Cahill Gordon & Reindel, the century-old finance powerhouse, has become another post-Weil talking point and has acknowledged approaches from rival firms about a potential combination, even as chairman Herbert Washer insists the business remains financially strong.
Speaking to Bloomberg Law, Washer pointed to expected double-digit revenue growth in 2026 and continuing investment in new practices.
But the numbers tell only part of the story.
Legal commentator David Lat, writing in Original Jurisdiction, has asked whether Cahill could become the next Weil Gotshal.
His concern centres on partner departures, as per the Weil Gotshal scenario. Eight finance partners have left Cahill this year, roughly 10 percent of its partnership, with White & Case, Proskauer and Paul Hastings among the beneficiaries.
Bloomberg Law also reports that three further partners are heading to Latham & Watkins.
Profits Don’t Guarantee Survival
Cahill generated approximately $502.5 million in revenue last year, with profits per equity partner reaching $5.7 million and hardly fits the financial profile of a dying business.
But Weil had the same profile too and their impressive profits offer little protection when influential partners start leaving.
Lat suggests Cahill could face a similar partner run, although a merger might provide an escape route unavailable to Weil.
Washer maintains that Cahill’s key lawyers remain committed. No merger or acquisition has been confirmed.
The question facing BigLaw is no longer simply how profitable a firm is but whether its most valuable partners still believe their future lies within it.
And after Weil, that is a question every managing partner should be asking.
