Weil in merger talks, Sheppard partners head to Crowell and Massumi

Bloomberg Law reports Weil, Gotshal & Manges leadership told practice group chiefs the firm is negotiating a memorandum of understanding to merge with another law firm. An announcement could come as early as this week, though sources cautioned nothing could come of the talks. Law.com reports sources say any Weil merger would include a firm with Texas offices and an interest in building out in New York. The American Lawyer reports sources close to Weil identified Willkie Farr & Gallagher as one of its top merger candidates, though it is not clear if those talks are ongoing. The American Lawyer also reports a Weil capital markets partner in New York is leaving for Sullivan & Cromwell. Crowell & Moring poached a Sheppard Mullin corporate partner in Los Angeles. Massumi + Consoli poached a Sheppard Mullin M&A partner in Dallas. Troutman Pepper Locke brought in three Faegre Drinker insurance litigators as partners in Philadelphia. Greenberg Traurig added a finance shareholder in Westchester County and New York. Baker Donelson added a commercial litigation shareholder in DC.

On the business side, Wood Smith Henning & Berman, an insurance defense firm, accepted outside investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners to form a management services organization that will provide non-legal operational infrastructure to the firm, The American Lawyer reports.