Jonathon G. Soler, currently Co-Managing Partner of Weil, to become the Firm’s sole Managing Partner
International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP today announced its leadership succession plan, continuing a strategic transition as Executive Partner Barry M. Wolf prepares to retire as partner at the end of 2027, after having led the Firm for the past 16 years.
Succeeding Barry as Executive Partner will be Ramona Y. Nee, who currently serves as Co-Managing Partner of Weil, Co-Head of the Firm’s U.S. Private Equity practice and Co-Managing Partner of the Boston office. As Executive Partner, Ramona will serve as the most senior executive of the partnership – with primary responsibility for setting the Firm’s strategic direction, strengthening key client relationships and directing the Firm’s financial performance and core management functions. Barry will continue to Chair the Management Committee until he retires at the end of 2027, at which time Ramona will become Chair of the Management Committee. During 2027, in addition to Chairing the Management Committee, Barry will be working full time devoting substantial attention to ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Jonathon G. Soler, currently Co-Managing Partner of Weil, will become the Firm’s sole Managing Partner with primary responsibility for Firm operations. In this capacity, he will work closely with the Firm’s Executive Director on the oversight of key administrative functions and other strategic priorities. Jonathon will continue to serve his robust Private Funds client base.
Ramona and Jonathon will assume their new roles on January 1, 2027. A year of overlap with Barry will allow for a smooth and well‑coordinated leadership transition – including providing Ramona sufficient time to transition most of her client work.
The Global Leadership & Strategy Committee was formed to assess Firm strategy and growth opportunities, and to assist with the succession planning process and has accomplished its intended goals. The Management Committee has benefitted from its strategic insights and instituted purposeful change at its direction. Given the evolving needs of the Firm, a new Committee, the Global Strategy Committee, will focus on Firm strategy and growth, including key clients, business development and other market opportunities and assessing potential lateral partners, and will be chaired by Michael Aiello. The other members of the GSC are Barry (until he retires), Ramona, Barry Dunne and Beth Kasden.
Barry will retire from the partnership at the end of 2027 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age, and will assume the role of Senior Counsel beginning January 1, 2028. In this newly-created position, Barry will continue to work on a part-time basis on various Firm matters. Given the increasing complexities of the legal marketplace, his expertise and vast institutional knowledge will be helpful in lateral partner recruitment, business development and other matters that inure to the long-term health and benefit of the Firm.
“Ramona is uniquely suited to guide Weil into its next chapter,” said Barry. “She exemplifies the leadership, the skills and the values essential to our continued growth, and will ensure that the Firm maintains its standing as a preeminent provider of legal services. I applaud her for her dedication and commitment to the future of our great Firm.”
“Barry is an inspiring role model whose principled leadership over two decades has helped shape who we are as a Firm and prepared us well for the future,” said Ramona. “I look forward to working with him, the Management Committee, and all of my fellow partners during the transition period as we continue to serve our clients, support our people and continue attracting the best talent in the legal profession.”
