N.Y.People moves
Weil leader-in-waiting Ramona Nee turns down top job amid partner exits
Ramona Nee, the Weil, Gotshal & Manges co-managing partner slated to succeed longtime leader Barry Wolf, has told the firm's leadership she will not take the top job, according to reports on October 25, 2026. Semafor reported that Nee has held talks to join Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. The decision follows a run of partner departures and the end of Weil's merger talks with Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Announcement (Semafor) → · The American Lawyer, Bloomberg Law
Key points
- Nee relayed her decision to Weil's leadership committee and other firm leaders, according to people familiar with the matter.The American LawyerBloomberg Law
- She had been named last spring to succeed Barry Wolf, who has led Weil since shortly after the 2008 financial crisis.SemaforBloomberg Law
- Semafor reported Nee has discussed joining Simpson Thacher, though the talks could still fall apart.Semafor
- A sizable portion of Weil's Boston partnership would likely follow Nee if she leaves, one person told Semafor.Semafor
- Weil recently lost rainmaker Michael Aiello and a team of partners to Cravath, Swaine & Moore.Semafor
- It is unclear whether Wolf will still retire at year end or who would succeed him.Bloomberg Law