Camilo Cardozo > Vinson & Elkins LLP > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

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.

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s team is led by Houston and Dubai-based James Loftis (head of the firm’s international disputes practice), and New York’s Camilo Cardozo, who heads up the Americas division of the practice. The firm has a particularly notable record in energy and infrastructure disputes, including LNG and natural gas-related arbitration. Additionally, it has extensive experience in both investment and commercial arbitration and demonstrates wide-ranging geographic coverage. The practice continues to be prominent in the market due to its headline role in representing the Panama Canal Authority in arbitrations connected to the Panama Canal expansion project. London’s Nick Henchie is a leading figure in Latin America construction arbitrations, with fellow London-based partner Louise Woods also active on Latin America matters. Raised to the partnership in early 2022, New York’s José F Sanchez is an up-and-coming tri-lingual practitioner with a close focus on the Americas. The team also includes Houston counsel Peter Danysh who has extensive construction and energy disputes experience (both commercial and investor-state), and a particular focus on Latin America.