August 21, 2025
Recognizing Weil’s remarkable success in rehiring 13 former attorneys as partners since the beginning of 2023, The American Lawyer reported on the Firm’s unique approach to building culture and cultivating lasting relationships that has resulted in this impressive rate of return.
According to Executive Partner Barry Wolf, bringing back a former colleague is a significant victory. “For us, it’s a huge win,” he told the publication. “When you bring someone back, you know who the person is, and they know you. They know what we are and what we aren’t. That increases the likelihood of success.”
Am Law reported that Weil most recently welcomed back partners Doug Lumish and Jeff Homrig, both of whom practiced at the Firm for a decade before departing in 2011. They returned to Weil together in July as Co-Heads of the Firm’s new IP, Technology & Science Litigation practice.
“People leave firms for a variety of reasons,” Barry said, adding that a firm’s approach to a difficult departure can make the difference between that relationship remaining intact or being severed for good.
Barry highlighted the story of Chris Machera, who left Weil as an associate in 2011. “When Chris was leaving, several people took him out for his ‘going away’ drinks. Michael Aiello pulled him aside and told him that he will always have a home here.”
Chris rejoined the Firm in 2016 from Goldman Sachs and is now co-head of Weil’s U.S. Private Equity Group. Michael, also a returned partner, is Chairman of Weil’s 600+ lawyer Corporate Department.
Barry explained that how a firm handles a departure can make all the difference, noting, “We always take the high road. We always talk well of people. We want them to have a positive experience even as they depart the firm. We are not going to do anything to upset that.”
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