Off: Weil Insiders Line Up To Say Good Riddance

Key Points:

• Weil, Gotshal & Manges announced corporate chair Michael Aiello's departure to Cravath, describing it as a move to a "smaller platform," signaling tension rather than a typical amicable exit.
• Despite Aiello's reputation as a top business generator and one of the highest-paid partners, some Weil insiders expressed relief, citing his divisive leadership and resistance to firm growth and recruitment efforts.
• Reports indicate Aiello was territorial over his practice and opposed initiatives like expanding to the West Coast or hiring certain M&A partners, leading to key departures and missed recruitment opportunities.
• Weil partners view Aiello's exit as a chance to pursue broader growth and entrepreneurial initiatives, aiming to expand the firm's transaction base and overall size.
• The public handling of Aiello's departure is unusually candid and critical for Big Law standards, breaking from the typical polished and neutral statements firms usually issue.