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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The V+E team has a unique level of experience in this field. They do more of this work and work on more live situations than any other firm.'
- 'They are very collaborative and easy to work with productively.’
‘Lawrence Elbaum instantly builds great rapport with clients, and they get to know and trust him very quickly which is very important in this field.’
'When the wine glass spills, my first call is to Lawrence Elbaum. His calm, analytical demeanor coupled with astute business acumen disguised as an attorney makes him my preferred business confidant. With Lawrence, there is no start or stop time, he is constantly accessible. There is no ego or drama working with other lawyers, either at his firm or competitive law firms. Uniquely, Lawrence doesn't take advantage of client challenges but rather keeps in mind his clients' long-term objectives and establishes and maintains fair billing and fee structures. I enthusiastically endorse Lawrence Elbaum for his pristine track record of success, ethical leadership, and tireless efforts to solve client problems.'
'Each member of our team was outstanding. Extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Always calm and strategic in their counsel.'
'Great team who work well with board and management, always make themselves available, know their stuff, and deliver competitive, outside-the-box billing arrangements.'
'Patrick Gadson and Laurence Elbaum are fantastic to work with. They work as a duo, and at least one was regularly available when needed, and they were able to quickly establish a rapport with directors and management. They provided helpful advice, including drawing on past experience on the other side of activist disputes, and were able to educate and advise in a helpful and efficient manner.'
'Very strong team with deep insights into the dynamics, strategies and tactics of shareholder activism. Extremely pragmatic counsel that was both timely and insightful distinguished the team.'
Key clients
- Devon Energy Corporation
- ArcBest Corporation
- LivePerson, Inc.
- Aimia Inc.
- Miller Industries, Inc.
- Masimo Corporation
- Sitio Royalties Corp.
- Primo Water Corporation
- Green Plains Inc.
- First Foundation Inc.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Lawrence Elbaum; Patrick Gadson
Other key lawyers
Anita Balasubramanian; Brett Peace; Desiree Baca