Vinson & Elkins LLP > Washington DC, United States > Firm Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

Jointly led by energy transactions & projects head Danielle Patterson, as well as corporate co-heads and acquisition experts Kaam Sahely and Matt Strock, all based in Houston, Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s practice advises high-profile clients on the whole range of development, financing, acquisition, and sale of renewables projects, and is particularly ‘well-versed in tax equity financing and credit monetization techniques in general, as well as the new opportunities presented by the Inflation Reduction Act‘. In 2022, the firm advised Goldman Sachs Renewable Power in its separation from Goldman Sachs Asset Management to form MN8 Energy, the second largest U.S. independent solar and storage energy producer by capacity, with a deal value of approximately $3bn. Further notable members of the group are transactional lawyer Michael Joyce in Los Angeles, and Austin’s Sean Moran, who stands out as ‘veteran adviser in tax equity financing‘, as well as the ‘excellent’  M&A and private equity lawyer Matthew Falcone and Alan Alexander, whose practice areas include joint ventures and advising on energy projects in Latin America. Falcone and Alexander are both based in Houston. Lauren Collins in Los Angeles is another well regarded member of the team’s ‘first-rate tax team’, while John Connally left the practice in 2022.      

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 1

Noted for its expertise in representing companies across the natural and LNG industry sectors, Vinson & Elkins LLP’s team is regularly placed at the forefront of large-scale infrastructure projects, handling all regulatory aspects and related appellate work, as well as critical pipeline rate cases before the FERC. The practice handles a variety of other regulatory mandates, including compliance issues, gas quality proceedings and presidential permit applications. Jay Seegers leads the Houston-based team, advising natural gas pipeline clients on regulatory issues with a focus on administrative litigation. Other key contacts in the team include Washington DC’s John Decker, who has experience in the natural gas and power sectors, having worked on numerous domestic and international matters involving the transportation of natural gas and LNG, Suzanne Clevenger and Damien Lyster, who operate from the firm’s Houston office. Jason Fleischer joined the practice from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in February 2023. Anita Wilson  has retired.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 1

Counting large-scale oil and gas exploration and production companies, pipelines, oilfield services companies, commercial banks and private equity firms among its key roster of clients, Vinson & Elkins LLP has a strong track record in handling high-stakes transactions, with experience in the purchase and financing of oil and gas assets and projects. Keith Fullenweider works with private equity firms on investments, financings and exit transactions. Kaam Sahely represents investors and developers in energy and infrastructure investments and projects, and Danielle Patterson is another key contact for handling M&A, private equity investments, joint ventures and project development transactions in the upstream and midstream oil and gas sectors. Bryan Loocke is another key contact in the group. All named lawyers are based in the firm’s Houston office. John Connally has left the firm.

Government > Government relations Tier 1

M&A/corporate and commercial > Shareholder activism Tier 1

The experienced team at Vinson & Elkins LLP has broad capabilities across the space, with ' two partners who head the team, one whose past experience is on the defense side advising corporates, the other whose background is on the investor side advising activists’, with this dual expertise reflected in the work of practice co-heads Patrick Gadson , a specialist in activism defense, and Lawrence Elbaum, who focuses on advising investors and is noted for his ‘unsurpassed experience and knowledge, as well as great problem solving and dispute resolution skills.’ More broadly, clients for the group include the boards of public companies against an increasing wave of activism, and ‘they have unparalleled institutional knowledge and understanding of these situations and the complex, nuanced dynamics’, combining this with standout litigious expertise. Another key member of the team is senior associate Desiree Baca, who regularly advises public companies on proxy fights. All named practitioners are based in New York.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Vinson & Elkins LLP has an established record in high-yield debt, drawing on a core team of professionals in Houston. Although best known for its expertise in the energy sector, its wide-ranging capabilities touch on agriculture, airlines, automotive, real estate, renewables, financial services, telecommunications and technology. The firm is historically better known for issuer roles, but is now considered equally strong in underwriter engagements. It has also made an impression in sustainability-linked and green bond offerings. Houston partner David Stone - one of the most active high-yield debt specialists in the market - is a key name to note.

Finance > Project finance Tier 2

Vinson & Elkins LLP is active in major projects in both traditional and renewable energy and power across the country, with a particular strong renewable energy practice, and a strong presence on the East and West Coasts and Texas. Eamon Nolan and Michael Joyce jointly lead the team, based in New York and Los Angeles, respectively. Nolan is a prominent project finance attorney with experience in complex transactions in both the US and Latin American markets, while Joyce has a strong focus on solar and wind projects. Sean Moran in Austin has particular expertise in complex financial structuring, and Lauren Collins in Los Angeles has a niche focus on tax issues in project finance. Transactions expert Aaron Prince in New York and Alan Alexander in Houston are also recommended, with Alexander’s expertise including complex downstream projects, as well as energy transition matters.

Government > Government contracts Tier 2

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s Washington DC-based government contracts practice is noted for its wealth of experience in high-stakes bid protests and claims litigation. The group acts for major contractors operating in the defense, aerospace, healthcare, construction and IT industries. Headed by David Johnson, the team is equipped to handle suspension and debarment proceedings, False Claims Act matters, contact disputes, M&A and compliance issues. Regarded as a ‘rock star in government contracts’, Jamie Tabb is especially active in contract disputes at the federal level. At counsel level, Elizabeth McIntyre leads on economic sanction and export control compliance, and Tyler Robinson is recommended for bid protests and subcontractor disputes.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 2

The energy litigation team at Vinson & Elkins LLP acts on a broad range of energy disputes in the oil and gas sector, both domestically and internationally, including cases surrounding transportation of oil and gas, contract disputes, royalty litigation and class actions. Disputes specific to shale and hydraulic manufacturing are another key area of expertise. Dallas-based Matthew Stammel heads the energy litigation practice group, frequently representing oil and gas companies and private equity firms in commercial disputes, while Houston’s Jim Thompson co-leads the wider litigation department, with over 35 years’ experience handling lawsuits, appeals and domestic and international arbitration for clients in the oil and gas sector. Nicholas Shum has considerable experience litigating contracts involving upstream, midstream and oilfield services companies, while also handling significant antitrust and trade secrets matters. Stephanie Noble was promoted to partner at the end of 2022, with a track record for representing clients in energy, contract, shareholder and construction disputes. Jason Fleischer joined the team from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in February 2023.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 3

With an impressive client roster that spans a range of industries, including the chemicals, techn, automotive, pharma, and transportation sectors, the team at Vinson & Elkins LLP is noted for its strength in handling cross-border and international civil and criminal proceedings. Recent notable work includes representing Hitachi in the DOJ’s investigation into the auto parts industry, as well as representing Google in several investigations by Taiwanese and South Korean authorities. The team is jointly led by Darren Tucker and Hill Wellford, who both have significant in-house experience from the FTC and the Antitrust Division, respectively, and who take the lead on DOJ and FTC proceedings and governmental investigations. On the litigation front, Alden Atkins represents clients in domestic and international criminal and civil cartel matters and arbitrations, with Houston’s Jason Powers  also playing a key role on this front. Mike Scarborough and Dylan Ballard joined the firm from Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP in January 2023, further strengthening the firm’s San Francisco office. Unless otherwise stated, lawyers are in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP offers a broad nationwide antitrust practice with a strong presence across Washington DC, Texas, and California, working with clients in highly scrutinized sectors such as energy, tech, chemicals, and pharma on merger clearances, combining prolific HSR filing work with a successful record in antitrust litigation relating to contested mergers. The team focuses on cross-border mergers, encompassing multijurisdictional filings and approval proceedings, alongside investigations by international regulators, best evidenced by co-head Darren Tucker’s representation of Google in its $2.1bn acquisition of Fitbit, which required European, Canadian, and Latin American merger approvals and was subject to international investigation. Co-head Hill Wellford is also noted for his specialism in antitrust investigations by the FTC and DOJ, including several high-profile merger cases. Vastly experienced antitrust litigator Alden Atkins  has a strong focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors, while Zachary Terwilliger, formerly United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is also a key team member, focusing on contentious merger cases and trials. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP represents issuers, underwriters, accounting firms, financial institutions, and directors and officers in securities fraud class actions and other claims associated with stock-price declines. Most prominent in the energy sector, the firm is increasingly involved in cases arising from a diverse range of industries, among them financial services. Michael Holmes in Dallas and Michael Charlson in San Francisco lead the securities and shareholder litigation and enforcement group. Clifford Thau in New York is currently acting for Stronghold Digital Mining, a bitcoin mining company. Also in New York, Lawrence Elbaum has ‘a calm, analytical demeanor coupled with astute business acumen’. He worked with Charlson on the defense of Genius Brands International in securities class actions alleging the company made materially false and misleading statements concerning the its business and business prospects. Dallas-based Craig Zieminski is a lynchpin of the practice. John Wander has left the firm.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s capital markets practice is largely located in its Houston headquarters. Its engagements continue to be in the energy and infrastructure sectors, along with REITs and other industries; it represents a wide range of private equity portfolio companies. The firm remains active in both issuer and underwriter representation. It has achieved further recognition in green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds. David Oelman, David Stone and Douglas McWilliams are active partners in Houston, along with Christopher Green in Washington DC, who is noted for REIT offerings.

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Vinson & Elkins LLP remains best known for its work in the energy and infrastructure sectors, along with shipping, financial services, manufacturing, real estate and REITs, telecoms, transportation and technology. It routinely advises on IPOs, equity and at-the-market offerings. Its close links to private equity houses and their portfolio companies has brought it an even stronger deal flow in recent years. It has also experienced a notable uptick in renewable energy-related transactions and SPAC IPOs in recent times. Douglas McWilliams, Sarah Morgan, David Oelman and Ramey Layne are amongst the key names in Houston, along with Brenda Lenahan in New York.

Finance > Commercial lending

A dominant firm in the energy financing space, Vinson & Elkins LLP is active on both sides of the debt finance market, counseling lenders and borrowers alike on leveraged buyouts, secured credit facilities, syndicated loans, mezzanines, and refinancing matters. The team is also one of the most active players in assisting with preferred equity financings. In addition to its work for large national and regional banks, the firm also advises alternative lenders and maintains a borrower-side client roster that encompasses large energy corporations and a growing number of private equity firms. Led out of Texas by Brian Moss and Erec Winandy, the firm also maintains a New York office, which is home to key contacts Brett Santoli and Tzvi Werzberger, alongside its New York-based aviation finance division led by David Berkery and Niels Jensen. Houston partner James Longhofer is another name to note.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

The team at Vinson & Elkins LLP has an active practice before FERC, with work ranging from representing sponsors of merchant transmission projects seeking favorable rate treatment, approval of purchases and sales of power generation facilities and transmission assets; and representing parties under non-public investigation by FERC’s Office of Enforcement. The firm, known for its ‘experience with electrical interconnections in Texas,’ also has an active practice before NERC and PUCT, focused on advising clients concerning compliance with NERC’s Reliability Standards and representing utilities and sponsors of merchant transmission projects with regard to regulatory approvals and sitting for new transmission lines before PUCT. John Decker , who is based in Washington DC, represents companies on regulatory matters for electric power marketers and on the sale or acquisition of electric power assets, while John Decker , working from the Austin Texas office, navigates clients through the rulemaking and regulatory compliance matters before the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and other state and federal regulatory agencies. Damien Lyster , working in both the Houston and Washington offices, is noted for his work advising clients on federal regulatory issues related to the production, gathering and sale of electric power commodities.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP offers clients broad expertise in the environmental and natural resources arena and handles crisis management, the defense of high-stakes government investigations, and litigation against regulatory authorities relating to the contention of new regulations. It is active in the manufacturing, oil and gas, and mining industries, and has considerable experience in water, air and contamination cases, as well as those relating to endangered species. The team is led by Ronald Tenpas in Washington DC, with Tenpas recommended for civil and criminal investigations; Austin’s Eric Groten is a key name for CAA issues and defending enforcement actions. Larry Nettles has retired.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

The environmental and natural resources team at Vinson & Elkins LLP is active in the oil and gas, and mining industries, among others and has a strong track record in high-stakes government investigations and enforcement matters, permitting, and litigation when things go wrong. The team is led by Washington DC’s Ronald Tenpas, a key name for in civil and criminal investigations and CAA matters. Matthew Dobbins, also in Houston, handles litigation, regulation and transactional issues, with particular expertise of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects and renewable fuels. Larry Nettles has retired.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3

The environmental and natural resources group at Vinson & Elkins LLP acts for clients on high-value M&A, the buying and selling of assets, financings and project development, and is well versed in acquiring and defending permits pertaining to air, water and wetlands. The practice has a strong track record in handling the environmental aspects of energy transactions and is led by Ron Tenpas in Washington DC. Also in Houston, Matthew Dobbins is a name for regulatory counseling, remedial issues, environmental litigation, energy transition and transactional matters, with a focus on low-carbon ventures. Casey Hopkins in DC is experienced in securities offerings, private placements and environmental approvals. Larry Nettles has retired.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP works closely with its corporate teams to address all executive compensation and benefits issues arising in M&A, SPAC transactions and IPOs. The department shows strength in the energy and oil and gas sectors, advising key clients such as Talos Energy Inc. and MN8 Energy LLC. Practice head David D’Alessandro operates out of both the Dallas and Houston offices, advising companies on the implementation of executive contracts on tax and securities issues. Shane Tucker and Dario Mendoza are based in Dallas, with the former handling private equity sponsored work, while the latter focuses on assisting REITs and boards of directors on compensation and benefits matters. Patricia Adams and Joo Hyun Lee have both joined the firm in New York from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, bringing vast expertise on compensation-related aspects of corporate transactions.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 3

The team at Vinson & Elkins LLP includes specialist construction practitioners, experienced trail arbitration attorneys, and transactional lawyers who represent a wide range of clients across the US. The practice also frequently oversees public and private energy and infrastructure projects. Kaam Sahely in Austin co-leads the team and is an expert in power generation, renewable and sustainable energy, alongside traditional hydrocarbons and infrastructure assets. Ferguson McNiel is a well-established litigator who possesses more than forty years of experience in representing clients in commercial, construction, energy as well as toxic tort cases. Alan Alexander’s practice focuses on joint ventures, project development, as well as project financings. Stephanie Coco is proficient in project and infrastructure construction and development, and her practice is particularly focused on structured transactions, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions. All mentioned individuals are located in Houston unless stated otherwise.

Real estate > Real estate investment trusts (REITs) Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP advises clients in a diverse range of asset classes owned and financed through REIT structures, advising on corporate and regulatory issues, REIT formation and capital market transactions, both public and private offerings of equity and debt securities, restructurings, and both UPREIT and DownREIT structures. Richmond's Daniel LeBey jointly chairs the practice in conjunction with tax specialist Chris Mangin. Other key contacts include Gregory Cope in, who advises REITs at every stage of their life-cycles, and corporate finance expert Chris Green. Lawyers are in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP has a diverse client base which encompasses public and private corporations, private equity funds and investors. The team is particularly well-versed in taxation matters across areas such as energy, partnerships, real estate investment trusts and SPACs. The practice has expertise in international tax planning issues including formations of new financing structures, transfer pricing and restructurings. Dallas-based David Peck is experienced in advising companies on tax planning and structuring transactions. He co-leads the team with Ryan Carney  in Houston who represents issuers and underwriters in IPOs. Also in Houston, George Gerachis heads the firm’s tax controversy practice and resolves IRS audits and appeals for clients.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP has a strong reputation in renewable and conventional energy taxation; the team acts for a steady stream of upstream, midstream and downstream companies, as well as drillers, service companies and energy-focused private equity funds. Clients also turn to the firm for its expertise in MLP transactions, where practice co-head Ryan Carney is an essential contact; fellow co-head David Peck frequently handles domestic and offshore fund formations. Elsewhere, de-SPAC transactions and REITs are other significant drivers of work. Working out of the Washington DC office, Chris Mangin is an REIT expert, while Gary Huffman focuses on partnerships, financial products, and natural resources. In New York, Ron Nardini advises on investment funds, with a particular focus on those involving credit, healthcare, and entertainment. Federal income tax specialist John Lynch is also recommended. All named individuals are based in Texas unless noted otherwise.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

In January 2022, Vinson & Elkins LLP launched a New York-based aviation finance practice following the recruitment of David Berkery (a former A&L Goodbody LLP partner in Dublin), and Niels Jensen, formerly of Milbank. Both Berkery and Jensen represent sponsors, such as airlines and aircraft leasing companies, and capital providers, including major banks and private equity funds. The team has also assisted with the development of structural solutions that allow investors to acquire rights in insurance claims from aircraft owners. The group, which has ‘strong breadth and depth of experience‘, is supported at senior associate level by Demi Hueth, whose practice focuses on aviation-related corporate, asset-backed and structured financings.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP regularly represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stake civil antitrust lawsuits, specializing in the airline, electronics and energy and chemicals sectors. The team is co-headed by antitrust investigations expert Darren Tucker and Hill Wellford, who counsels and assists clients in the energy, pharma, and tech industries. Trial lawyer Alden Atkins  focuses on antitrust class actions and arbitrations across a spectrum of industries, and Craig Seebald’s core practice consists of defending international and domestic clients in cartel and price-fixing investigations. In Houston, commercial and business litigator Jason Powers  also leads on many matters.  The practice has recently expanded its team with the hires of Stephen Medlock from Mayer Brown in October 2022 and the January 2023 arrival of Mike Scarborough and Dylan Ballard in San Francisco from Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP. All attorneys are based in Washington DC unless specified otherwise.

Dispute resolution > Appellate: courts of appeals / Appellate: supreme courts (states and federal) Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s appellate practice is distinguished by its marked focus on energy-related matters, as well as by its strong Texas footprint. That being said, the group’s expertise extends beyond the energy industry and it often acts alongside the firm’s trial lawyers to handle matters relating to the First Amendment, IP, tax, bankruptcy and commercial transactions, among other issues. Houston-based Marie Yeates ‘commands the room and enjoys the respect of the judiciary’. Yeates co-chairs the group alongside Washington DC-based Jeremy Marwell, who is noted for his niche expertise in energy-industry environmental and regulatory appeals. Former department co-head Thomas Leatherbury retired in January 2023.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Counting a number of former DOJ officials and federal prosecutors among its ranks, Vinson & Elkins LLP combines its broad white-collar practice with deep knowledge of regulatory bodies and enforcement authorities. Washington DC-based Michael Dry heads the practice jointly with New York’s Palmina Fava, who is hailed as a ‘fearless, focused advocate’. Also in New York, Christopher Duffy‘s practice spans clients from a wide variety of sectors, including technology and professional sports. Former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Zachary Terwilliger is active in the firm’s DC office and has in-depth experience assisting clients with federal investigations and trials.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Driven out of Houston and New York, Vinson & Elkins LLP's international arbitration group shines in energy-related disputes, in line with its firm-wide strength. It also secures a steady stream of infrastructure development and construction-related matters. Global head of international disputes James Loftis is a former chief counsel for both the oil sector and the construction and engineering panels of the United Nations Compensation Commission; he splits his time between Houston and Dubai. New York-based Camilo Cardozo heads the international disputes practice for the Americas and is recognized for his expertise in Latin America-related cases. New York's José Sanchez, whose recent work spans energy, IP and construction matters, recently joined the partnership.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 4

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

David Meyer and Bill Wallander, in New York and Dallas respectively, head Vinson & Elkins LLP’s restructuring and reorganization practice, which is best known for its work in the energy sector, and also represents companies, institutional and alternative lenders, private equity sponsors, distressed purchasers, and other interested parties in relation to in- and out-of-court restructuring matters in a variety of industries. Meyer has recently led a team, alongside Paul Heath in Houston, advising Riverstone Holdings LLC and certain of its funds as equity owners of Talen Energy Corporation in connection with the Chapter 11 case Talen Energy Supply. Wallander has considerable experience representing creditors, syndicated bank groups, bondholder groups, non-bank lenders, private equity funds, and debtors.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 4

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP is notable for both the value and volume of mandates it handles, representing the world’s largest and most sophisticated private equity investors including Blackstone, Carlyle and Vista on cutting-edge transactions. The practice is particularly renowned for its specialist expertise in the energy and renewable sectors, while also maintaining considerable breadth across various industries from consumer products and digital commerce to software and sports. The team is jointly led from Houston by Stephen Gill and Sarah Morgan , while John Grand  is also a leading presence in Dallas. In New York, Jim Fox has a wealth of experience in the energy, industrials and tech industries, while Gabriel Silva represented Swiss Life Asset Management in its $1.2bn minority investment in DataBank. Also in Houston, Keith Fullenweider is active in high-value investments, financings and exit transactions, while Matthew Strock and Lande Spottswood are key contacts.

Real estate Tier 4

With ‘great bench strength‘ in its principal New York and Dallas offices, co-headed by Wally Schwartz and Paul Martin , respectively, Vinson & Elkins LLP is a top choice for banks, private equity firms, REITs, developers, landlords and tenants, in all commercial transactions, debt and equity financing and development work. Julia Sanabria continues to hold a busy leasing practice, and has recently advised Related Santa Clara on the leasing of the 800,000 square foot retail component of a 240-acre mixed use project being built in Santa Clara, California. Adam Endick is also active in commercial leasing transactions. Both of the partners are based in New York.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP is active in a variety of industries including financial services, technology, real estate, and energy, and acts on behalf of prominent multinational clients. Houston-based co-head George Gerachis has significant experience handling appeals, and representing clients in Tax and Federal District Courts. The group has undergone significant expansion, with Kathleen Pakenham and Adriana Wirtz joining the New York office from Cooley LLP in January 2023. Pakenham, who is a seasoned litigator, has been added as a new co-head of the team, and brings expertise in federal tax matters. Also key is Gary Huffman, in Washington DC, who specializes in the financial, and oil and gas industries.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Vinson & Elkins LLP represents clients across a plethora of industries, including energy, financial institutions, pharmaceuticals, in addition to tech. The team is also home to experienced trial lawyers who have appeared before administrative agencies and in arbitration and mediation, and appellate lawyers who have appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court. Christopher Duffy in New York is adept in representing large financial institutions and focuses on commercial appeals, arbitrations, and trials as well as government investigations. Christopher Popov in Houston has litigated numerous cases pertaining to antitrust, environment, IP, and merger disputes. James Thompson is also located in Houston and has deep experience as a trial attorney, working with clients on a range of business litigation matters, Craig Seebald works from Washington, DC and is a name to note.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

Roundly praised by clients for its depth of expertise and ‘solution-oriented‘ approach, Vinson & Elkins LLP is routinely engaged in a variety of M&A work across a multitude of industries, including manufacturing, technology, telecoms and consumer goods, but particularly excels in energy and infrastructure-related transactions. A ‘go-to for large-scale M&A in the oil and gas industry‘, the firm is also a popular destination for private equity firms. The practice is under the joint leadership of John Grand in Dallas, and the Houston-based duo Sarah Morgan and Stephen Gill, the latter of whom is skilled in acting for public companies on shareholder activism defense issues. Also in Houston, Lande Spottswood has led on several complex strategic transactions in the industrial and energy sectors, while Robert Hughes is recurrently sought out by private equity firms, portfolio companies and public businesses.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 6

Michael Holmes – Vinson & Elkins LLP

Real estate > Land use/zoning

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 3

Houston-based James Loftis leads a Vinson & Elkins LLP international arbitration team that provides ‘clear, precise and well-founded solutions’ for its clients in both commercial and investor-state matters. The ‘excellent’ Camilo Cardozo in New York is a key contact for Latin America work, with London-based Nick Henchie known for his extensive construction industry expertise. Up-and-coming New York-based partner José F Sanchez handles arbitral matters in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and has experience of ICC, ICSID, ICDR, LCIA, UNCITRAL and Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce rules - particularly as regards infrastructure, energy, investor-state relationships, and post-acquisition disputes.

Latin America: International firms > Compliance and investigations

Vinson & Elkins LLP is especially noted for energy (including oil and gas) sector cases, including allegations of FCPA violations, along with investigations linked to M&A and project development due diligence. The government investigations and white-collar defence practice is also active in the technology and financial services sectors. New York partner Palmina Fava  is a genuine Latin America specialist with an active practice in investigations and compliance programmes. Washington DC’s Ephraim Wernick is an experienced figure in FCPA investigations by the DOJ and SEC. Matthew Jacobs has joined DLA Piper LLP (US).

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s international dispute resolution and arbitration team has wide ranging experience across numerous arbitral forums and national courts. Practice head James Loftis specialises in international commercial and investor-state disputes. Nabeel Ikram recently joined from Hogan Lovells (United Arab Emirates) LLP, and focuses on contentious engineering and construction matters. Amir Ghaffari and Joseph Chedrawe left the firm.