Patrick Smith
Verified
Journalist. New York. The rest is grey.
Tweets my own.
Articles by Patrick Smith
Merger Partners or Poachers? Weil's Talent Draws Mounting Interest
Credit: Sodapeaw/Adobe Stock With the latest chapter of merger exploration ending, and the lateral market staying red-hot into the fourth quarter, several top law firms are pushing to recruit partners from Weil Gotshal & Manges. Multiple sources on Friday said Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is seeking to recruit talent from Weil's Boston office, while both Simpson and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison are eyeing talent from Weil's highly regarded bankruptcy practice.
Weil and Willkie Call Off Merger Talks as More Partners Leave
Courtesy photo Amid mounting partnership exits at Weil Gotshal & Manges, the firm and Willkie Farr & Gallagher have called off merger talks, according to sources familiar with the discussions on Friday. Two Weil partners who have served as members the management committee, Drew Tulumello and Chantale Fiebig, are heading to Davis, Polk & Wardwell, sources say. A Davis Polk representative did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment.
As Exits Continue, Weil Works on Merger Deal, Tells Partners to Carry On
Courtesy Photo. Weil Gotshal & Manges leadership called its partners together on Tuesday after a flurry of media attention surrounding its merger plans. Some of the main talking points: don't leak to the media, and stay calm, say sources familiar with the meeting. Management is aiming to keep lawyers and staff focused on their work as they try to carry on merger discussions in the wake of roughly 40 partner exits this year.
Weil Management Committee Member Zalka Plans Move to Paul Weiss
Caroline Zalka. Courtesy photo Caroline Hickey Zalka, head of Weil Gotshal & Manges' securities litigation practice and a member of the firm’s management committee, is in advanced talks to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, according to sources familiar with the matter. Zalka has practiced at Weil for more than 20 years, according to her LinkedIn profile. She did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Representatives for Weil didn't return messages.
Deal Watch: What AI in M&A Will Mean for Dealmakers
Credit: metamorworks/Shutterstock.com While M&A deal value in the third quarter was a noticeable drop from the prior two quarters, overall deal value in 2026 is still on track to be one of its strongest years ever. Mega deals (those valued at more than $10 billion) continue to be a defining feature of the current deal environment.
Weil Meets with Partners Over Merger Plans
NewsLaw Firm Mergers Sources close to Weil identified Willkie as one of Weil’s top merger candidates, but it's not clear if those talks are ongoing. Weil has also approached other firms. 3 minute read October 20, 2026 at 12:49 PM This article has been updated with more history of Weil's merger talks. With Weil Gotshal & Manges planning to enter a merger, all eyes are on the firm's potential merger partner. A Subscription is Required to Access this Content.
Weil Meets with Partners Over Merger Plans
Courtesy photo This article has been updated with more history of Weil's merger talks. With Weil Gotshal & Manges planning to enter a merger, all eyes are on the firm's potential merger partner. Weil has approached multiple firms for merger discussions, sources say, but Weil has also narrowed the list. Several sources close to Weil identified Willkie Farr & Gallagher as one of Weil’s top merger candidates, but it's not clear if those talks are still ongoing.
Weil Capital Markets Leader Heads to S&C
Courtesy photo Michael Hickey, who previously co-led Weil, Gotshal & Manges’ corporate and capital markets departments, is leaving for Sullivan & Cromwell, several sources confirmed Monday. Hickey had been at Weil since January 2018, when he joined after five years as a managing director at Goldman Sachs, where he had served as VP and associate general counsel from 2006 through 2013.
Weil Recruits Paul Weiss Partner to Expand Antitrust Bench
Yuni Yan Sobel. Courtesy photo While Weil Gotshal & Manges has a faced a series of partner exits in recent months, the firm has continued to recruit and hire partners from peer firms. Its latest partner hire is Yuni Yan Sobel, who was an antitrust partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison partner in New York, Weil said on Monday.
White & Case Ushers in Largest Partner Class in 5 Years, Emphasizing US Growth
Heather McDevitt, chair of White & Case. Courtesy photo White & Case, continuing its three-year plan that calls for U.S. growth in strategic markets, has ushered in its largest partner class, and largest U.S. partner class, of the last five years, the firm said Thursday. The firm, promoting 47 lawyers to partner, is the firm’s largest since 2022, when it promoted 59 lawyers to partner. It is also its largest U.S.-based class (19) since that year.
Debevoise Recruits DOJ Acting Director of Antitrust Litigation
Debevoise & Plimpton office in Manhattan, New York. Photo: Ryland West Debevoise & Plimpton has hired the former acting director of antitrust litigation for the Department of Justice, George “Chip” Nierlich, the firm said Tuesday. Nierlich, who will be based out of the firm's Washington office, spent 13 years as a partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher before joining the DOJ in 2020. He became acting director of antitrust litigation in March and stepped down from the DOJ on Friday.
Skadden Lands 5-Attorney Mass Torts Team From DLA Piper
(l-r) Lyn Pruitt, Mary Catherine Way, Adria Conklin, David Koehler and Lauren Grinder of Skadden. Courtesy photos Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom continues to add to its mass torts and product liability group, adding a four partner, five-attorney group from DLA Piper on Tuesday just a couple of months removed from adding another prominent mass torts litigator from a Chicago boutique.
Debevoise Lands Acting Director of Antitrust Litigation from DOJ
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data When you visit our website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to and to provide a more personalized web experience. However, you can choose not to allow certain types of cookies, which may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
How Election Results Could Reshape M&A, AI and Energy Practices
Shutterstock Big Law firms are closely monitoring the midterm elections, as the results could make a large impact on activity in several practice areas, including M&A, capital markets and energy. Firms are also facing a flurry of questions from clients about what could change. If Democrats take the House and Senate, what would that mean for AI regulation?
Deal Watch: M&A Dealmaking Slows as Big Tech IPOs Stall
Credit: VectorMine/Adobe Stock Dealmakers saw a relatively light load of announced M&A deals in the past week, following a Q3 period that was similarly quiet. The third quarter of 2026 totaled $993.4 billion in total deal value, a decrease of 41% compared with the second quarter of this year, according to London Stock Exchange Group data.
S&C Turns to Perkins, McGuireWoods to Restock Appellate Litigation Practice
Sullivan & Cromwell office sign. Courtesy photo Sullivan & Cromwell has revamped its Supreme Court and appellate leadership, bringing in Perkins Coie Ashurst appellate practice chair Michael Huston and McGuireWoods appeals and issues practice co-chair Jonathan Ellis to co-chair S&C's practice. Nicholas Crown, senior counsel in the appellate practice at Perkins, is also joining S&C.
Kirkland, Latham, Wachtell Claim Q3 M&A Top Spots
Credit: Yingyaipumi/Adobe Stock The latest 2026 league tables for the first nine months of the year show a shuffling of the top law firms for global M&A deal value. According to data from Dealogic, through the third quarter of 2026, Kirkland & Ellis is the top company legal adviser by global deal value, touching $629.5 across 533 deals, giving them a whopping 17% of the overall market. Kirkland occupied the No. 4 position at this point last year, according to Dealogic.
After 18 Years, Mintz Chooses New Leader
Michael L. Fantozzi (L) and Robert I. Bodian (R). of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo. Courtesy photo In June 2027, for the first time since 2009, someone other than Bob Bodian will be running Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo. The firm has tapped Mike Fantozzi, currently the firm’s Boston office managing member and corporate division head, to succeed Bodian as managing member, the firm said Tuesday. Bodian will become firm chair.
Inside the Legal Delays That Have Kept the 9/11 Case From Trial
Michael J. Lebowitz, former DOJ National Security Attorney. Courtesy photo. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Legal Speak examines why the case against alleged attack architect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has yet to go to trial. In this week's episode, New York Law Journal Bureau Chief Zoë Ettinger speaks with former Guantánamo prosecutor Mike Lebowitz about the legal challenges and delays that have shaped the case.
Paul Hastings Recruits Cooley Partner, Continuing Equity Side Gains in Capital Markets
Jean Park. Courtesy photo Paul Hastings, continuing to build its equity-side capital markets practice to the level of its highly-ranked debt side, has added Cooley capital markets partner Jean Park to its roster in New York, the firm said Monday. Park works with late stage private companies as they are thinking about going public and counsels them through the IPO process and afterward. She also advises banks in capital market transactions.
Why Winston Taylor Is Betting on Miami
Gustavo J. Membiela, partner with Winston Taylor in Miami, Florida. Courtesy photo In this week’s Legal Speak episode, Law.com business of law reporter Vivienne Serret talks with Winston Taylor Miami Managing Partner Gustavo J. Membiela about the Chicago-founded firm's growth since entering the Miami market in 2022.
Davis Polk Hires Corporate PE Partner From Ropes & Gray
Davis Polk & Wardwell offices. Courtesy photo Davis, Polk & Wardwell has added depth to its PE and M&A practices, adding Ropes & Gray partner Todd Kornreich. Kornreich, who helped lead Ropes & Gray's transportation and logistics sector group, joins Davis Polk in New York, the firm said Wednesday.
Inside Weil's Private Equity Partner Shuffle
(L-R) Ramona Nee, Barry Wolf, and Mike Aiello of Weil Gotshal & Manges. Courtesy photos In the last two weeks, Weil Gotshal & Manges' private equity team has been roiled by a partnership shuffle, including the reported loss of at least two private equity partners to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and two others heading to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. Weil, meanwhile, has sought to recruit others in the group, adding two private equity partners in San Francisco on Monday.
Paul Hastings Recruits Cooley Partner, Continuing Equity Side Gains in Capital Markets
Jean Park. Courtesy photo Paul Hastings, continuing to build its equity-side capital markets practice to the level of its highly-ranked debt side, has added Cooley capital markets partner Jean Park to its roster in New York, the firm said Monday. Paul Hastings chair Frank Lopez, in an interview, reiterated the firm’s continued theme of finding “elite talent” at firms who are known for areas of specialization as well as a strong cultural fit for the firm. He said Park checked the right boxes.
Legal AI Gets an Upgrade: Inside LexisNexis’ New Innovation Lab
Greg Dickason, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of LexisNexis. Courtesy photo In this episode of Legal Speak, Law.com reporter Ella Sherman speaks with LexisNexis CTO Greg Dickason about LexisNexis’ new Customer Innovation Lab in New York City that brings legal customers, engineers and designers together to shape future products, alongside technology partners including OpenAI and Amazon Web Services.
'Unresponsiveness' and 'Unclear Goals' Dog Big Law Marketing Departments—Not to Mention the AI Risks
Credit: Blue Planet Studio/Adobe Stock As Big Law financial goals accelerate, but resources don't always catch up, marketing and business development professionals are often caught in a sort of "productivity paradox," as one Big Law marketing executive put it starkly.
Paul Weiss and Simpson Thacher in Talks to Recruit More Weil Partners
Courtesy photo Weil Gotshal & Manges is facing more partner exits, including those heading to Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, according to sources familiar with the moves. Tim Burns, who has been at Weil for a decade, including more than four years as a partner, is in talks to head to Paul Weiss, according to sources familiar with the move this week who declined to be identified.
Milbank Launches in Chicago, Hiring White & Case Practice Leader
Photo: Ryland West/Law.com Milbank is opening an office in Chicago, the firm said Monday, and hiring Nadav Klugman, co-chair of White & Case's global project development and finance practice, to help lead the new location. Klugman is Milbank's first partner in Chicago, while the firm is exploring more hires. "In this day and age, a firm needs to be full service,” said firm chair Scott Edelman in an interview. “But not every office has to be.
Paul Weiss Taps Goodwin Partner to Head Supreme Court Practice
William "Willy" Jay, partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Photo: Matt Greenslade Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has hired a new head of its Supreme Court and appellate litigation practice: William “Willy” Jay, from Goodwin Procter, in Washington, D.C., the firm said Monday. The move comes about four months after the firm's prior chair of the firm's Supreme Court and appellate practice, Kannon Shanmugam, moved to Davis Polk & Wardwell in April.
The Chair’s Seat: Wab Kadaba on Leading in a Changing Legal World
Wab Kadaba of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton. Courtesy photo In this episode of Legal Speak, Law.com reporter Alex Anteau sits down with Wab Kadaba, global chair of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, to discuss how the law firm leader is helping steer the firm through an increasingly complex and unpredictable global legal landscape.
Weil Sees PE Co-Head Decamp for Paul Weiss
Weil Gotshal & Manges. Courtesy photo This article has been updated to add more background about the partners. Weil Gotshal & Manges is facing the loss of a private equity leader, less than two years after a series of exits among some leading partners. Chris Machera, co-head of the firm’s private equity practice and member of its strategy committee, is planning to leave for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, according to sources familiar with the move this week who declined to be identified.
'No One Wants to Go First': The Waiting Game in Big Law
Photo: Mojo_cp/Adobe Stock Several midsize law firms and plaintiffs firms have confirmed they are accepting private equity investment or seriously considering it. Yet, the legal industry’s largest firms by revenue have stayed mostly silent on their plans. Such a plan would entail handing over some control of a firm’s operations to create a managed service organization (MSO) for back-office work.
'No One Wants to Go First': The Waiting Game in Big Law
Law.com CompassLaw.com RadarVerdict SearchScholar .China Law & PracticeLegal Dictionary Click to enter your existing username and password or create a new account. Click to purchase an individual user subscription with your credit card. Related information Law Firms/Representation Topics AnalysisPrivate Equity and Venture Capital Many Big Law firms have explored PE investment, weighing the pros and cons of creating a managed service organization for back-office work.
Deal Watch: Big Law Firms Steer Flurry of Sports Deals, in Another Banner Week for Dealmakers
Credit: kentoh/Adobe Stock Sports deals highlighted the past week for Big Law transactions, drawing several top law firms for the work. Liverpool FC, one of soccer’s flagship franchises, saw a 30% stake in the club go to an investment consortium led by Jeff Bezos. A&O Shearman; Latham & Watkins; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton were among the firms landing on the deal.
From Big Law to Horse Law: Building a Niche Practice at Holland & Knight
Kayla Pragid, Partner with Holland & Knight. Courtesy photo In this Legal Speak episode, Law.com business of law reporter Vivienne Serret speaks with Holland & Knight partner Kayla Pragid about the business of building a niche practice within an Am Law 100 firm. Having founded the firm’s equine industry practice, Pragid discusses her path into equine law, how the team serves its clients and the importance of balancing legal strategy with the best interests of the horse.
Deal Watch: With Longer PE Hold Times, Is Software Still a Safe Bet?
Photo: Joyfotoliakid via Adobe Stock The past week in corporate deals was, by 2026 standards, about typical. There were at least 10 announced deals valued at more than $1 billion. That included Linklaters and Willkie Farr & Gallagher guiding US logistics firm Prologis to an $18.8 billion buy of UK landlord SEGRO, counseled by Slaughter and May.
Is the Recruiting Target on Wachtell Partners Growing?
Courtesy photo The recent litigation group exit from Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz has motivated other law firms to work to recruit from the M&A powerhouse, sources say, while adding even more heat to the Big Law lateral market in the late summer.
Is the Recruiting Target on Wachtell Partners Growing?
AnalysisLaw Firm Profitability Wachtell will likely continue to face poaching attempts, as they are faced with more rival firms that have grown their profitability. 8 minute read August 11, 2026 at 05:32 AM By Ryan Harroff , Patrick Smith and Christine Simmons The recent litigation group exit from Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz has motivated other law firms to work to recruit from the M&A powerhouse, sources say, while adding even more heat to the Big Law lateral market in the late summer.
Paul Weiss Continues to Lean Into Corporate Hiring, Adds Cap Markets Partners
Courtesy photo Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is adding more bulk to its capital markets practice, as the firm continues to grow its corporate department under chair Scott Barshay. Peter Byrne, joining from Cooley as partner, and Tristan VanDeventer, joining as a partner from Ropes & Gray, are both based in New York, the firm said Monday.
Ramping Up Partner Hiring, Cleary Adds New Head of Energy and Infrastructure from Jenner
Raunaq (Niqui) Kohli, with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Courtesy photo As Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton pushes forward in lateral partner hiring, the firm is focusing on growth in New York and London, said the firm's leader, in practices including transactions, private markets and civil litigation. In all, Cleary Gottlieb said it has hired 17 lateral partners in 2026, the firm said, and is on track to match or surpass its lateral hiring last year, when it hired 21.
Deal Watch: Data Center Litigation Grows as Investment Surges in Projects
Credit: PixxStudio/Adobe Stock Big Law firms have embraced data center corporate work, as lawyers see opportunity in large, complex deals that often involve several separate practice areas working together. But some local communities are pushing back against data center projects, with complaints about noise, land use, electrical consumption and pollution, among others. And some are taking it to court. One example is a suit filed in June in Southaven, Mississippi.
Cleary Sees Opportunity to Grow Litigation on Both Coasts
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton offices in Washington, D.C. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton is adding bulk to its litigation practice on both coasts, as it sees opportunity to expand its AI and IP practices, as well as in securities litigation. In Washington, D.C., Cleary is adding partner Anna Naydonov, from White & Case. She focuses on IP litigation, including copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, and AI disputes.
Cox CLO Jennifer Hightower Details AI Strategy, Political Neutrality and What's Next
Jennifer Hightower, with Cox Enterprises. Courtesy photo In this week's Legal Speak episode, Law.com reporter Alex Anteau and Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Hightower discuss how Cox Enterprises' legal department is navigating technological disruptions and regulatory changes.
Debevoise Refreshes Real Estate Practice Leadership and GC
Edward Rishty, partner at Debevoise & Plimpton. Courtesy photo Debevoise & Plimpton is putting fresh leadership into one of its smaller but key New York practices while adding a partner from TPG Real Estate Credit to grow the practice. Edward Rishty, who has a 22-year tenure at Debevoise, is taking over as chair of Debevoise’s real estate practice from Peter Irwin, the firm said Thursday.
Savitt's Move Punctuates Pure Lockstep's Fall—and Gibson Dunn's Talent Share Rise
Gibson Dunn and Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Kat's office signs. Courtesy photos Bill Savitt’s departure from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, along with a group of five other partners, followed in the wake of structural and cultural changes at the elite law firm as it shifted to better compete in the modern era of Big Law.
Being First on Associate Pay: Behind Milbank's Strategy
Scott Edelman, chair of Milbank. Courtesy photo Several Big Law competitors hadn’t even caught up and matched Milbank’s associate salary increase this year before the firm announced on Monday that it was also doling out special bonuses for its junior lawyers. While Cravath Swaine & Moore was the standard-setter for many years in Big Law with its "Cravath scale" for associate pay, Milbank may have taken away its crown for associate comp standards.
Being First on Associate Pay: Behind Milbank's Strategy
AnalysisCompensation - Associates In an interview, firm chair Scott Edelman said Milbank has become a leader in associate compensation, allowing it to compete for the best talent. And it's become a market differentiator. 6 minute read July 29, 2026 at 06:32 AM Scott Edelman, chair of Milbank.
How Gibson Dunn Landed Wachtell's Savitt in Six-Partner Move
William Savitt. Courtesy photo This article has been updated with quotes and details about the move. William Savitt, the co-chair of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and five other litigation partners have left the firm to join Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. They are joining Gibson Dunn’s New York office, the firm said Tuesday. Savitt is joining as co-chair of the litigation department at Gibson Dunn.
Wachtell's Savitt Part of Six-Partner Move to Gibson Dunn
Analysis Savitt is joining as co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s litigation practice group. 2 minute read July 28, 2026 at 01:51 PM William Savitt. Courtesy photo. William Savitt, the co-chair of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and five other litigation partners at Wachtell have left the firm to join Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. They are joining Gibson Dunn’s New York office, the firm said Tuesday. A Subscription is Required to Access this Content.
When Hiring Rainmakers Demands 'Surgical' Precision
Credit: bakhtiarzein/Adobe Stock Not every lateral partner, even with a book of business, can add value to a Big Law firm’s practice. Some rainmaking laterals could be business accretive and add value, while others could afflict a firm’s culture or other partners’ business after a lateral move. That’s why some Big Law firms that already have mature practices, such as in private equity or finance, have to carefully consider partner hires within these groups and others.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Patrick
Contact Patrick, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack