July 11, 2024
The New York Law Journal has named Restructuring partner Candace Arthur and Complex Commercial Litigation and Appeals and Strategic Counseling partner Robert Niles-Weed among its “Rising Stars” as part of the publication’s 2024 New York Legal Awards.
Appeals and Strategic Counseling partner Adam Banks was also named a finalist for “Diversity Initiative” in recognition of his work as Co-Chair of Weil’s Diversity Committee.
Candace and Robert are among 30 New York lawyers aged 40 or under to receive the “Rising Star” honor and Adam is one of 11 shortlisted for the diversity award.
In profiles in the New York Law Journal, Candace was recognized for representing various parties in bankruptcy proceedings and Robert was separately featured for advising clients in numerous disputes in trial and appellate litigation in state and federal courts.
The publication noted Candace’s mentoring efforts across Weil’s affinity groups, including Black Lawyers Achieving Success Together and Women@Weil, and highlighted Robert’s work as Chair of Hope in a Box, a non-profit supporting LGBTQ-inclusive classrooms nationwide, along with his leadership in WeilPride.
When asked about advice for young attorneys, Candace emphasized the importance of being a “problem-solver,” while Robert indicated the significance of “Invest[ing] in what matters most—whether to a client or colleague, on a case or deal, or in your own life outside work.”
Adam said his proudest accomplishments in diversity include helping lead the Firm’s response to unrest in summer 2020, which featured numerous initiatives, like adding more Firm programming on diversity and inclusion and pioneering the Firm’s racial justice fellowship. He also emphasized that while progress has been made, the work of promoting diversity is not over.
“We have to remember that we made progress only because we were intentional about it: programs, initiatives, conferences, mentoring, speakers, trainings and so forth have all been instrumental in getting us to where we are,” Adam said.
The awards honor “attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.” The winner of the “Diversity Initiative” contest will be announced and all honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on September 5.
