International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has hired Merritt Johnson to the firm as a partner in the capital markets practice. Merritt is based in Weil’s New York office.

“We are pleased to welcome Merritt, who brings deep experience advising a wide range of clients on sophisticated transactions,” said Weil executive partner Barry Wolf. “His technical capabilities, combined with a commitment to excellent client service, make him an excellent fit for our Firm and our collaborative culture.”

“Merritt has demonstrated a real talent for counseling organizations across a broad array of industries as they navigate the most complex aspects of capital raising,” said Michael Aiello, chairman of Weil’s global corporate department. “His sound business judgment and impressive practice knowledge will be significant assets to our market-leading global Capital Markets team.”

Merritt joins Weil from Shearman & Sterling, where he was a partner. His practice focuses on high-yield and investment grade debt offerings, initial public offerings, secondary equity offerings, leveraged buy-outs and liability management transactions. He represents financial institutions and corporate issuers, and has worked on transactions in a range of industries – including healthcare, mining and metals, oil and gas, media and telecommunications, consumer retail products, technology, and general industrials.

“I’m delighted to join Weil’s Capital Markets team and the Firm’s outstanding global platform,” Merritt commented. “This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with accomplished colleagues who have consistently earned clients’ trust while working on high-stakes transactional, regulatory and litigation matters.”