Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

BOSTON, April 27, 2026: International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced today that leading international trade lawyer William (“Billy”) Phalen has joined the Firm as a partner in the Regulatory Transactions Group, based in the Boston office. Billy advises a diverse portfolio of clients on the interplay of global investment, trade and national security regulations. With a deep understanding of complex cross-border transactions, Billy is a trusted advisor to private equity funds, portfolio companies, multinational corporations, venture capital firms and financial institutions navigating the evolving regulatory environment. His practice focuses on strategic counseling related to the trade and national security aspects of M&A, fund formation and debt finance, including navigation of U.S. national security reviews. “It is our pleasure to welcome Billy to the Firm,” said Weil Executive Partner Barry Wolf. “He further strengthens our ability to guide clients through complex cross-border regulatory matters, including CFIUS and related national security and international trade issues in M&A and private equity transactions.” “The world’s leading companies turn to Weil to execute their most complex and sophisticated transactions,” said Michael J. Aiello, Chairman of Weil’s Corporate Department. “Billy’s insight into the evolving trade and national security landscape will be instrumental in helping clients anticipate risk and execute transactions with confidence.” “Billy brings deep experience in international trade, foreign investment and national security issues, enabling him to deliver practical, solutions-oriented advice to clients,” said Shawn Cooley, Head of Weil’s Regulatory Transactions Group. “He will be a terrific addition to our team.” Billy joins from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he was a partner in that firm’s International Trade & National Security Practice Group. “Weil’s Regulatory Transactions Group stands out for its ability to navigate the full range of trade, investment and national security issues that arise in sophisticated M&A and funds transactions,” said Billy. “I’m thrilled to join a platform where I can continue advising clients on the complex, fast-moving regulatory landscape that defines cross-border transactions today.” About Weil’s Regulatory Transactions Group Weil’s Regulatory Transactions Group works closely with the Firm’s Corporate and Restructuring Departments, providing comprehensive regulatory advice in connection with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financings, securities offerings and disclosure, restructurings and liquidations. The team also advises on special projects involving real estate, infrastructure development, securities disclosure, environmental and representations and warranties insurance and loan guarantees. Our lawyers are skilled at analyzing complex technical facts and ever-changing legal regimes and decoding them into strategic advice that our clients can utilize and manage alongside other transactional aspects. About Weil's Boston Office Weil's Boston office provides sophisticated legal counsel in challenging and complex private equity and other corporate transactional and litigation matters. The Firm's relationships with regional, national and international institutions have been a catalyst for our continued growth. Weil advises many of the largest private equity firms in the Boston area – including Advent International, Providence Equity Partners, PSG and many others – on their most significant matters. The Firm also represents clients in high-stakes commercial litigation and other complex business disputes. About Weil Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has been a preeminent provider of legal services for more than 90 years. With approximately 1,200 lawyers in offices on three continents, Weil has been a pioneer in the marketplace and a first-mover in the establishment of many significant practice areas. The Firm’s four departments, Corporate, Litigation, Restructuring, and Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits, and more than two dozen practice groups are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective fields.

Jonathon G. Soler, currently Co-Managing Partner of Weil, to become the Firm’s sole Managing Partner NEW YORK, MARCH 17, 2026: International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP today announced its leadership succession plan, continuing a strategic transition as Executive Partner Barry M. Wolf prepares to retire as partner at the end of 2027, after having led the Firm for the past 16 years.  Succeeding Barry as Executive Partner will be Ramona Y. Nee, who currently serves as Co-Managing Partner of Weil, Co-Head of the Firm’s U.S. Private Equity practice and Co-Managing Partner of the Boston office. As Executive Partner, Ramona will serve as the most senior executive of the partnership – with primary responsibility for setting the Firm’s strategic direction, strengthening key client relationships and directing the Firm’s financial performance and core management functions. Barry will continue to Chair the Management Committee until he retires at the end of 2027, at which time Ramona will become Chair of the Management Committee. During 2027, in addition to Chairing the Management Committee, Barry will be working full time devoting substantial attention to ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Jonathon G. Soler, currently Co-Managing Partner of Weil, will become the Firm’s sole Managing Partner with primary responsibility for Firm operations. In this capacity, he will work closely with the Firm’s Executive Director on the oversight of key administrative functions and other strategic priorities.  Jonathon will continue to serve his robust Private Funds client base. Ramona and Jonathon will assume their new roles on January 1, 2027. A year of overlap with Barry will allow for a smooth and well‑coordinated leadership transition – including providing Ramona sufficient time to transition most of her client work. The Global Leadership & Strategy Committee was formed to assess Firm strategy and growth opportunities, and to assist with the succession planning process and has accomplished its intended goals.  The Management Committee has benefitted from its strategic insights and instituted purposeful change at its direction.  Given the evolving needs of the Firm, a new Committee, the Global Strategy Committee, will focus on Firm strategy and growth, including key clients, business development and other market opportunities and assessing potential lateral partners, and will be chaired by Michael Aiello. The other members of the GSC are Barry (until he retires), Ramona, Barry Dunne and Beth Kasden. Barry will retire from the partnership at the end of 2027 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age, and will assume the role of Senior Counsel beginning January 1, 2028.  In this newly-created position, Barry will continue to work on a part-time basis on various Firm matters.  Given the increasing complexities of the legal marketplace, his expertise and vast institutional knowledge will be helpful in lateral partner recruitment, business development and other matters that inure to the long-term health and benefit of the Firm. “Ramona is uniquely suited to guide Weil into its next chapter,” said Barry. “She exemplifies the leadership, the skills and the values essential to our continued growth, and will ensure that the Firm maintains its standing as a preeminent provider of legal services. I applaud her for her dedication and commitment to the future of our great Firm.” “Barry is an inspiring role model whose principled leadership over two decades has helped shape who we are as a Firm and prepared us well for the future,” said Ramona. “I look forward to working with him, the Management Committee, and all of my fellow partners during the transition period as we continue to serve our clients, support our people and continue attracting the best talent in the legal profession.” About Weil Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has been a preeminent provider of legal services for more than 90 years. With approximately 1,200 lawyers in offices on three continents, Weil has been a pioneer in the marketplace and a first-mover in the establishment of many significant practice areas. The Firm’s four departments, Corporate, Litigation, Restructuring, and Tax, Executive Compensation & Benefits, and more than two dozen practice groups are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective fields.