The legal sector is abuzz this week over the potential collapse of the prestigious Wall Street firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges, reminiscent of a plotline from “Suits.” Now, the attention has shifted to Silicon Valley.
Crosby, a relatively new AI-driven law firm that launched just two years ago, has made an offer to acquire certain assets from Weil Gotshal. This includes its branding, trademark, and some unspecified internal data, as confirmed by TechCrunch. Additionally, Crosby is looking to recruit some members of Weil Gotshal’s team of 1,200 attorneys. The Information was the first to report this development.
Weil Gotshal has acknowledged to the New York Times that it is preparing for a vote regarding its dissolution in the near future. This decision follows the refusal of the firm’s likely successor to accept the leadership role, the departure of several top attorneys, and the cancellation of a potential merger with competitor Willkie Farr & Gallagher, as reported by the Times.
Crosby’s founders assert that they represent the future of legal services. Instead of merely providing AI technology to traditional firms like Harvey or Legora, Crosby operates as a fully-fledged law firm that leverages its AI capabilities to deliver legal services at unprecedented speeds.
The startup has successfully raised around $85 million, including a $60 million Series B funding round in March, led by Lux and Index, with additional investments from initial backers like Sequoia, Elad Gil, 01 Advisors, and Bain Capital Ventures. Crosby initially emerged from stealth mode in 2025 with $5.8 million in seed funding.
While no direct link has been established between the rise of legal AI and the challenges facing Weil Gotshal, AI might play a significant role in shaping the future of the legal field. The specific terms of Crosby’s bid remain undisclosed, and it is uncertain if the startup will succeed. However, if it does, the legacy of Weil Gotshal could potentially be revitalized through this innovative, AI-focused firm.
