Leveraging expertise from New York, Houston, and London, the Vinson & Elkins LLP international arbitration team maintains a strong Latin American presence. Such presence, combined with its leading role in the energy and construction sectors, has positioned it to serve as lead counsel in major Latin American arbitrations. The most notable example is a series of technical construction disputes relating to the Panama Canal expansion project. The arbitrations, which have a cumulative value of around $5bn, are led by Jim Loftis and Nick Henchie. Peter Danysh joins Loftis in Houston, while Henchie is supported by a broad London team. José Sanchez and Camilo Cardozo, who are particularly recognised for their expertise in complex energy infrastructure cases, lead a New York-based arbitration practice with a proven record in commercial disputes across key Latin American jurisdictions. Additionally, the pair have experience handling complex investor-state disputes. Louise Woods, based in London, continues to handle upstream oil and gas disputes across Latin America.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The V&E team is multidisciplinary, combining legal experience with client proximity. They have supported, understood, and informed us throughout the arbitrations, highlighting the partners' high level of involvement, resulting in excellent results.
'I would emphasise that the V&E team compares favorably with other firms, thanks to their ability to guide and adapt case strategies based on client feedback while always maintaining a high standard of professionalism and efficiency. In our case, they have also actively collaborated with other firms with excellent coordination to meet and even exceed client expectations.’
‘I would highlight his extensive experience, commitment, and closeness to clients, as well as his collaboration both internally within the team and externally with other law firms. Among his partners, I would single out Camilo Cardozo and José Sanchez.’
‘International arbitration experts from Latin America. The first, with the support of local advisers, are involved in active international arbitrations against the Mexican State in the oil sector.’
Key clients
- Panama Canal Authority
- EDP Clientes
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
José Sanchez
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Peter Danysh
Practice head
Jim Loftis
Other key lawyers
Camilo Cardozo; José Sanchez; Nick Henchie; Peter Danysh; Louise Woods