International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has announced the addition of prominent partner Rebecca Ward to its Private Equity practice in London. With over 20 years of experience, Rebecca has a strong background in advising leading sponsors on complex, high-value transactions throughout the investment lifecycle. Her previous role was at Freshfields, where she practiced for four years, and before that, she spent 17 years at the prestigious PE firm Dickson Minto.
This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Weil’s private equity capabilities across Europe. The firm has recently expanded its team in Germany by adding 11 private equity partners within the past year, and its Paris office is recognised as a leading player in the private equity sector. In recent weeks, Weil has also made notable hires in the U.S., including partner Peter Feist, who has joined as U.S. Co-Head of Private Equity, alongside other partners in San Francisco.
Rebecca’s extensive experience spans a range of transactions, including leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, and restructurings for both private equity houses and corporates. Barry Wolf, Weil’s Executive Partner, expressed enthusiasm for Rebecca’s arrival, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to Weil’s market-leading Private Equity practice where the firm is a leader, advising clients on their most significant and complex transactions.” He further highlighted that her established relationships with leading sponsors across Europe would enhance the firm’s integrated teams on a global scale.
Marco Compagnoni, Co-Head of the Global Private Equity group, praised Rebecca’s reputation in the London market, saying, “Rebecca is a hugely respected private equity partner with a reputation for excellence in the London market… We are delighted to welcome her to the firm as part of the tremendous growth across our European private equity practice.”
Rebecca Ward added, “I’m delighted to be joining Weil. It has built a truly exceptional private equity platform… I am very much looking forward to being part of the team and contributing to the next phase of its growth.” Her joining is seen as a pivotal enhancement to Weil’s efforts in the highly competitive landscape of private equity in Europe and globally.