People
Weil’s approximately 1,100 lawyers globally speak 48 languages and communicate effectively across many cultures. Our U.S. lawyers and staff hail from 40 countries around the globe.
- 120 Attorneys Received Individual Awards in 2023
- Thirty-four Partners Named Trailblazers by The National Law Journal (2015-2023)
- Twenty-five Lawyers Received Rising Star Awards from the legal and business press (2023-2024)
- Twenty-one Partners Named in Legal Media Group’s Women in Business Law Guide (2022)
- Sixteen Partners Named Leading Litigators in American by Lawdragon (2023)
- 123 Lawyer Recommendations by Chambers USA (2023)
“Practicing Banking & Finance at Weil was a no brainer. The attorneys here opened their doors to me and I found the work super interesting. I wanted to be at a law firm where I could do the type of work that most interested me and be a part of high profile deals, but I also wanted to be around people that I enjoy.” Justin Lee
Professional Development
When you join Weil, you are not just accepting a job, you are developing your career. Not only will you collaborate with Weil colleagues, you will partner with clients and hone your skills as a business lawyer. You build skills that will serve you regardless of your ultimate professional trajectory and gain access to robust training and professional development programs.
Mentoring, Training & Evaluations
Mentoring
At Weil, we place a high priority on mentoring relationships, both formal and informal. The professional development that takes place organically through day-to-day mentoring is invaluable. Upon arrival at the firm, each new associate is paired with a New Associate Partner/Counsel Advisor and an Associate Mentor. These relationships last through the first two years of an associate’s time at Weil. At the start of their third year, associates request a choice of preference for a Partner Mentor. Associates at the second-year level and above also have the option of joining mentoring circles.
Additionally, informal mentoring relationships are encouraged throughout each associate’s career. This includes providing extra insight, coaching, or tips on how to impress clients by delivering stellar work. Along with offering instruction, guidance and feedback on an ongoing basis, senior attorneys support associates in fashioning a sustainable work-life balance.
Training
Weil associates begin their training at the firm through New Associate Orientation and then continue this training through both department-specific trainings and general professional development offerings. The firm conducts over 250 in-house training programs and workshops across all of our departments and practice areas, including Litigation Workshops, Private Equity Institutes and many more. Through our Weil Business Academy initiative, associates learn skills relating to Team Management, Communication, Tech Skills, Negotiation and more. A key element of our Weil Business Academy initiative is our Columbia Business School training program, which helps associates strengthen their business acumen and financial literacy. Associates may supplement our in-house trainings with programs offered by various outside providers, such as the Practicing Law Institute.
Onboarding training includes:
- A robust week-long New Associate Orientation training program covering such topics as ethics, the business of law, pro bono and substantive legal skills
- Department-specific orientation programs with the substantive information needed for a strong foundation for your practice
Evaluations
Weil values feedback. To enhance the professional growth of our associates, each associate is required to partake in semi-annual reviews, which include a self-evaluation. Partners will provide meaningful feedback and are trained on how to conduct productive performance reviews.
Associate performance criteria include:
- Substantive Legal Knowledge
- Analytical Skills
- Written and Oral Communication Skills
- Responsibility
- Professionalism
- Leadership
“The best way to become a strong deal lawyer is to surround yourself with mentors, jump feet first into a deal, and try to understand how the discrete part you are working on fits within the larger, collaborative effort that goes into handling a transaction.” Ramona Nee
Business-Minded
Weil is a first mover when it comes to partnering with clients to understand the full picture of their needs and help them achieve strategic goals. Sophisticated clients require this level of lawyering and Weil adapted to this model years ago. We don’t just counsel clients; we work side-by-side with them to understand all aspects of their business. This best positions our attorneys to help them move forward through challenges and opportunities.
Our firm’s entrepreneurial culture and meritocracy provides you with the chance to gain experience and advance more quickly than you would elsewhere. You will have the opportunity to:
- Team up with colleagues to find solutions for clients and execute them
- Learn from dynamic, action-oriented business lawyers who are more interested in results than theories
- Gain a seat at the table, stretch your capabilities and take on responsibilities that will help you build marketable skills that lay the foundation for a fulfilling professional life
Gain Exposure to Premier Clients
Part of being a business lawyer is having a seat at the table, and Weil is unique in its ability to provide these opportunities early in your career.
And it won’t be a seat at just any table. Weil’s diverse and deep client list spans leading corporations, financial institutions, private equity funds and private companies, as well as executives, boards, board committees and directors. You’ll have the opportunity to partner with premier clients across industries and sectors.
Premier Clients & Accolades
- A&E Networks
- Advent International
- Alibaba
- AMC
- Blackstone
- Brookfield
- Dow
- Eli Lilly
- Exxon Mobil
- General Electric
- Getty Images
- Goldman Sachs
- GrubHub
- Hilton
- The Home Depot
- Iron Mountain
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kroger
- L’Oréal
- Meta Platforms
- MGM
- Microsoft
- Morgan Stanley
- Panasonic
- Paramount Global
- Pepsi
- Providence Equity
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Samsung
- Sanofi
- Sirius XM
- Sunoco
- TPG
- Visa
- Warner Bros. Discovery
Advises 80% of the largest global private equity funds — PEI 300 2021
More than 1,900 deals in the last five years
Totaling
$3T+
Chief debtors’ counsel in 6 of the 10 largest U.S. bankruptcy filings in history
Seven Litigation Department of the Year awards since 2017 – The American Lawyer
Summer Associate Program
Your summer at Weil is packed with opportunities to develop your lawyering skills and learn what makes working at Weil so special.
Our commitment to your career begins early and we have a talented and dedicated team of people to support you, including assignment coordinators, “Summer Siblings”, and partner mentors. The Summer Program also includes opportunities for summer associates to learn about Weil’s work and experience our culture firsthand by being assigned to client matters across the firm.
We offer training programs and workshops in taking depositions, writing like a lawyer, and negotiation, as well as a Speakers Series featuring talks with prominent clients, alumni and firm leaders.
To help associates connect with each other and the Firm, Weil hosts a series of retreats, social gatherings and networking events.
Summer Associate Perspectives
Weil’s summer associates share their perspectives on firm culture, mentoring, training, assignments, pro bono and social events.
Read through more than 150 first-person views on a day in the life of a Weil summer associate.
Diversity Fellowships @ Weil
The Weil Diversity Fellowship Program supports the firm’s overall commitment to diversity and to welcome the next generation of attorneys who are committed to adding to the diverse culture at Weil.
Summer Program Locations
Our Summer Associate Program is available in seven U.S. cities. Practice areas and duration vary by city.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: Candidates interview for specific practice area; Corporate (Private Equity), Employment
- NALP – Boston
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: Candidates interview for specific practice area; Corporate (Private Equity, M&A, Banking & Finance) and Tax. May rotate amongst the different practices within Corporate.
- NALP – Dallas
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: Candidates interview for specific practice area; Private Equity – Energy, Restructuring; may rotate between Private Equity – Energy and Restructuring
- NALP – Houston
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: No formal rotation; Corporate, Real Estate, Complex Commercial Litigation, Tax, Restructuring
- NALP – Miami
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: Up to three department rotations; Restructuring, Corporate, Litigation, Tax
- NALP – New York
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: Candidates interview for specific practice area; Banking & Finance, Complex Commercial Litigation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Patent Litigation, Private Equity, Technology & IP Transactions
- NALP – Silicon Valley
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Program Components: Candidates interview for specific practice area; Antitrust, Complex Commercial Litigation, Patent Litigation, Private Funds.
- NALP – Washington DC
Diversity & Inclusion
Weil’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has been at the core of our Firm since Frank Weil, Sylvan Gotshal, and Horace Manges faced many doors closed to them because of their religious beliefs. They founded Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to open those doors. Since our founding, Weil has been a leader in investing in formal initiatives to promote an inclusive work culture. Our core values of respect and support creates an environment where all feel comfortable and encouraged to excel.
Today, seventeen firm leaders are LGBTQ+, people of color, or women serving as heads of practice groups, firmwide committee chairs, and/or Management Committee members. The General Counsel and four Management Committee members are women. Three of the Weil’s practice group leaders and three office heads are attorneys of color. Of the U.S. partners promoted since 2007, 42 percent are women.
While we have consistently placed a high premium on diversity, equity and inclusion at Weil, the Firm responded to the recent increase in violence targeting racial minorities by taking steps to contribute to meaningful change in addressing systemic issues of racial injustice in the United States which we continue to build on with our internal and external racial equity initiatives. In 2022, Weil focused on inclusion as an everyday habit. Everyone at the Firm is required to complete our new interactive workshops focused on, Diversity in the Day-to-Day to enable and embed DEI best practices across all levels in the workplace.
Key Distinctions
- Among the first firms to implement formal affinity groups. Our 5 affinity groups are: Asian Attorneys@Weil, WeilLatinx, BLAST (Black Attorneys Achieving Success Together), WeilPride (LGBTQ+ Association of Weil), and Women@Weil.
- These groups are dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and advancing diverse talent, through programs like the Taskforce on Women’s Engagement & Retention (TOWER) and Jumpstart, a resource specifically for new and lateral Black associates.
- WeilVets is a resource network comprised of employees who are military veterans and family members of those in active service.
- The Firm launched the innovative allyship initiative Upstander@Weil in 2015 to inspire all employees to stand up for inclusion.
- 32% of 2022 U.S. summer associates were people of color, 11% LGBTQ+, and 57% women; 21 firm leaders are LGBTQ+, people of color, or women; since 2020, 62% of partner promotions have been diverse in the U.S., with 56% of promotions being women and 22% of promotions being attorneys of color.
- In 2022, Weil received Mansfield Certification Plus, a key industry accreditation that reflects the Firm’s progress in fostering diversity among its leadership ranks. Weil was named the Most Inclusive Firm for LGBT+ Lawyers at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards in 2019 and the Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index. The firm also won “Best International Firm for Diversity” at Euromoney’s Americas Women in Business Law Awards for four consecutive years, from 2016 through 2019 and International Firm of the Year for Work-Life Balance in 2020.
Diversity Fellowships @ Weil
The Weil Diversity Fellowship Program supports the firm’s overall commitment to diversity and to welcome the next generation of attorneys who are committed to adding to the diverse culture at Weil.
Weil’s Diversity Fellowship Program offers $50,000 scholarship awards to first- and second-year law students to promote greater diversity in the profession. Since 2011, the Firm has awarded over 80 fellowships.
Pro Bono and Social Responsibility
Our constant questioning of, “How can it be done better?” is not limited to the boardroom and the courtroom. We also seek to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to our commitment to the broader community.
Service has always been a cornerstone of Weil’s culture, and comes to bear through Weil’s award-winning diversity and inclusion, pro bono, social responsibility and Weil Foundation efforts. 2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Weil Foundation, whose charitable contributions along with those of the Firm have totaled nearly $115 million since 1983. Learn more about our efforts in the Social Responsibility and Weil Foundation 2022 Year in Review, which provides an overview of the Firm’s philanthropic efforts in the U.S.
- Implemented groundbreaking pro bono policy fifteen years ago that includes the goal that every lawyer perform 50 hours of pro bono each year
- Weil has committed more than one million pro bono hours since commencing our current pro bono program in 2005
- U.S. and London based administrative staff and attorneys have one day of Volunteer Time Off per year for the purpose of volunteering with an approved nonprofit organization
Pro Bono
Weil’s commitment to pro bono work is deeply ingrained in our culture. We believe that it is our obligation to volunteer our skills to those who would otherwise face severe challenges as victims of injustice or abuse without legal representation. The importance Weil places on providing these services to the community is demonstrated by our goal of having all lawyers at the firm perform 50 hours of pro bono work each year. Since the current program began in 2005, Weil has provided more than 1 million hours of Pro Bono service.
Recent Pro Bono News:
Social Responsibility and Weil Foundation
Weil’s industry leading social responsibility programs include year-round charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations, public-private partnerships like the Weil Legal Innovators Program, scholarships for higher education, nonprofit board service, and year-round volunteer opportunities and cause related events. Attorneys and administrative staff alike can participate in a multitude of public service programs offered by the Firm’s Social Responsibility and Weil Foundation department. By working together, we can make a bigger impact in the lives of people and communities who need our support the most.
Recent Social Responsibility News:
- Social Responsibility and Weil Foundation 2023 Year in Review
- Weil Hosts Fourth Year of Innovative Public Service Program for Rising Law Students
Weil Legal Innovators Program
The Weil Legal Innovators Program (WLI) provides a unique opportunity for law school students to address some of the most pressing social and legal challenges of our times.
Innovators defer their first year of law school to work at a partner nonprofit organization for a paid public service fellowship.
This unique opportunity enables law students to leverage their passion for justice and commitment to public service, while amplifying the impact of the nonprofits and their important missions.
Experienced Attorney Hiring
Weil offers a wide path toward success for those whose careers have already begun. Whether you are a judicial clerk or considering a move from another law firm, we are always searching for talented lawyers who share our commitment to excellent client service.
Once on board, lateral associates can expect:
- Outstanding training and mentoring from lawyers at the top of their fields
- A dynamic culture that prizes thinking outside the box
- Competitive compensation, inclusive benefits, and comprehensive resources
Judicial Clerks
Weil actively recruits judicial clerks from U.S. federal appellate and district courts, as well as bankruptcy courts and the Delaware Court of Chancery. We value the clerkship experience and the incomparable insights that clerks bring to our clients and our practice of law. Many of our former judicial clerks worked with us as summer associates prior to their clerkships. Hiring bonuses for clerks are based on current market factors and are competitive.
“I started my career elsewhere and came to Weil as a mid-level associate … At Weil, you work hard, but you get to do it with a team of people who become your friends.”
Gavin Westerman, Partner, New York
Apply for an Associate Position
To apply for an associate position at Weil, please submit an application online for any of the open positions. Search firms should email candidate applications directly to the Recruiting Contact in the office(s) in which the applicant is interested. Weil does not accept submissions from search firms pertaining to candidates who may be in law school or are post-clerk candidates. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact our recruiting contacts.
Work-Life Balance
Wellness means different things for everyone, so we offer a suite of options reflecting the diverse needs of our employees and their shifting life circumstances. Such programs include flexible work arrangements, inclusive parental leave and benefits, services to help new business-traveling mothers, back-up child care, opportunities to give back to the community, and more.
Weil remains committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our employees. In 2019, Weil signed the ABA Well-Being Pledge and formed a Health and Well-Being Committee to promote wellness at the Firm. A priority of the Health and Well-Being Committee is to deliver programs and resources that encourage everyone at Weil to live healthy and balanced lives, both personally and professionally.
In April 2022, Weil broke new ground by naming its first-ever Chief Wellness Officer — one of the few in BigLaw. Lori Pines, a top-tier Weil litigator for more than 25 years, was given a broad mission to expand and foster well-being in the broadest sense—physical, intellectual, environmental, occupational, mental/emotional, financial, spiritual and social. Weil’s Health and Well-Being Committee, which Lori helped to found, frequently hosts roundtables with Firm leaders focused on topics like whole-life balance and avoiding burnout, resilience and mindfulness.
Benefits and Resources
Everything you would expect from a large international law firm – and some things you wouldn’t. Our benefits, perks and programs demonstrate Weil’s commitment to being a great place to work. Your total compensation package is more than just your salary. It also includes an excellent benefits package and much more, featuring:
- Medical*, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Qualified Transit and Parking Plan
- Flexible Spending Account Plans
- 401(k) Savings Plan
*UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes Machine-Readable Files on behalf of the Weil Medical Plans. The Machine-Readable files are located at: transparency-in-coverage.uhc.com
Work-Life Related Perks
- Health Club Membership Reimbursement Program
- Fitness Center Corporate Discounts
- Pet Insurance Discount
- Private Banking at Citi Private Bank
- Technology Discounts
- Travel Desk to arrange all corporate and personal travel
Meet Us
Weil’s entrepreneurial and diverse culture makes for a work experience that is professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling. Weil is a place where so many talented lawyers from many kinds of backgrounds want to build a multifaceted, significant and satisfying career.
Play the videos below to meet some of our dynamic lawyers.
Videos
How to Apply
To apply for an associate position at Weil, please submit an application online for any of the open positions. Search firms should email candidate applications directly to the Recruiting Contact in the office(s) in which the applicant is interested.
Apply for a 1L Diversity Scholar position
Apply for a 1L Summer Associate position
Contact List for U.S. Offices
Boston
Emily Bales, Sr. Specialist, Legal Recruiting ―
Boston
emily.bales@weil.com
Telephone: +1 617 772 8364
Fax: +1 617 772 8333
Dallas
Brynn Murphy, Sr. Specialist, Legal Recruiting & Associate Relations
da.recruiting@weil.com
Telephone: +1 214 746 8239
Fax: +1 214 746 7777
Houston
Valerie Hayes, Director of Administration
HOrecruit@weil.com
Telephone: +1 713 546 5005
Fax: +1 713 224 9511
Los Angeles
Lauren DeBernardi, Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Relations
lauren.debernardi@weil.com
Telephone: +1 650 802 3011
Fax: +1 650 802 3100
Miami
Rosa Lopes, Director of Administration –
Miami
rosa.lopes@weil.com
Telephone: +1 305 577 3162
Fax: +1 305 374 7159
New York
Wesley B. Powell, Sr. Director, Legal Recruiting
recruit@weil.com
Telephone: +1 212 735 4553
Fax: +1 212 310 8007
San Francisco
Lauren DeBernardi, Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Relations
lauren.debernardi@weil.com
Telephone: +1 650 802 3011
Fax: +1 650 802 3100
Silicon Valley
Lauren DeBernardi, Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Relations
lauren.debernardi@weil.com
Telephone: +1 650 802 3011
Fax: +1 650 802 3100
Washington, D.C.
Erica Asher, Manager, Legal Recruiting & Associate Relations
DC.Recruiting@weil.com
Telephone: +1 202 682 7035
Fax: +1 202 857 0940
It has been and will continue to be the policy of Weil to provide equal opportunity to all applicants for employment. Weil administers its personnel practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms and conditions of employment, in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States or any other unlawful criterion or circumstance.
Weil respects your privacy. By submitting information to us, you agree to the terms of Weil’s privacy policy, https://www.weil.com/about-weil/privacy-policy, which addresses the personal information Weil collects and the purposes for which Weil will use that information in Sections 2 and 3.