Weil M&A Dealmaker Michael Aiello Joins Cravath

Weil, Gotshal & Manges is set to lose one of its most prominent M&A lawyers, with Michael J. Aiello, who has led the firm’s more than 600-person corporate practice, preparing to join Cravath, Swaine & Moore alongside five other M&A-focused partners.

The move, reported on September 11, 2026, represents a significant development in the competition for senior corporate lawyers and dealmaking talent among major U.S. law firms.

Aiello has played a central role at Weil and has advised clients on major transactions involving companies including Dow Chemical and Sanofi.

Michael Aiello Moves to Cravath

Aiello has become an influential figure within Weil through both his transactional work and leadership responsibilities. 

Global Strategy Committee and as a longtime member of its Management Committee. His move to Cravath comes at an important moment for both firms. Weil is preparing for a leadership transition, with Boston-based partner Ramona Nee expected to succeed Executive Partner Barry Wolf following Wolf’s more than 16-year tenure as the firm's leader.

For Cravath, the arrival of Aiello and other M&A partners could strengthen its corporate practice and expand its ability to compete for major transactions and private-equity mandates.

Aiello’s M&A Perspective

Aiello has previously discussed his approach to M&A and client advisory work publicly in a Weil LinkedIn video podcast. Speaking about how he developed his career in the field, Aiello explained:

“I neither chose the law nor M&A, I really felt like they both chose me at different parts of my life.” - Michael J. Aiello, Corporate Department Chairman and Chair of the Global Strategy Committee, Weil, Gotshal & Manges

In the same discussion, Aiello described the importance of substantive excellence and collaboration in corporate legal work. He also discussed how clients are navigating an increasingly uncertain economic and geopolitical environment.

He said companies should “proceed cautiously and thoughtfully, but also don't be afraid to lean in,” reflecting his view that businesses should continue evaluating strategic opportunities even during periods of uncertainty.

Competition for M&A Talent

Aiello’s departure highlights the broader competition among elite law firms for experienced dealmakers. Leading firms are increasingly seeking lawyers who bring major corporate relationships, transaction experience and private-equity connections.

The legal industry has also experienced increased lateral movement among senior partners as firms compete to strengthen their most profitable practices. Weil itself has faced several partner departures in recent months, including the move of former private-equity group co-head Christopher Machera to Paul Weiss.

At the same time, firms are dealing with changing client expectations, artificial intelligence and increased pressure to provide sophisticated strategic advice alongside traditional legal services.

Weil Responds to Departure

Weil acknowledged Aiello’s departure in a statement, saying:

“Mike Aiello and his team have informed us that they are leaving the firm for a smaller platform.” - Weil, Gotshal & Manges — Firm Statement

The firm added that it intends to accelerate its growth strategy and thanked Aiello and his team for their contributions.

What the Move Means for the Market

The move is significant because senior M&A lawyers often maintain long-standing relationships with corporate boards, executives and financial sponsors. Bringing such lawyers into a new firm can therefore affect the competitive positioning of major legal practices.

For Cravath, Aiello’s arrival provides an opportunity to reinforce its M&A capabilities at a time when elite firms are competing aggressively for high-value corporate work. For Weil, the departure comes during a broader leadership transition and follows several other senior-level moves.

Aiello’s transition ultimately reflects a wider shift across the professional-services market experienced M&A advisers remain highly valuable, and leading firms continue to compete for the talent and client relationships that drive complex transactions.