November 21, 2025
Robert Niles-Weed was featured in a Law.com profile titled “How I Made Practice Group Chair.” In the Q&A, Robert discusses his path to becoming co-head of Weil’s Appeals and Strategic Counseling practice and his philosophy on leadership.
Robert reflects on his development as a litigator, explaining that while his clerkships with U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York J. Paul Oetken, former U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals David Tatel and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan shaped his legal thinking, it was at Weil where he learned how to be an effective advocate by working with “some of the best strategists, counselors and advocates in the business.”
Robert emphasizes that his leadership approach is centered on ensuring the group is well-positioned to deliver strong results. “I’m listening closely – to our clients, to our group, to colleagues across the firm – to understand how our group can best show up for them,” he says.
On priorities for the practice, Robert notes the group’s dual mission of winning major appeals and elevating advocacy across the firm: “An equally important priority is helping our colleagues and firm clients present the highest quality advocacy and strategy at all levels and in all forums.”
Robert also highlighted the momentum within Weil’s litigation practices and the broader firm, noting, “Weil litigation is on fire right now – we’re winning big cases for our clients, we’re bringing in and growing top-tier talent, and we’re doing it with our culture of generosity and collaboration. It’s exciting to be at the heart of it!”
