James Loftis > Vinson & Elkins LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

The ‘highly intelligent and creative‘ practice at Vinson & Elkins LLP stands out for its specialist focus on energy, infrastructure development and construction disputes. The team secures a steady stream of both commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes and acts for the full range of private and public companies, sovereign states and state-owned entities. James Loftis drives the international dispute resolution practice from Houston and is widely recognized for his skill sets in the oil and gas and construction spheres. In New York, Camilo Cardozo demonstrates ‘huge experience and knowledge‘ and is noted for his focus on Latin America-related matters. Counsel José Sanchez also has a significant LatAm dimension to his practice.

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s Houston headquarters has a long history in the oil-and-gas sector and a deep affinity with Latin America. While cementing its position as a global leader in oil and gas, it has also achieved a prominent standing in power, renewables and the broader energy sphere. The office has worked intensively on oil and gas infrastructure projects between the US and Mexico, while additionally building its name in energy M&A and private equity.  It now has broad geographic coverage from Mexico down to Brazil and Argentina. Mark Brasher and Alan Alexander are genuine Latin America energy experts. James Loftis heads the international arbitration group and has a solid record in Latin America cases.

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.