Survey Results - Trainee feedback on Vinson & Elkins

The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on Vinson & Elkins

Why did you choose this firm over any others? ‘Energy expertise’, ‘I wanted to work for a US firm to benefit from a lean team structure and higher responsibility. Vinson & Elkins stood out above the rest due to its certain and long-standing industry focus in the energy sector’, ‘the quality of work you get from the outset, the sector specialism in Energy, the small close culture’

Best thing about the firm? ‘I have a brilliant support network at V&E. The lean team structure enables you to develop great working relationships with your colleagues’, ‘the people, who are all extremely intelligent and hardworking but friendly and supportive’, ‘work and people’

Worst thing about the firm? ‘The hours can be unpredictable but that in itself is a predicable trope of corporate law!’, ‘the work-life balance and expectations to respond/work at all hours of the day when needed, including weekends’, ‘poor communication’

Best moment? ‘Completing real, substantive work, on a daily basis has definitely been a highlight. Trainees, especially those in their second year, are effectively treated as if they are NQs’, ‘attending a hearing’, ‘I was invited to attend a hearing for a high-value, international dispute claim’

Worst moment? ‘Working 12 to 16 hour days consistently for multiple weeks for a matter and not feeling like it was valued enough’, ‘being swamped with work’

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Vinson & Elkins

Vinson & Elkins draws in trainees with its deep expertise in the energy sector and reputation as a US firm that offers responsibility from the outset. The firm’s “long-standing industry focus” is seen as more stable than other cyclical City practices, with one trainee noting: “Vinson & Elkins stood out above the rest… I knew this would be a friendly, positive place to work. I wasn’t wrong!” Others point to the “energy sector focus, small teams, hands-on learning style,” and the appeal of a lean trainee intake where you are closely involved in deals and disputes from day one. The training is described as less rigidly structured than at some competitors, but trainees see this as a strength. “You definitely get greater exposure to a broad range of matters, clients and colleagues,” says one. The small intake means high visibility and early responsibility: “Level of work given and client contact is higher,” while another adds: “Trainees, especially those in their second year, are effectively treated as if they are NQs.” The flipside is that “there is less transparency about the process of certain trainee structures, retainment and decisions from higher-ups.” Culture and support are praised. “I have a brilliant support network at V&E,” one trainee explains, while others highlight “the people, who are all extremely intelligent and hardworking but friendly and supportive.” The work itself is also a draw: “The quality of the work and the ability to work closely within a team with partners and clients… really helps you grow quickly.” Challenges are familiar for US firms. Trainees report “unpredictable hours,” with expectations to be available at all times: “Working 12 to 16 hour days consistently for multiple weeks” was a low point for one. Highlights, however, are substantial: closing billion-dollar PE deals, being part of international disputes teams, and seeing hard work play out in court. The firm operates a largely office-based model, with trainees expected in four days a week. Pro bono opportunities, however, are widely available and encouraged, ranging from school outreach to major initiatives, with regular updates circulated to trainees. For those seeking early responsibility, hands-on exposure, and a top-tier energy practice, Vinson & Elkins delivers.

About the firm

Introductory paragraph about the firm: Vinson & Elkins’ London office opened in 1974, making it one of the oldest of any US firm. Its clients are predominantly in the energy, finance and infrastructure sectors and the London office handles transactional and disputes related work, including construction matters (both front-end and disputes), energy transactions and projects, finance, aviation finance, international arbitration, litigation, M&A and private equity.

List of clients: Equinor; Saudi Aramco; SOCAR; Apollo; Panama Canal Authority Fluor, Eurochem, Goldman Sachs, Samsung

List of deals/cases in which the firm has been recently involved: Advised STAR Rafineri AS, a subsidiary of the state oil company of the Azerbaijan Republic, and its sponsors on the financing and development of a US$6.3bn greenfield oil refinery in Turkey on the Aegean Sea; advised The Panama Canal Authority in relation to the construction and engineering aspects of the Panama Canal Expansion Program in Panama; advised Woodside Petroleum Ltd on its merger with BHP Petroleum with an approximately US$43bn merged entity value; advised a US private equity fund on its €3.17bn carve-out acquisition of a global construction chemicals business from a public company.

Training principal: Scott Stiegler

Other offices: Austin, Dallas, Dublin, Denver, Dubai, Houston (head office), Los Angeles, New York, Richmond, San Francisco, Tokyo, Washington.

Who we are: Vinson & Elkins is a leading US-based international law firm with more than 700 lawyers located in 13 cities across the globe.

What we do: Vinson & Elkins advises clients that are predominantly in the energy, finance and infrastructure sectors and the London office specialises in M&A, private equity, construction, project development and finance, aviation finance, international arbitration and litigation.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: We are looking to recruit ambitious individuals with exceptional academic results, sound commercial awareness and rounded personalities. The ability to think laterally and creatively is essential, as is a need for common sense and a willingness to take the initiative.

What you’ll do: The firm operates a partially non-rotational training system; during their first year trainees work primarily within the departments in which they sit and during their second year trainees work across all practice areas and have more freedom to tailor their training.

Perks (any perks available to a trainee, eg health insurance, travel loan, gym, etc): Medical insurance, dental insurance, travel insurance, life insurance, Simply Health cash plan, subsidised gym membership, access to private GPs, employee assistance programme, pension, cycle scheme and interest-free season ticket loan.

Sponsorship

V&E will fund the preparatory course(s) and examinations for the SQE and offers a maintenance grant  of £20,000 for courses commenced after the date of a training contract offer.

Seat options

  • Energy Transactions & Projects
  • Corporate M&A and Private Equity
  • Finance and Aviation Finance
  • Construction Disputes
  • International Arbitration

Tips from the recruiter

  • Tailor Your Application – Show why V&E is the right fit for you. Vinson & Elkins values candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of the firm’s culture, practice areas, and global reach. In your application, especially your cover letter, make sure to explain why you’re interested in commercial law, articulate why V&E specifically appeals to you, mention their work in energy, infrastructure, or international arbitration if relevant, highlight how your skills and experiences align with the firm’s values of excellence, teamwork, and innovation.
  • Demonstrate Substance and Initiative. V&E offers hands-on, substantive work from the start. They look for candidates who are proactive, collaborative, and eager to learn. To stand out share examples of leadership, teamwork, or initiative in academic, professional, or extracurricular settings. If you’ve done pro bono work, legal clinics, or internships, highlight how these experiences prepared you for a dynamic firm like V&E. Show that you are not just capable, but also motivated to grow and contribute meaningfully.
  • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread, error free is key. Be careful that all fields and names are correct. Review your cover letter and resume multiple times; and have someone else proof for you. Simple and consistent formatting also is important.