HL A&D Los Angeles
Three out of four of the Los Angeles A&D MDs left this year, all guys who were there for a long while. Any color? Particularly, what’s happening to the juniors? Being poached by the leaving MDs?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) practice at Houlihan Lokey (HL) Los Angeles has faced significant senior-level turnover, with three out of four A&D MDs leaving this year. This kind of senior exodus can have a ripple effect on the juniors, as they often rely on MDs for deal flow, mentorship, and career progression.
While there isn't specific information in the WSO threads about whether juniors are being directly poached by the departing MDs, such scenarios are not uncommon in the industry. When senior bankers leave, they sometimes take trusted juniors with them to their new firms, especially if they have strong working relationships. Alternatively, juniors may face uncertainty, with some potentially seeking opportunities elsewhere due to concerns about the group's stability or deal flow.
If you're considering joining or currently part of HL A&D in LA, it might be worth monitoring how the group rebuilds its senior bench and whether the remaining MDs can maintain momentum in the practice.
Sources: Moelis is a Sweatshop, PWP LA, Lazard LA, and Houlihan LA (RX), The Work Always Gets Done, Los Angeles IB SA Recruiting Mini-Guide, How can we do better?
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Everything in LA falls apart eventually
I suspect some will be leaving to Lincoln with the two MDs who left to start Lincoln LA A&D office
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