Latham Hires Five Weil Trainees in London
Latham & Watkins has taken on five trainees from the London office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges after the US firm moved to wind down.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Five trainees from the London office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges have been hired by Latham & Watkins. Weil's leaders recommended that partners pursue an orderly wind-down of the 95-year-old US law firm.
Why it matters
Dozens of solicitors and other workers at Weil's Fetter Lane office face redundancy, and the City of London Law Society said it was on standby to help UK trainees and junior lawyers affected by the collapse. The episode highlights how law firms can be vulnerable to a spiral of partner withdrawals.
Five trainees have been hired by Latham & Watkins, while dozens of Weil's London solicitors and staff face redundancy. Final headcount impacts remain unconfirmed.
The players
Latham & Watkins
A large international law firm that has hired five trainees from Weil's London office, taking advantage of the collapse of a rival practice.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
A US law firm founded 95 years ago whose leaders recommended an orderly wind-down after partner withdrawals threatened its finances.
City of London Law Society
The professional body for solicitors practising in the City of London, which said it was ready to help UK trainees and junior lawyers affected by Weil's demise.
The details
Weil's leaders recommended partners vote to pursue an orderly wind-down, and partner departures that take clients with them reduce profits and pay for remaining partners. Latham & Watkins welcomed the Weil trainees to its London office at Leadenhall Street.
Timeline
Last week: The City of London Law Society said it was on standby to help affected UK trainees and junior lawyers.
November 4, 2026: Latham & Watkins hired five Weil trainees.
Legal Context
Law firms are vulnerable to a spiral of partner withdrawals that resembles a run on a bank, in which each departure lowers profits and prompts further exits. Weil's collapse, despite no debts and rising profits, shows how quickly this dynamic can end a long-established practice.
Dozens of Weil solicitors and staff at Fetter Lane face redundancy, and affected UK trainees and junior lawyers can seek help from the City of London Law Society. Clients of the firm are likely to see their legal work reassigned as the wind-down proceeds.
The takeaway
Lawyers and firms facing partner departures should watch for the early signs of a spiral, since losing even a few senior partners can quickly undermine a firm's finances. Trainees and junior staff affected by a collapse can seek support from professional bodies such as the City of London Law Society.
Further reading
Browse more coverage in the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Law Gazette.
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