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.