26 Feb 2026
Willkie Farr & Gallagher Recognized Among Most Active Firms for Lateral Partner Hiring in 2025
"Willkie Farr & Gallagher added lateral partners Ryan Blaine Bennett (Restructuring) and Brian E. Hamilton (Private Equity & M&A) in 2025; the firm ranked among the AmLaw 200's top lateral hirers."
Ryan Blaine Bennett joined Willkie in November 2025 and serves as Chair of Willkie’s Restructuring Group. He is described as one of the industry’s most respected restructuring lawyers and has joined the firm’s Restructuring practice as a lateral partner.
Brian E. Hamilton joined Willkie in September 2025. He is a leading private equity and M&A dealmaker and a nationally recognized authority on private equity and M&A transactions. He has joined the firm’s Corporate & Financial Services practice as a lateral partner.
Willkie ranked #18 among AmLaw 200 firms for lateral partner additions in the 2025 hiring year, and both lawyers were highlighted among the most significant lateral hires of 2025.