Alan Alexander > Vinson & Elkins LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP has a standout construction practice for energy projects, acting for owners, developers and investors on the range of matters. It also handles public infrastructure projects as well as a range of other developments, both public and private, representing clients in EPC, design build and other engineering and construction arrangements. The team has a cross-country and global reach, coordinating with its London office in particular. Accomplished litigator D. Ferguson McNiel co-leads the group with energy and infrastructure projects specialist Kaam Sahely. They work closely with the head of the firm’s international dispute resolution practice, Jim Loftis, and energy transactions experts Mark Brasher and Alan Alexander to provide comprehensive advice on the range of construction matters. Senior associate Stephanie Coco is a rising star in the market with experience in multiple sectors of the energy industry, including pipelines, LNG, power generation and chemicals. All named lawyers are based in Houston

Vinson & Elkins LLP has a deepening presence in Latin America, retaining its traditional presence in oil and gas and the broader energy sector, along with additional growth in digital infrastructure and other segments. The firm is known for its recent experience in Mexico’s oil and gas industry, including projects involving links between the US and Mexico itself. Combining strength in project development, project finance and energy M&A, the firm has achieved further growth in Brazil, notably advising New Fortress Energy on LNG import terminal development and natural gas marketing and sales matters in Brazil, including the development and sale of natural gas from its Suape, Sergipe and Barcarena LNG receiving and regasification terminals. Houston partner Mark Brasher has a strong track-record in Latin America’s energy markets, for clients such as New Fortress Energy, while New York’s Gabriel Silva continues to work on a number of digital infrastructure and telecoms projects and transactions in Brazil. New York partner Eamon Nolan is another Latin America expert and Houston’s Alan Alexander is also rated for Mexico oil and gas and renewables projects.

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.

Vinson & Elkins LLP continues to impress in the energy and infrastructure field, including in investments and acquisitions by private equity funds. The Latin America team has developed its traditional strengths in line with key economic trends, notably in clean energy and digital infrastructure. The relatively recent hires of Eamon Nolan and dual-qualified (Brazil/New York) Gabriel Silva to the New York office have significantly deepened the firm’s Latin America credentials; the former is noted for Mexico power and renewables deals and the latter specialises in Brazil transactions, especially telecoms and digital infrastructure deals. Houston partners Mark Brasher and Alan Alexander are also experienced in Latin America energy deals.