Raising the Bar: Inside Weil’s Culture of Purpose, Service and Well-Being

At Weil, associates develop as well-rounded professionals through their client work as well as through pro bono opportunities, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and wellness programs. Our associates are encouraged to engage beyond Firm walls, in their broader communities, and with one another in ways that are intentional, sustaining and impactful.

We recently checked in with associates Katie DePaola, Michael Geisler, Molly Newcomb, Sam Rosenbloom and Sidy Traore about how pro bono, CSR and wellness initiatives shape their experience at Weil—and what potential candidates should know as they consider their own paths.

What aspects of Weil’s culture or approach to community stand out most to you?

Michael: Sustained growth. Leadership is deeply committed to supporting both our professional and personal goals. While working at a law firm can mean long hours, even during the busiest times, the Firm remains focused on fostering balance and well-being.

For example, Weil offers structured wellness initiatives, such as mindfulness workshops, fitness challenges, confidential counseling resources and access to the Weil Wellness Center’s physician services, that help us manage stress and maintain resilience. Easy access to these resources reinforces that my well-being matters here. They help me feel supported and give me the confidence to bring my authentic self to work every day.

The Wellness Center also provides peace of mind and convenience when health concerns arise. What makes these programs unique is that Firm leaders actively participate and encourage engagement, centering wellness as a shared priority across all levels of the organization.

Katie: Weil is a very community-oriented firm that values mentorship and relationship-building. Those connections, both formal and informal, shape how you grow here and how supported you feel as you do.

Sam: There’s a real warmth to Weil’s culture. We do serious work, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Everyone delivers at a high level, but they’re also just genuinely good people and teammates. That combination, high-caliber work alongside generosity, really stands out.

Sidy: Collaboration. People are truly willing to work together, regardless of seniority. As a junior associate, having attorneys at all levels who are open to mentoring and taking the time to teach creates an environment that’s very conducive to learning.

How do corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives shape associate life at Weil?

Molly: Weil’s CSR work is where you feel the Firm’s community partnerships come to life. Through long-standing programs like PENCIL (a nonprofit that introduces New York City youth to career pathways) and the TEAK Fellowship (which helps talented students from low-income families through intensive after school and summer classes), my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to work directly with students from underserved neighborhoods on résumé building, interview preparation, and early career skills. We build genuine relationships with the students we mentor, learn from each other, and you can see first-hand how commitment to social responsibility can transform into real, hands-on impact.

Katie: What makes these experiences stand out is how effortless the Firm makes it to participate—the opportunities are varied, thoughtfully structured, and woven into our schedules in a way that removes the usual barriers to volunteering.

What does associate involvement look like in practice when it comes to pro bono work?

Molly: At Weil, associates don’t just participate in pro bono programs, they lead. You’re given real responsibility and the resources to see matters through, making the work both challenging and deeply fulfilling. 

Sidy: The Firm’s work with organizations like the Innocence Project really stands out. These matters are always available, easy to get involved in and deeply meaningful. Everyone deserves a fair chance, and being able to contribute, especially when a conviction may be unjust, underscores the seriousness and importance of this work.

Katie: I’ve also worked on several Innocence Project intake matters, which have been a great opportunity to assume leadership—conducting research, evaluating cases and presenting findings directly to partners. It’s hands-on work that accelerates your development while serving a critical purpose.

Is there something about Weil’s approach to pro bono, CSR, or wellness that prospective colleagues should understand?

Michael: Our CSR, pro bono and wellness teams take a highly supportive approach. If you’re passionate about a particular cause or organization, the Firm will help you find matters that align with your interests — opening the door to opportunities to make real impact, in real time, on some of the most critical challenges many face today.

Sam: It’s incredibly easy to get involved. Dedicated teams proactively match you with matters that align with your interests. I’ve had chances not only to join meaningful pro bono matters, but also to serve on a nonprofit board—with Firm support and the ability to track those hours. 

The firm’s encouragement, especially early in my career, has made a real difference.

Molly: Many opportunities shape your experience at the firm. For me, highlights include working on Veterans’ benefits cases and collaborating on matters through long-standing partnerships with organizations such as Legal Services NYC and Answer the Call. These partnerships stand out because of their depth and the long-standing relationships behind them.

How does the Firm support associates who want to pursue causes important to them while balancing client matters?

Michael: Even in a demanding environment, Weil prioritizes balance. Leadership ensures that associates have the flexibility and support to engage in pro bono and CSR initiatives without compromising client responsibilities.

Molly: That commitment extends beyond billable client work. You’re encouraged to choose what resonates with you and contribute in ways that feel authentic and energizing, all within a framework of relationships the Firm has cultivated over many years.

Sidy: The Firm’s partnerships with organizations across different causes create meaningful opportunities for engagement. Attending events like the Ronald McDonald House gala—and seeing firsthand the impact those organizations have—reinforces how meaningful it is to work at a place that supports both the legal work and the broader mission behind it.

Katie DePaola is an associate in the Private Equity practice, based in the New York office.

Michael Geisler is an associate in the Antitrust group, based in the Washington, D.C. office.

Molly Newcomb is an associate in the Restructuring department, based in the New York office.

Sam Rosenbloom is an associate in the Private Equity practice, based in the Dallas office.

Sidy Traore is an associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions practice, based in the New York office.