Weil Gotshal & Manges and Willkie Farr & Gallagher have ended discussions over a possible merger, intensifying pressure on Weil’s leaders as many of its top partners take jobs elsewhere.

The talks were ended last night after the two sides had signed a non-disclosure agreement to discuss a tieup, two people familiar with the matter said. Willkie was the law firm Bloomberg Law reported Weil was in discussions with earlier this week.

On Thursday, at least some top partners at Weil had been holding discussions with their colleagues to build excitement for the possible tie-up, according to a person familiar with those discussions. By the end of the day, the merger talks were off.

The development came as more Weil partners headed for the exits.

The co-managing partner of Weil’s corporate department, Lyuba Goltser, plans to join Sidley Austin, according to a person familiar with the move. Davis Polk & Wardwell plans to bring on appellate litigator Drew Tulumello, another person said.…