The prestigious law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison is witnessing a continued exodus of its litigation talent. The latest departures include two prominent litigation partners, further eroding what was once considered a powerhouse in the legal industry.

Andrew Ehrlich, a stalwart at Paul, Weiss for 24 years and co-chair of the firm’s securities litigation and enforcement group, announced he will be leaving at the end of the month. Ehrlich, known for representing high-profile clients in complex shareholder and governance litigations, expressed his pride in the work accomplished at the firm but feels it's time for a change, possibly leaning towards a role in the nonprofit or public sector.

Roberto Gonzalez, another significant figure at Paul, Weiss who co-chaired the firm’s economic sanctions and anti-money laundering practice, is also making a move. Gonzalez will join Paul Hastings in Washington, D.C., where he will lead their sanctions and AML team, taking with him a client list that includes giants like Amazon, Google, and JPMorgan.

These departures add to a troubling trend for Paul, Weiss, which began around March 2025 following a controversial deal with Donald Trump. This deal, which involved the firm trading $40 million in pro bono services for the rescission of an executive order, led to a backlash within the firm and the legal community. High-profile partners and co-chairs have since left, citing the need for independence and disapproval of the firm's direction under the deal.

In response to these departures, Jay Cohen, co-head of the litigation department at Paul, Weiss, emphasized the firm's commitment to maintaining a robust litigation practice. Cohen highlighted the recent addition of seven new litigation partners and the launch of a new practice in Houston as evidence of the firm's ongoing commitment and resilience.

However, the transformation of Paul, Weiss under the leadership of Scott Barshay, who supported the Trump deal and is reshaping the firm towards a transactional focus, raises questions about the future of its litigation department. While the firm boasts increased revenue and profitability, the loss of seasoned litigators and the shift in focus might dilute the firm's legacy in high-stakes litigation.

As Paul, Weiss navigates these turbulent times, the legal community watches closely. The firm's ability to stabilize its litigation practice and reassure both its clients and personnel about its direction and leadership will be crucial in determining its standing in the competitive landscape of Biglaw.