Weil, Gotshal & Manges has announced a leadership succession plan that will see Ramona Y. Nee appointed as Executive Partner beginning January 1, 2027, succeeding long-serving leader Barry M. Wolf.
Nee, who currently serves as Co-Managing Partner and Co-Head of the firm’s U.S. private equity practice, will take on the role as the firm’s most senior executive, overseeing strategic direction, client relationships, financial performance, and core management functions. She will also assume the role of Chair of the Management Committee once Wolf retires at the end of 2027.
Wolf, who has led the firm for 16 years, will remain Executive Partner through 2026 and continue as Chair of the Management Committee during the transition period. He will retire from the partnership at the end of 2027 upon reaching the firm’s mandatory retirement age and will transition into a newly created Senior Counsel role starting January 1, 2028, where he will continue to support the firm on a part-time basis.
As part of the leadership transition, Jonathon G. Soler, currently Co-Managing Partner, will become the firm’s sole Managing Partner, taking primary responsibility for operations and administrative oversight while continuing to serve his private funds client base.
The transition has been structured to include a full year of overlap in 2027, allowing for continuity in leadership and enabling Nee to gradually transition her client responsibilities. The firm also highlighted the role of its Global Leadership & Strategy Committee in shaping the succession process and broader strategic direction, with a newly formed Global Strategy Committee set to focus on growth initiatives, client development, and lateral hiring opportunities.
Founded in 1931, Weil, Gotshal & Manges is an international law firm with approximately 1,200 lawyers across offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and is widely recognized for its corporate, litigation, restructuring, and tax practices.
KEY QUOTES:
“Ramona is uniquely suited to guide Weil into its next chapter. 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 M. Wolf, Executive Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
“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. 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.”
Ramona Y. Nee, Co-Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
