City law heavyweight sits down with Legal Cheek Careers
“We’re building a legacy here — not just for the next five years, but for the long-term growth and promotion of talent,” says Neel Sachdev, partner and co-head of Paul, Weiss’ London office. Sachdev has been at the forefront of private equity law for over two decades, and his move to US firm Paul, Weiss in 2023 marked a significant step in his high-flying career. With a focus on fostering a new approach to talent and growth in the London legal market, Sachdev brings a mix of pragmatism and ambition to his role as co-head of the London office of Paul, Weiss.
Paul, Weiss, a nearly 150-year-old Wall Street firm, established its English law practice with a clean slate. “We’ve started without legacy practices or baggage,” Sachdev explains. “That’s allowed us to focus entirely on culture and empowerment from the outset.” In just over a year, the office has grown rapidly, now boasting over 40 partners and more than 200 lawyers overall. “Our hiring has been deliberate,” Sachdev says. “We’ve brought in partners who we know and trust, many of whom we’ve worked with before. Many of these partners have been at their prior firms for their entire careers. That familiarity has helped us create a strong and cohesive culture.”
Paul, Weiss is determined to differentiate itself by genuinely investing in its people, Sachdev is keen to emphasise. “Many firms say they invest in young talent, but here it’s real,” he notes. One standout feature is the firm’s commitment to coaching, which extends to all lawyers regardless of their level of experience. “I’m coached by Steve Jobs’ former advisor,” he shares. “It’s about equipping people with advisory skills that complement their technical legal expertise.” The firm’s new training contract, announced in 2024, reflects this philosophy. “We’re looking for trainees who want a long-term career in law,” Sachdev says. “They need to be comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones and working on complex global deals and engaging with clients and market trends from day one.”
He also highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by technological change. “We are embracing AI innovation. AI will handle routine tasks, but it won’t replace the human ability to build relationships and be a trusted advisor. That’s where the next generation of our lawyers will be trained to excel,” he says.
In addition to technological adaptation, Sachdev emphasises the importance of cultivating entrepreneurial qualities in junior lawyers. “We want trainees who aren’t just excellent technically, but who can also understand the business of law,” he explains. “That means being in tune with client needs, market dynamics, and economic trends. It’s about developing a holistic approach to the profession.” This holistic approach is central to the firm’s training philosophy. Sachdev notes how Paul, Weiss encourages junior lawyers to step out of traditional roles. “We expect our trainees to spend time understanding the bigger picture,” he says. “Whether it’s the intricacies of macroeconomic trends or private equity client strategies, this knowledge is critical.”
I ask Sachdev about his vision for the firm over the next five years. Sachdev’s priorities centre on organic growth. “Promoting our associates and counsel to partner is my main goal,” he explains. “It’s the smartest way to build a business because it strengthens culture and demonstrates a clear pathway to success.” He contrasts this approach with the increasingly common trend of partner lateral hiring in the legal industry. “A lot of firms focus solely on hiring senior partners from competitors to grow quickly,” he says. “But I believe the strongest teams are built by promoting talent you’ve nurtured and trained yourself. That’s how you create lasting cultural cohesion.”
The firm’s choice of location — Twitter’s former headquarters in London’s West End and just a stone’s throw from the offices of many of Paul, Weiss’ private equity and asset management clients — was also intentional. “We wanted a space that fosters interaction between lawyers and clients,” Sachdev says. “Our open-plan layout has helped integrate our teams, though offices will be introduced as renovations progress.” Details like the office’s food offerings will also contribute to its distinctive culture. “We’ve taken cues from the culture-based offerings of tech companies with our juice and coffee bars and distinctive clean food offering,” he says. “These small touches make a big difference in creating an environment where people want to be.”
Paul, Weiss has also ensured that its environment reflects a modern understanding of workplace well-being. “We don’t just talk about culture; we design it,” Sachdev says. “From ergonomic setups to collaborative spaces, every detail contributes to a workplace where people feel empowered.”
Sachdev’s own career reflects the importance of embracing change and seizing opportunities. Starting as an associate at Freshfields, he moved to Kirkland & Ellis in 2003 when its London office was still small. “Some thought it was a risky move, but it turned out to be a great decision,” he says. Over 20 years, he helped Kirkland grow its presence in London significantly. He attributes much of his success to maintaining a positive approach. “Even mundane tasks have value if you’re willing to learn from them,” he says. “That’s advice I’d give to my younger self: focus on incremental progress, and always stay curious and driven.”
Building the London office of Paul, Weiss has not been without challenges. “There were no guarantees we’d succeed,” Sachdev admits. “But the level of talent we’ve been able to attract shows that our culture and vision resonate with people.” And he isn’t without a sense of humour about his achievements. “At the firm’s open day, I joked that I’m now a celebrity lawyer up there with Kim Kardashian — except she’s still in law school, and I’ve already passed!” he says.
So, why should aspiring lawyers be interested in this elite firm? Paul, Weiss’ training programme and development initiatives are already making waves. “We’ve had an incredible response to our open days,” Sachdev says. “It’s been great to see so much interest in what we’re doing here.” He also points to the firm’s focus on creating a collaborative environment. “We’re fostering a culture where people feel comfortable collaborating on deals and across clients, asking questions, and taking initiative.”
Looking ahead, Sachdev sees opportunities to further differentiate Paul, Weiss in the market. “The legal industry is changing,” he says. “Firms that attract and invest in talent, culture, and adaptability will be the ones that thrive.” Ultimately, Sachdev’s vision is about creating a firm where people want to build their careers. “We’re focused on building long-term career paths for our talent — a trainee to partner model.”
To reinforce this, Sachdev reflects on the long-term nature of what he and his team are building. “We want our trainees and associates to see a clear path to partnership,” he says. “It’s about creating opportunities and showing that hard work, dedication, and innovation are recognised and rewarded here.”
For aspiring lawyers, Paul, Weiss offers more than just a job — it’s a chance to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. “This isn’t just a career; it’s a platform for growth,” Sachdev concludes. “We’re equipping lawyers to navigate a rapidly evolving profession while staying true to their ambitions.” As Paul, Weiss continues to grow its London office, Sachdev’s leadership remains focused on one central theme: balance. “Success isn’t just about numbers or expansion,” he says. “It’s about building a firm where people can achieve their best work while enjoying the process. That’s the real legacy we’re creating.”
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