AI-First Law Firm Crosby Seeks to Acquire Assets of Famed Weil Gotshal Amid Its Decline

Image: TechCrunch · Source

Crosby, a two-year-old AI-driven law firm, has bid to acquire assets and hire lawyers from the dissolving prestigious firm Weil Gotshal, signaling a potential transformation of legal services through AI.

The legal industry is witnessing a significant development as the renowned Wall Street law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges prepares for dissolution, with AI-focused firm Crosby entering the scene as a potential acquirer. According to TechCrunch, Crosby, established just two years ago as an AI-first law firm, has submitted a bid to acquire certain assets of Weil Gotshal, including its trademark, branding, and unspecified internal data. Additionally, Crosby is seeking to recruit some of Weil Gotshal’s 1,200 lawyers, demonstrating a strategic expansion fueled by artificial intelligence.

Weil Gotshal’s impending wind-down follows a series of internal setbacks, including the refusal of the anticipated leadership successor, departures of top-producing lawyers, and the collapse of a prospective merger with rival Willkie Farr & Gallagher, as reported by the New York Times. While the specifics of Crosby’s bid remain undisclosed, and the outcome is uncertain, this move highlights the intersection of traditional legal practices with advanced AI technology.

Crosby distinguishes itself from other legal AI ventures by operating as a fully functioning law firm that harnesses AI internally rather than merely licensing technology to existing firms. The startup claims its AI capabilities enable unprecedented speed in delivering legal services. Since emerging from stealth in 2025 with $5.8 million in seed funding, Crosby has raised approximately $85 million, including a $60 million Series B round led by investors Lux and Index, with backing from Sequoia, Elad Gil, 01 Advisors, and Bain Capital Ventures.

Though no sources have linked the rise of legal AI as a factor in Weil Gotshal’s decline, the potential acquisition by Crosby could symbolize a broader industry shift. If Crosby’s bid succeeds, it may revive Weil Gotshal’s legacy under an AI-first model, potentially reshaping future law firm operations through technological innovation. This development marks a critical moment for both the legal profession and the integration of artificial intelligence within it.