Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has hired disputes lawyer William Jay from Goodwin Procter in Washington DC to head up its Supreme Court and appellate litigation practice.
Jay joins as a partner, bringing vast experience handling appeals before the US Supreme Court and other federal appeals courts. He has argued 19 cases before the Supreme Court and briefed more than 65 Supreme Court cases on the merits.
His practice spans intellectual property, financial services, class actions and mass torts, administrative law, competition, securities litigation and constitutional challenges to state law.
Paul Weiss chairman, Scott Barshay, said: “Willy is a standout appellate advocate and one of the most respected lawyers in the appellate bar. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Paul Weiss, where he will be an invaluable resource for our clients.”
Jay arrives 14 years at Goodwin, where he was a partner and, latterly, chair of its complex litigation and dispute resolution practice. He previously also chaired its appellate and Supreme Court practice and its Washington DC office.
Prior to joining Goodwin he was an assistant to the solicitor general in the US Department of Justice for almost five years, having had two earlier spells as an associate at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher either side of clerking for US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Michael Holston, co-head of Paul Weiss’s litigation department, said: “Willy’s rare combination of experience, judgement and composure has made him a star in the appellate arena. He is a great fit for our department, and his addition will allow us to continue to deliver excellent results for our clients.”
Standout victories in the Supreme Court have included Teva Pharmaceuticals USA v. Sandoz, Helsinn Healthcare v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Star Athletica v. Varsity Brands.
He said: “I am excited to bring my practice to Paul Weiss, a firm that has long been known for the exceptional quality of its lawyers. I have had the privilege to represent clients in the highest courts throughout my career, and I look forward to continuing that work with the support of the platform this firm provides.”
Jay is the second former assistant to the solicitor general who has joined the firm in the past year, having rehired Masha Hansford as a partner in Washington last September.
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