The New York-based group at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP boasts a varied offering that includes trade secrets and restrictive covenant litigation, discrimination claims, and wage and hour mandates. Another pillar of practice is the handling of claims of misconduct against C-Suite executives and litigation arising from corporate transactions and restructurings. At the helm of the practice, New York-based employment all-rounder John Barry specializes in disputes emerging from executive terminations, mass exoduses, and discrimination and harassment claims. Over in Boston, Peter Mee joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in November 2023. Also in Boston, Rebecca Sivitz made partner in January 2024 and has knowledge of executive disputes, investigations, and complex union matters. New York-based counsel Celine Chan focuses on employment-oriented investigations. Gary Friedman left the firm in February 2024.

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Key clients

  • Russell Reynolds Associates
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Apollo Management
  • Lendlease
  • Talen Energy
  • CAPCO
  • Kroger Company
  • Community Brands
  • Flexport
  • Schindler Elevator
  • OPE Inmar Investment Holdings LLC
  • BAPS

Work highlights

  • Won a TRO in the S.D.N.Y. in favor of Russell Reynolds Associates, enforcing employee non-solicit and no-hire, and confidentiality/non-disclosure provisions in RRA’s Stock Agreement against a former partner who left RRA with three other RRA employees to start a competing firm.
  • Represented a global investment bank in connection with allegations brought by a female Managing Director claiming gender, pregnancy and parental discrimination in the firm’s decision not to promote her to Partner, as well as a related arbitration.
  • Lead an internal inquiry of critical importance to a major energy sector company and its highest-ranking executives, against the backdrop of the company’s chapter 11 restructuring process.

Lawyers

Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Barry

Other key lawyers

Rebecca Sivitz, Celine Chan, Peter Mee