Vinson & Elkins LLP > Dallas, United States > Firm Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Energy > Energy regulation: oil and gas Tier 1

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s energy regulation and complex commercial litigation practice, which is co-headed by Houston-based lawyers Jay Seegers and Suzanne Clevenger as well as Washington DC-based William Scherman, handles a diverse portfolio of matters that encompasses rate cases, presidential permit applications, compliance issues, and FERC enforcement proceedings. Seegers advises clients on a wide range of complex regulatory issues and federal energy policy trends, while Clevenger’s practice centers around advising clients on FERC regulatory requirements and compliance with FERC regulations, including assisting clients with the creation of regulatory compliance and internal audit programs. Scherman, who joined the firm in February 2023 from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, advises companies on litigation, commercial, regulatory and legislative matters relating to the US and international energy markets. John Decker has expertise in the production and transportation of LNG, the development of gas-fired power plants, and natural gas asset transactions. Monique Watson, who joined from Steptoe LLP in August 2023, offers strategic, policy and legal expertise in all facets of natural gas and oil pipeline regulation, allowing her to handle rate cases and tariff analysis, energy market policy reviews, and transactional matters.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 1

Vinson & Elkins LLP fields a team of ‘knowledgeable and commercial’ practitioners that provide ‘excellent advice and judgment’ across an array of important transactions. The firm is a frequent port-of-call to a growing roster of top name clients that include independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, prominent private equity firms, hedge funds, and investment banks, with a notable focus on the upstream and midstream space. Recent work highlights include multi-billion dollar upstream asset acquisitions, midstream joint venture merger transactions, as well as vast company takeovers. The practice is jointly led by Kaam Sahely, Danielle Patterson, and Matthew Strock, with Patterson and Strock particularly singled out for their wealth of expertise pertaining to M&A and private equity. ‘Real thought leaders’ Matthew Falcone and Lande Spottswood are ‘terrific’ across the full range of hydrocarbon transactions, with the former especially well regarded for his financial sponsor-oriented work and the latter for her expertise in public company mergers or change-of-control transactions. Bryan Loocke has overseen a multitude of matters involving high quality asset consolidations involving major active basins, particularly the Permian Basin, while Austin’s Douglas Bland focuses on midstream transactions, from pipelines to natural gas storage facilities. Keith Fullenweider has recently been active on multi-billion dollar upstream assets and gathering and processing asset deals. Shay Kuperman also comes highly recommended for his capabilities across the entire oil & gas spectrum. Other than Bland, the team operates out of Houston.  

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 1

Vinson & Elkins LLP has a strong track record advising the full spectrum of clients involved in the renewable energy sector, from tax equity investors, commercial bank lenders, and private equity funds, to project sponsors and developers. In recent years the firm has also received work from clients more usually associated with traditional energy projects, as they seek counsel on investments in cleaner energy. Assistance with financing clean energy projects under the inflation reduction act has been a specific popular subject for new work. Kaam Sahely in Austin co-leads the department and in this area stands out for his experience in renewable and sustainable energy assets. In Houston, fellow practice co-head Danielle Patterson continues to handle a number of transactions in the renewables space. On the financing side, Michael Joyce at the Los Angeles office is a key senior name, along with Sean Moran in Austin. Eamon Nolan is a key contact for financing transactions at the New York office, which also houses Aaron Prince, who recently advised on a major solar project. Lauren Collins (Los Angeles) focuses on tax matters related to project finance and has a strong presence in renewables, as does Peter Marshall (Dallas), who is a prominent M&A and finance lawyer.

Government > Government relations Tier 1

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

The broad shareholder activism practice at Vinson & Elkins LLP covers defense matters for clients across all industries and market capitalizations. Its capabilities encompass the full range of work in the area, including proxy contests, “just vote no” campaigns, hostile takeover attempts, merger contests, short attacks, and other activist challenges. Practice leaders Patrick Gadson and Lawrence Elbaum both have dedicated practices in shareholder activism, assisting with competitive proxy solicitations, strategic investor relations, and corporate governance. Elbaum is admired for his ‘great rapport with clients‘, and Gadson draws together complementary expertise across private equity, M&A, and shareholder activism. Supporting the practice heads are Anita Balasubramanian, Desiree Baca, and Brett Peace, who all have broad experience across corporate and securities law. Above named lawyers are all based in New York, save for Peace, who is at the Houston office.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 2

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s energy litigation team continues to enjoy a leading position in the oil and gas litigation industry, advising clients across the country on a range of matters including energy contract and royalty disputes, class actions and oil and gas transportation disputes. Matthew Stammel heads the energy litigation department in Dallas, and is the point of contact for a number of oil and gas companies and private equity firms on complex disputes. From Houston, fellow co-head Jim Thompson advises on the full spectrum of energy-related litigation in several state and federal courts. The team also includes Houston’s Nicholas Shum, whose broad practice spans energy litigation and contract disputes involving upstream, midstream and oilfield service companies, and Stephanie Noble, known for her considerable experience in commercial litigation in state and federal courts throughout the US.

Finance > Capital markets: high-yield debt offerings

Vinson & Elkins LLP has made a major impression on the high-yield debt field, adding prominence in underwriter-side engagements to its pre-existing strength in issuer representation. Best known for its expertise in energy sector transactions, reflecting its Houston roots, it continues to advise on a high volume of deals originating from the oil and gas industry, though has further experience in agriculture, airlines, automotive, real estate, renewables, financial services, telecommunications and technology. Green and sustainability-linked bonds are another forte for the team. In Houston, David Stone is a prolific high-yield debt specialist, while Douglas McWilliams  provides additional senior-level expertise in this area.

Finance > Project finance Tier 2

Vinson & Elkins LLP predominantly focuses on project finance and development mandates in the energy and power sector, showcasing impressive asset engagement that includes, but is not limited to, minerals, oil and LNG, solar, wind and battery storage, as well as hydrogen and carbon black production facilities. The team has a balanced workload acting for lenders, sponsors and borrowers, and are regularly sought out by some of the globe’s most prominent multinational investment banks and financial services groups. The ‘professional and commercial’ Eamon Nolan leads the team out of New York and is noted for his ‘strong experience in debt financings of renewables transactions’. Michael Joyce co-leads the group out of Los Angeles and has a similarly renewables-focused practice, and has been the chief figure on some of the largest solar portfolio financings in the firm’s book of work. Asset finance specialists Sean Moran and Aaron Prince are key team members based in Austin and New York respectively and are frequently called upon by a host of investors and sponsors. Lauren Collins continues to establish her reputation in the market for advising on tax-related project finance matters, often acting on cutting-edge, first-of-its-kind deals, and sits in the Los Angeles office alongside fellow tax equity financing professional Josh Heideman.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 3

With considerable growth in recent years, Vinson & Elkins LLP is highlighted by clients for offering ‘years of experience and great teamwork’, and is well placed to handle a varied caseload for clients from industries such as technology, automotive, airline, financial services and transportation. Hill Wellford and Houston-based Jason Powers jointly head the group, with Wellford acting in many of the firm’s international mandates, and Powers offering a specialism in energy-related matters. Craig Seebald co-leads the firm’s litigation and regulatory practice, with his capabilities encompassing multijurisdictional cartel investigations and follow-on litigation. Darren Tucker specializes in investigations in the technology, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. In San Francisco, Michael Scarborough and Dylan Ballard are experienced trial lawyers, who frequently represent domestic and international clients in proceedings involving federal and state enforcement agencies. Unless stated otherwise, mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 3

Fielding a strong team, praised for its ‘great expertise’, Vinson & Elkins LLP is routinely involved in complex and high-profile clearances across highly scrutinized sectors such as energy, tech, chemicals, and pharma. The team was strengthened by the arrival of Michael Scarborough and Dylan Ballard who have expanded the firm’s merger-related investigations and litigation work in San Francisco, while Kara Kuritz reinforces the firm’s DOJ and FTC expertise. As well as handling major US clearances, related investigations, and litigation, the firm is also adept at handling cross-border mandates. Co-head Hill Wellford handles HSR filings, government investigations, and litigation for clients in a range of industries, while fellow co-head Jason Powers specializes in energy related litigation. Darren Tucker regularly handles transactions in the tech, energy, and pharma sectors, and counsel Evan Miller is noted for his expertise in government investigations, HSR filings, and civil litigation.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP has ‘deep industry knowledge‘ in its complex commercial litigation practice, many of whom handle high-stakes securities cases. Chris Popov in Houston leads that practice, with Dallas-based Craig Zieminski and Michael Charlson in San Francisco taking the reins of the shareholder litigation and enforcement group. The firm is particularly well known for its work for clients in the energy sector, though it is increasingly involved in a broader spectrum of securities matters. Charlson is currently acting for Genius Brands International, which distributes and licenses children’s cartoon entertainment and related consumer products, in a notable securities class action. Michael Holmes in Dallas is a key figure in the group, and his recent work for EnCap Investments L.P.  in derivative claims. in New York, Lawrence Elbaum in New York also plays a key role in the practice.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s energy regulatory practice handles transactions and enforcement proceedings alongside transmission projects and rate cases for a variety of clients, often appearing before the DOE, FERC, as well as the PUCT. Houston-based James Seegers and Suzanne Clevenger act as co-heads of the team and have extensive experience advising clients in the energy space. The practice expanded notably at the beginning of 2023 with the addition of a team from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP to the DC office, including FERC experts Jeffrey Jakubiak and William Sherman, with the latter completing the group’s trio of practice heads. John Decker is noted for his expertise in regulatory matters concerning both the electric power and natural gas sectors.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 3

Manufacturing, oil and gas, mining companies turn to the environmental & natural resources team at Vinson & Elkins LLP for its ability to handle high-stakes contamination cases. Ronald Tenpas leads the group from Washington DC, representing clients in criminal investigations related to environmental violations. The deep bench fields Matthew Dobbins , of the Houston office, whose handles indemnification claims and industrial incidents, Washington DC’s Corinne Snow, who is sought after for her experience challenging as well as defending federal regulations and the Houston-based Brandon Tuck, whose background in environmental and natural resources law, equips him to handle a spread of environmental issues surrounding project development and enforcement defense mandates.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 3

The environment and natural resources department at Vinson & Elkins LLP is a key point of contact for clients seeking assistance with investigations, permitting, incident response, as well as litigation. Practice head Ronald Tenpas leads from Washington DC, working with energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and chemicals companies on enforcement, prosecutions and investigations and violations of the CAA. In the Houston office, Brandon Tuck deals with natural resources law, handling a spread of project development and permitting matters for clients within the infrastructure, energy and maritime sectors, alongside Matthew Dobbins, whose focus lies within regulatory counselling and transactional matters, particularly relating to energy transition.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s environment and natural resources group is led by Washington DC-based Ron Tenpas and advises on a diverse array of regulatory and transactional matters in the environmental domain, spanning from asset acquisitions and sales to project development, financing, and mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, the team regularly manages crucial permits for development projects, addressing contested air, water, and wetlands permits for power plants, alongside overseeing water supply and wastewater discharge permits. Houston’s Matthew Dobbins is a key contact for permitting issues related to carbon capture and sequestration projects, negative emissions projects, and renewable fuels and credits, while, from the New York office, Corinne Snow assists in drafting and negotiating environmental terms in purchase and sales contracts.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Vinson & Elkins LLP continues to be a leader in energy, particularly upstream and midstream oil and gas, and infrastructure offerings, while remaining prominent in real estate and REITs, transportation and technology. The capital markets team is making a further impression in green bonds and sustainability-linked debt offerings. Given its strength in oil and gas, much of the firm’s capital markets team sits in Houston, with David Stone , David Oelman and Douglas McWilliams  standing out, along with Sarah Morgan and Michael Telle .

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Vinson & Elkins LLP is a leader in oil and gas equity offerings, along with issuances stemming from the broader energy sector, including energy transition. It has further expertise in financial services, manufacturing, real estate and REITS, telecoms, transport and technology, among other sectors. Along with a large portfolio of issuer clients, it frequently advises major investment banks as underwriters. It is also noted for representing private equity clients and their portfolio companies. It continues to see further growth in energy transition and renewables sector offerings. Douglas McWilliams and Sarah Morgan lead the capital markets team, which includes Ramey Layne , David Oelman and Mark Kelly. All named individuals are based in Houston.

Finance > Commercial lending

Under the leadership of Dallas-based Erec Winandy and Houston’s Brian Moss, Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s ‘top notch legal talent’ focuses heavily on financing transactions in the energy sector, advising, individual and syndicates of banks as lenders and energy companies as borrowers on the structuring of secured loans or revolving credit facilities. The practice also advises energy sector clients on a range of acquisition finance structures, including leveraged buyout and mezzanine financing deals. Also in Houston, James Longhofer is sought after by predominantly energy industry clients seeking assistance with obtaining mezzanine financing and syndicated credit structures. In New York, Brett Santoli and Tzvi Werzberger advise a range of sectors, including energy, mining and transport clients on project finance loans and asset-based credit structures. Dallas’ Christopher Dewar is another name to note for reserve and asset-based lending.

Government > Government contracts Tier 3

High-stakes bid protests and claims are the cornerstone of Vinson & Elkins LLP’s practice, also assisting major players in the aerospace and defense, healthcare, construction, and IT industries with prime/sub disputes, suspension and debarment proceedings, and government and internal investigations. David Johnson leads the Washington DC-based team, and has a wealth of experience in export controls, economic sanctions, and national security matters, as well as licensing, internal investigations, and voluntary disclosures. Jamie Tabb focuses on federal contracts, primarily bid protests, disputes, and litigation. At the counsel level, Tyler Robinson supports across the range of procurement and performance, and Elizabeth McIntyre excels in export controls, compliance counseling, and internal investigations.

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

Vinson & Elkins LLP stands out for its expertise in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, with notable clients like Harold Hamm Family LLC, Earthstone Energy Inc, and Baytex Energy Corp. The firm addresses a wide range of executive compensation and employee benefits matters, such as issues relating to tax, ERISA, securities law compliance, and corporate governance. The team is additionally skilled in representing clients before regulatory bodies such as the IRS, SEC, Department of Labor, and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The practice is spearheaded by David D’Alessandro from Houston, who focuses on the tax and securities issues arising from executive compensation arrangements, and David Peck, based in Dallas. Also in Dallas, Shane Tucker advises on compensatory and benefits packages in M&A, IPOs, and de-SPAC transactions, while Dario Mendoza caters to a diverse clientele, including REITs, private equity firms, and executives. In New York, Patricia Adams and Joo Hyun Lee assist clients with various compensation and benefits arrangements related to corporate transactions.

Real estate > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 3

Based in Houston, Vinson & Elkins LLP’s construction practice acts for chemical and energy companies in various joint ventures, in addition to advising on all aspects of project financing. Kaam Sahely leads the team and acts for investors, developers and other participants in high-profile infrastructure and energy investments and projects. With expertise in project developments in Latin America, Alan Alexander is handling a series of arbitrations for the Panama Canal Authority following significant technical construction disputes, while Stephanie Coco’s assists a renewable energy gas producer in a joint venture, developing 39 landfill gas to RNG projects. Vestita Kuntz is another key contact in the group.

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

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s REIT practice is led out of Richmond by Daniel LeBey who specializes in REIT securities offerings, while the REIT tax team is led by Chris Mangin in Washington DC. The firm handles a number of REIT transactions including capital market transactions such as equity and debt securities, as well as REIT formation transactions. The team has also been active in mergers between publicly owned REITs, between REITs and C-corporations as well as acquisitions of public and private REITs over the last year. Greg Cope advises REITs on a full spectrum of issues from initial formation to corporate governance and joint ventures, and corporate finance specialist Chris Green is also noted. Both the aforementioned lawyers are based in Washington DC. Paige Anderson is key to the Richmond practice with her expertise in federal income tax and tax-related public and private REIT issues, as well as tax planning for equity and mortgage REITs.

Tax > International tax Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP advises on the tax aspects of complex transactions for US and non-US businesses raising equity and debt capital, buying, selling, or reorganizing businesses, and entering into joint ventures. The firm has particular expertise in the areas of traditional and renewable energy, partnerships including MLPs, REITs, SPACs, and Up-C structures. The team is co-headed by Dallas-based David Peck and Houston-based Ryan Carney who both advise on the full spectrum of transactions including M&A, fund formations, and investments. In Washington DC, Gary Huffman advises major multinational corporations, including large banks and oil and gas exploration and production companies, on inbound and outbound cross-border transactions. In Dallas, Natan Leyva has significant experience handling the cross-border transaction and has extensive expertise on tax legislative developments. In Houston, Jason McIntosh and John Lynch   advise clients across industry sectors, including investment funds, public and private companies, governmental entities, and high-net-worth individuals whilst George Gerachis represents clients before the courts concerning IRS audit and appeals. In New York, Ron Nardini concentrates his practice on the formation, operation, and investments of private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds, with a particular focus on credit, health care, entertainment and cross-border investments. Allyson Seger, who sits in the Austin office, focuses her practice on the US federal income tax aspects of complex cross-border and domestic transactions.

Tax > US taxes: contentious Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP fields a ‘very experienced’ team with broad sector expertise and a strong record in an array of contentious tax matters, including issues relating to partnership rules. Highly experienced litigator George Gerachis, who works from Houston, co-leads the team alongside the New York-based Kathleen Pakenham, whose practice covers partnership tax and transfer pricing. Pakenham joined the team in January 2023 from Cooley LLP alongside Adriana Wirtz, also of New York, who is experienced in a range of audits and litigation and is well-versed in matters relating to tax insurance. Gary Huffman, in Washington DC, acts in both contentious and non-contentious tax matters for clients active in the energy and industrial sectors.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 3

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s transactional tax practice is particularly strong in the traditional energy sector, regularly advising up-, mid- and downstream companies, as well as drillers, service companies and energy-focused private equity funds. The team is also well known for handling MLP tax matters, REITS, and de-SPAC merger transactions. Texas-based Ryan Carney, regularly advising partnerships, MLPs, and corporations in relation to M&A, joint ventures, divestitures, and public offerings, leads the practice alongside David Peck in Dallas, who is well known for representing private equity clients. Ron Nardini in New York is active in the investment funds space. Lauren Collins in Los Angeles specializes in project finance-related tax matters, especially those concerning renewable energy and infrastructure assets. Washington DC’s Gary Huffman has extensive experience advising multinational corporations, including major oil and gas exploration and production companies. John Lynch in Houston focuses on federal income tax issues in the energy and infrastructure spaces, while Christopher Mangin in Richmond offers real estate expertise.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

With ‘an unmatched client focus’, Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s ‘supportive’ team acts for both sponsors, such as airlines and aircraft leasing companies, and capital providers, including major banks and private equity funds. The practice was recently particularly active in relation to Russia/Ukraine-related deprivations of stranded aircraft, where the group assisted investors with the acquisition of rights in insurance claims from aircraft owners. Co-heading the New York-based department are ‘consummate legal professional’ and aviation leasing and financing specialist David Berkery, who is a member of the Aviation Working Group’s Global Aircraft Trading System legal advisory panel, and Niels Jensen, who focuses on a range of aviation transactions, including corporate, asset-backed and structured financings in the loan and capital markets, along with restructurings and joint ventures. The next line of key advisers features Demi Hueth, who regularly advises on aviation-related financings.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

With a strong foothold in the chemicals, agriculture, and heavy industry sectors, Vinson & Elkins LLP’s antitrust practice stands out for its strong track record advising its clients in large multidistrict litigations and class actions. Key names in the team include practice co-head Craig Seebald, in Washington DC, who also co-heads the firm’s litigation and regulatory offering, and antitrust co-heads Hill Wellford, a former Antitrust Division trial lawyer, and Jason Powers, based in Washington DC and Houston, respectively. Seebald’s broad practice focuses on defending multinational corporations in cartel and price-fixing investigations and subsequent follow-on litigation, while Powers has particular expertise in the energy and oil and gas industries. Washington DC’s Stephen Medlock is a key contact for multidistrict class actions alleging monopolization and has notable experience acting on both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s sides. In San Francisco, Dylan Ballard and Mike Scarborough handle Sherman and Clayton Act cases and competitor-on-competitor litigation, respectively.

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

Standing as a popular choice to handle energy and infrastructure-related appeals, Vinson & Elkins LLP’s practice is further characterized by its robust skill sets in the IP, bankruptcy, tax, commercial and regulatory areas, among others. The national group benefits from significant platforms in Houston, Washington DC and Austin, while its geographical focus extends across the country, with notable recent activity before the Fifth and DC Circuits, as well as the Texas Supreme Court. From Houston, Marie Yeates fronts the appellate group and is recommended for her prominent record before the Texas Supreme Court. In Washington DC, deputy practice lead Jeremy Marwell is noted for his focus on constitutional and administrative law.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Vinson & Elkins LLP houses a team with a broad range of expertise in white-collar matters; their combined experience spans false claims, public corruption, and FCPA violations, among other forms of misconduct. Further to this, the team is especially skilled at navigating cross-border asset forfeiture matters. Practicing in Washington DC, Michael Dry assists both domestic and international clients facing various allegations, including insider trading, bribery, and securities fraud. Standing out as ‘a first-rate advocate with outstanding judgment and capabilities’, Zachary Terwilliger is also located in Washington DC. Palmina Fava practices in New York; she routinely advises clients being investigated for money laundering, cybersecurity matters, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Ephraim Wernick is another notable member of the team who is located in Washington DC. Wernick has a wealth of experience representing clients before the DOJ, OFAC, and SEC, among other regulatory authorities.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s group is widely acknowledged for its ability to bring together ‘expertise in international arbitration and upstream oil and gas contracts’. Indeed, the team utilizes the wider firm’s dominant oil and gas practice to specialize in energy-related disputes, where it acts for both energy companies and sovereign states in commercial and investor-state cases. The group also garners a significant volume of construction and project-related work. From bases in Houston and Dubai, James Loftis steers the international dispute resolution department and focuses on energy, construction and infrastructure disputes. Key names in New York include Camilo Cardozo, who serves as head of international disputes for the Americas, and José Sanchez.

Dispute resolution > M&A litigation: defense Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP has ‘exceptional trial lawyers for complex corporate disputes‘, and with partners who have ‘a rare combination of savvy, skill, practical judgment and fierce work ethic‘. The key lawyers are co-heads of complex commercial litigation Chris Popov in Houston, as well as co-heads of shareholder litigation and enforcement Craig Zieminski in Dallas and Michael Charlson in San Francisco. The firm is best known for its work in the conventional and renewable energy sectors, in which is represents issuers, underwriters, accounting firms, financial institutions, and directors and officers in securities fraud class actions and merger-related litigation. Holmes and Zieminski recently saw the confirmation of its victory at trial in which they represented Energy Transfer Equity, LP in a case concerning the now-terminated $38bn merger between ETE and Williams. Christopher Duffy has left the firm.

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate Tier 4

Vinson & Elkins LLP represents a range of parties including companies and alternative lenders in all aspects of in-court and out-of-court restructurings. The firm has wide industry experience in areas including healthcare and shipping, with an even split of lawyers involved in debtor engagements and  company-side matters. Based in New York, David Meyer  head’s the practice and has been involved in matters representing equity holders, investors and creditors in Chapter 11 cases and special situation investments and acquisitions. Jessica Peet, also in New York, has represented a range of clients on both creditor and debtor sides, while Bradley Foxman in Dallas, is noted for his ‘communication skills and willingness to work through complicated situations with a commercial & constructive approach.’

Industry focus > Sport Tier 4

Leveraging its expertise in patent litigation, data privacy compliance, and commercial disputes, the Vinson & Elkins LLP practice regularly acts on behalf of major sports leagues, franchises, and media corporations. Operating out of Austin, Hilary Preston has in-depth experience in complex IP claims and is also capable of handling ecommerce matters, whilst Washington DC-based Zachary Terwilliger regularly represents clients in federal investigations and trials. In New York, Michael Kurzer specializes in technology-focused transactions and investments.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: large deals ($500m+) Tier 4

A strong standing in the Texas market enables Vinson & Elkins LLP to regularly advise both private equity sponsors and target companies on high-value investments in the energy sector, including oil and gas-linked transactions as well as a growing volume of deals in the renewables space. The team also handles a diverse array of high-value matters in the tech, industrials, and financial services sectors, with New York lawyer Stancell Haigwood collaborating with Houston-based Steve Gill to advise Focus Financial Partners on its $7bn take-private acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Stone Point. Gill co-leads the practice with securities expert Sarah Morgan, who also practices from Houston, and Dallas-based energy transactions expert John Grand. New York lawyer Jim Fox primarily advises on investments and portfolio company mergers in the energy and industrials sectors. Houston-based corporate expert Matthew Strock is also highly recommended. Gabriel Silva left the team in October 2023.

Real estate Tier 4

With key offices in New York and Texas, Vinson & Elkins LLP is especially prominent for its transaction, leasing, and development work with mandates encompassing industrial properties and energy real estate in addition to office, hotel, retail and multifamily. The firm’s clients consist of a number of blue-chip clients that include large private equity real estate investors, funds, developers, and institutional investors. The firm also has experience in stadium projects, highlighted by their involvement in the $1.2bn development of a 25,000-seat soccer stadium and surrounding complex in Queens. New York-based co-head Wallace Schwartz is highly experienced across the transaction, joint venture, financing, workout, and restructuring spaces, drawing on around four decades of experience advising commercial real estate clients. Meanwhile, Paul Martin co-heads the team out of the firm’s Dallas office, bringing broad experience especially in the area of leasing, including built-to-suit leases and sale-leasebacks. He also has experience assisting institutional lenders and private equity funds on a range of acquisitions, dispositions, and financings. Also in Dallas is Russell Oshman who is particularly prominent in his advising on the formation of joint ventures, construction financings, and development projects, especially in the industrial warehouse and logistics sectors. Other key names include Prentiss Cutshaw in Dallas and Adam Endick in New York.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s caseload includes a broad range of commercial disputes which the group handles on behalf of a diverse client base that encompasses companies in the  energy, banking, private equity, pharma, and automotive sectors, among many others. Three lawyers comprise the leadership group: Houston’s Jim Thompson co-heads the litigation department alongside Washington DC-based Craig Seebald. The complex commercial litigation team is led by Chris Popov in Houston. Christopher Duffy left the firm.

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

Demonstrating extensive expertise in the energy and infrastructure industries, the practice at Vinson & Elkins LLP routinely does a ‘great job of finding solutions’, providing bespoke advice on all elements of M&A and corporate transactions. In addition to advising on high-value business combinations and acquisitions in the oil and gas spaces, the team also handles a growing volume of transactions and joint ventures for energy providers and infrastructure funds in connection with renewable energy projects and developments. Operating out of Houston, Stephen Gill, who is an expert on securities offerings and corporate governance matters, co-heads the team with Sarah Morgan, who frequently represents public companies and investment banks in connection with capital raising transactions, and Dallas-based partner John Grand, who primarily advises on joint ventures and divestitures.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 6

Real estate > Land use/zoning