‘The Larger Firms Are Pulling Away’: Willkie Bolsters Public M&A and Private Equity with Sullivan & Cromwell Veteran
In the fiercely competitive U.S. legal arena, elite law firms are widening their lead over the pack. Willkie Farr & Gallagher just landed a major coup by recruiting Brian Hamilton, the former co-head of Sullivan & Cromwell’s private equity practice, to supercharge its public mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity (PE) capabilities.
A High-Profile Hire in a Shifting Market
Willkie revealed Hamilton’s joining on September 8, 2025, positioning him as a key player in its corporate department. With over 25 years at Sullivan & Cromwell, Hamilton specialized in advising on blockbuster PE deals, public M&A transactions, and cross-border investments. His portfolio includes advising on leveraged buyouts exceeding $50 billion in value, serving blue-chip clients like Blackstone and KKR.
This move underscores Willkie’s aggressive push to capture more of the lucrative high-end deal flow. Hamilton himself highlighted the strategy: “The larger firms are pulling away by dominating both strategic advisory and public M&A. Willkie’s robust platform gives us the tools to close that gap and win mandates from the top.”
The Widening Chasm in Big Law
The U.S. legal industry is undergoing rapid consolidation. A 2025 Am Law 100 report shows the top 20 firms snagged 70% of deals over $500 million, up from 55% five years ago. Giants like Sullivan & Cromwell, Latham & Watkins, and Kirkland & Ellis leverage vast networks, specialized teams, and tech-driven efficiencies to outpace rivals.
Mid-sized firms face extinction risks without bold plays. Willkie, with its 1,000+ lawyers and strong New York base, counters this by poaching talent from peers. Hamilton’s expertise in navigating SEC filings, antitrust hurdles, and activist investor battles will fortify Willkie’s bench for complex public deals.
Hamilton’s Proven Pedigree and Willkie’s Growth Trajectory
During his tenure at Sullivan & Cromwell, Hamilton orchestrated landmark transactions, such as the $20 billion acquisition of a major tech firm by a PE consortium and multiple healthcare roll-ups amid regulatory flux. He also counseled on activist defenses and going-private maneuvers.
Willkie’s M&A group already boasts a solid track record, closing $150 billion in deals in 2024. Integrating Hamilton elevates the firm into the elite tier, especially for public company work where precision and speed are paramount. Expect Willkie to target expansion in Silicon Valley and Chicago to match Hamilton’s West Coast ties.
Ripples for U.S. Corporations and the Economy
American businesses stand to gain from heightened competition among top firms. Enhanced expertise means smoother M&A executions, potentially accelerating innovation and job growth in sectors like tech, energy, and finance. However, it intensifies pressure on smaller companies, who may face steeper legal fees—average M&A costs rose 15% in 2025, per Deloitte.
Economically, robust PE activity injects capital into the market, but it sparks antitrust concerns. The FTC blocked three mega-mergers this year alone, citing market concentration. Politically, this fuels debates on corporate power, with Democrats pushing for tougher scrutiny and Republicans advocating deregulation to spur deals.
Industry Buzz and Stakeholder Perspectives
Legal insiders hail the hire as transformative. “Hamilton brings S&C’s PE playbook to Willkie, which could disrupt the status quo,” a former colleague shared on LinkedIn. On X, reactions range from excitement—”Willkie just leveled up big time!”—to skepticism about fee hikes squeezing startups.
Consumer advocates worry about accessibility: “As elites consolidate, everyday businesses get left behind,” one expert tweeted. Regulators like the ABA are calling for ethics guidelines on lateral moves to prevent client poaching.
The Road Forward: Willkie’s Power Play
Hamilton’s addition catapults Willkie into the fray with renewed vigor, potentially reshaping league tables for years. As larger firms pull away, expect more talent wars and innovative services like AI-assisted due diligence.
For U.S. dealmakers, this evolution promises sharper counsel but demands budget savvy. Willkie’s gambit could mark the start of its ascent—or a reminder that in Big Law, only the agile survive.
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