Weil makes up four partners in London

Weil has promoted 17 lawyers to partner, four of which are in London, in its latest promotions round. The London tally is double last year’s two promotions and on par overall with its 18 promotions in 2025.

Promotions were split almost evenly between the US and European offices, including London, Paris and Munich.

London promotions

The newly promoted London partners are:

• Ellie Fialho - Private Equity and M&A
• Jack Gray - Private Equity and M&A
• Kai Zhang - Banking and Finance
• Kevin Donegan - Tax, Compensation & Benefits

The promotions take effect on 1 January 2026.

Rebuilding after funds exits

The round follows a year of movement in Weil’s City office, with some senior departures offset by targeted lateral hires across funds, tax and private equity.

A three-partner funds team left for Sidley earlier this year, leading to the arrival of Phil Baynes from A&O Shearman in July. Corporate tax partner Jenny Doak departed for Paul Hastings in November.

The firm added private equity partner Simon Saitowitz from Ropes & Gray in April and debt finance partner Simon Caridia from White & Case at the start of the year, as it continues to deepen its London private capital bench.

Weil opened its London office back in 1996. It currently has around 49 partners with a strong focus on private equity and finance.