Wachtell Lipton is hiring former Manhattan US Attorney Joon Kim to strengthen its litigation practice after the departure of top trial lawyer Bill Savitt and other partners to Gibson Dunn. Kim, who served as interim head prosecutor in Manhattan and worked at Cleary Gottlieb as a litigation partner, joins as a partner focusing on high-stakes litigation, enforcement, and white-collar crime. His tenure at the US attorney’s office included leading investigations into SAC Capital Advisors and the Silk Road case, and he oversaw the prosecution of Billy Walters.
Kim was also appointed by the New York state attorney-general to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Andrew Cuomo, which contributed to Cuomo’s resignation. Wachtell, known for its M&A strength, maintains a focused litigation practice with roughly 20 litigation partners compared to 35 corporate partners. The firm said Kim is a 'terrific cultural fit' and expressed enthusiasm about his move from rival Cleary Gottlieb.
This hire reflects intensifying competition for top legal talent amid rising partner defections at elite law firms.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing