Austin Pollet, with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Courtesy photo Austin Pollet, with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Courtesy photo

Three months after announcing what it termed foundational pieces in San Francisco, the New York-based Am Law 50 firm said this week it is bringing on Austin Pollet, who represents private equity firms in all aspects of business and has a particular focus on structuring, negotiating and managing complex transactions.

Paul Weiss is seeking to expand on the West Coast just like many other elite firms. Allen & Overy, Debevoise & Plimpton and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer have also rushed to the Golden State in the last year, creating more competition for both new entrants and homegrown firms.