By As Law Online 
Key Points on the Rise of Paul Weiss
- Historic Foundation and Growth: Paul Weiss, formally Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, traces its roots to 1875 in New York City, evolving from a small commercial practice into a global powerhouse with over 1,000 lawyers across 10 offices on three continents.
- Shift to Corporate Dominance: Under leadership since 2008, the firm transitioned from litigation-heavy roots to a balanced model where corporate work, especially M&A, now drives the majority of revenue, boosting profits per equity partner to around $7.5 million by 2024.
- Innovation and Diversity Legacy: Known for pioneering diversity hires, including the first African-American associate in 1946 and first female partner in 1949, though recent challenges highlight ongoing debates in firm culture.
- Recent Expansions and Achievements: In 2025-2026, Paul Weiss expanded with new offices in Houston and additional space in London, while securing top rankings in M&A, antitrust, and litigation, reflecting resilience amid industry pressures.
- Challenges and Adaptability: The firm navigated controversies, including a 2025 executive order and leadership changes in 2026, yet maintained client trust through high-profile deals and pro bono commitments, underscoring its adaptability in a competitive landscape.
Research suggests Paul Weiss exemplifies how traditional firms can modernize by embracing global expansion and talent acquisition, though debates around diversity and external pressures add nuance to its narrative. It seems likely that its strategic hires and practice diversification have fueled sustained success, even as the legal industry faces regulatory scrutiny.
Firm’s Core Strengths
Paul Weiss stands out for its market-leading practices in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, litigation, and white-collar defense. This blend allows it to handle complex, high-stakes matters for clients like Blackstone, Citibank, and Google. Its pro bono efforts, such as representing Guantanamo detainees and supporting reproductive rights, reinforce a commitment to public interest law.
Economic Performance
| Metric | 2024 Value | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $2.6 billion | Up from prior years, driven by M&A surge |
| Profits per Equity Partner (PPEP) | $7.5 million | Reflects top-tier status among Big Law firms |
| Number of Lawyers | Over 1,000 | Expanded through strategic lateral hires |
This table highlights Paul Weiss’s financial ascent, aligning with broader M&A market recovery in 2025, where U.S. deal values rose 61% year-over-year.
Industry Context
Evidence leans toward Paul Weiss benefiting from a post-pandemic M&A boom, with global strategic deals shaping 2026 outlooks. However, complexities like antitrust enforcement and geopolitical tensions require firms to adapt, as seen in its navigation of 2025 regulatory developments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult qualified legal professionals for advice specific to their situations.
Introduction
Paul Weiss, formally known as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, represents a quintessential example of a law firm’s evolution from humble beginnings to global prominence. Founded in New York City nearly 150 years ago, the firm has grown into a powerhouse with over 1,000 lawyers across 10 offices worldwide, handling some of the most complex legal and business challenges. Its rise matters today amid a competitive legal landscape marked by mergers, regulatory shifts, and technological disruptions. Businesses, professionals, and individuals impacted by high-stakes transactions or disputes often turn to firms like Paul Weiss for guidance, making its story relevant to anyone navigating modern legal complexities.
Background & Legal Context
The origins of Paul Weiss date back to April 1875, when Samuel William Weiss and Julius Frank established a general commercial practice in New York City. This modest start laid the foundation for what would become a firm deeply embedded in American legal history. Over the decades, mergers and key hires shaped its identity: in 1923, Louis Weiss and John F. Wharton formed Weiss & Wharton, which later merged with Cohen, Cole, Weiss & Wharton. By the 1930s, the firm was already involved in significant cases, such as representing one of the Scottsboro Boys, highlighting its early commitment to civil rights.
Post-World War II growth was pivotal. In 1946, Randolph Paul and Lloyd K. Garrison joined, expanding the firm and leading to its current name by 1950 when Simon Rifkind became a partner. This era emphasized litigation, with two-thirds of revenue from disputes, aligning with established legal principles like those in federal courts and regulatory frameworks from agencies such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Paul Weiss pioneered diversity, hiring William Thaddeus Coleman Jr. as the first African-American associate at a major New York firm in 1946 and Carolyn Agger as its first female partner in 1949—precedents that influenced bar associations and industry standards.
The firm’s civic-minded ethos is evident in its alumni, including U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan (as summer associates), and political figures like Jeh Johnson. This background reflects broader legal contexts, such as the evolution of white-shoe firms under antitrust laws and corporate governance reforms.
Key Legal Issues Explained
Paul Weiss excels in 45 practice areas, blending expertise in corporate transactions and litigation. In plain terms, “white-collar defense” involves representing clients in investigations by regulators like the Department of Justice (DOJ), often navigating statutes such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The firm’s M&A practice handles public and private deals, applying principles from the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act for antitrust reviews.
Litigation strengths include copyright and trademark disputes, where lawyers secure injunctions under the Lanham Act or defend in appellate courts. Restructuring involves Chapter 11 bankruptcies, as seen in advising Caesars Entertainment. Pro bono work, like aiding Guantanamo detainees or family separation cases, draws on habeas corpus and immigration laws. These areas demonstrate how Paul Weiss applies precedent from bodies like the U.S. Supreme Court to real-world scenarios, such as climate litigation for ExxonMobil.
| Practice Area | Key Focus | Notable Example |
|---|---|---|
| M&A | Public and private deals | Advised on IBM’s $11B acquisition of Confluent |
| Litigation | Antitrust, IP | Won dismissal in Intuitive Surgical antitrust case |
| Restructuring | Bankruptcy proceedings | Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 emergence |
| Pro Bono | Public interest | TRO for labor issues in Angola |
This table illustrates the firm’s diversified expertise, essential for clients facing multifaceted legal challenges.
Latest Developments or Case Status
As of early 2026, Paul Weiss continues to expand amid a robust M&A market. In February 2026, it opened a Houston office led by M&A co-chair Sean T. Wheeler, targeting energy and infrastructure deals. London office growth added 22,000 square feet, accommodating up to 300 lawyers. Awards include top rankings in Chambers Global 2026 across 40 areas.
2025 brought challenges, including a U.S. executive order targeting the firm over diversity policies and past investigations, leading to a settlement involving $40 million in pro bono commitments and DEI adjustments. This prompted partner departures and Chairman Brad Karp’s resignation in February 2026, with Scott Barshay succeeding him. Despite this, the firm reported $2.6 billion in 2024 revenue and handled megadeals, with 2025 U.S. M&A values up 61%. Regulatory memos on sanctions, antitrust, and national security underscore its advisory role.
Who Is Affected & Potential Impact
Clients like Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, and ExxonMobil benefit from Paul Weiss’s services, affecting industries from finance to energy. Businesses involved in cross-border deals face implications from heightened merger controls under the 2026 NDAA. Professionals monitoring compliance, such as in antitrust or sanctions, may see shifts in enforcement trends.
Potential outcomes include smoother deal executions but increased scrutiny, as in outbound investment rules. For the public, pro bono efforts impact vulnerable groups, like immigrants or those in human rights cases. Firm controversies could influence diversity discussions in Big Law, affecting recruitment and culture.
What This Means Going Forward
Paul Weiss’s trajectory signals broader legal industry trends toward globalization and specialization. With M&A pipelines strong into 2026, expect continued growth in tech and infrastructure. Readers should monitor antitrust developments, as agencies like the FTC intensify reviews. The firm’s adaptability post-2025 challenges suggests resilience, but ongoing debates on ethics and diversity warrant attention.
Conclusion
Paul Weiss’s journey from a 19th-century New York practice to a modern global leader underscores the importance of innovation and resilience in law. Its contributions to legal precedents and public interest remain relevant, encouraging stakeholders to stay informed on evolving regulations and industry dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Weiss known for?
Paul Weiss is renowned for its expertise in M&A, litigation, and white-collar defense, serving major clients in complex matters.
When was Paul Weiss founded?
The predecessor firm started in 1875, with the current structure emerging post-1950.
How has Paul Weiss grown recently?
Through office expansions in Houston (2026) and London, plus key hires in antitrust and finance.
What controversies has Paul Weiss faced?
It navigated a 2025 executive order on diversity, leading to settlements and leadership changes, amid broader industry scrutiny.
Does Paul Weiss do pro bono work?
Yes, including human rights and immigration cases, aligning with its civic legacy.
What are Paul Weiss’s financial metrics?
In 2024, revenue reached $2.6 billion with $7.5 million PPEP, reflecting strong performance.