NEW YORK, September 8, 2026: International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced today that Damian Ridealgh has returned to the Firm as a partner in the U.S. Banking & Finance Group, based in New York. Damian is the 21^st partner to return to Weil since the beginning of 2023.

Damian specializes in representing private capital clients, including credit funds, private equity funds and other financial institutions. His practice focuses on capital solutions, special situations and liability management transactions. Damian also advises clients on complex U.S. and European financings, including acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, restructurings, REIT and fund financings and asset-based lending.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Damian back to Weil,” said Weil Executive Partner Barry Wolf. “His knowledge of the Weil platform and his deep experience advising private capital clients across the range of direct lending mandates, creditor-side liability management exercises and restructurings will be invaluable as we continue to grow strategically in these areas.”

“Damian is an accomplished creditor-side lawyer with deep experience in distressed situations, direct lending and liability management,” said Michael J. Aiello, Chairman of Weil’s Corporate Department. “He brings a substantive skill set that spans both transactional and restructuring work, allowing him to serve clients across the full range of their needs.”

“Having known Damian personally and professionally for many years, we are confident he will be a tremendous asset to our team and greatly enhance our offering in private capital and distressed creditor situations,” said Justin D. Lee and Andrew Colao, Co-Heads of Weil’s Banking & Finance practice. “His deep technical expertise, strong client relationships and collaborative style make him an outstanding addition to our Banking & Finance Group.”

Damian joins Weil from Freshfields LLP, where he served as Global Co-Head of Private Credit and Capital Solutions. He was previously a partner in Weil’s Banking & Finance practice.

“I’m excited to return to Weil. The Firm’s premier Corporate and Restructuring platforms and collaborative culture create an outstanding environment to grow my practice and deliver exceptional results for our clients,” said Damian. “Weil's increasing focus on liability management and capital solutions aligns closely with where I see the market heading, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues I've long admired and to contributing to the Firm’s outstanding Banking & Finance team.”

About Weil’s Banking & Finance Practice

Weil’s Banking & Finance practice provides “one-stop shopping” on highly complex financings, offering true international deal execution and local law advice in many of the world’s key financial centers, including New York, London, Paris and Frankfurt. Weil is one of a select group of firms that have both highly rated borrower/sponsor and lender/arranger practices. We work in tandem with lawyers from our global M&A and Private Equity practices to advise clients on all facets of acquisition and other event-driven financings. We also work closely with our preeminent Restructuring practice.

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.