Profile: Vinson & Elkins LLP

Vinson & Elkins LLP - Who's Who Legal '30'

What is the Who's Who Legal '30'?

OIL & GAS AND PROJECT FINANCE

The firm has six individuals listed in our Oil and Gas section. Offices in the US, Hong Kong, England and China are represented. But the firm's powerbase still lies in Texas. Bruce Bilger, chair of the firm's energy practice group, is recognised among the elite as "a truly great pipeline finance lawyer". The current managing partner, Joe Dilg, "knows it all from title work to the most complex oil and gas company merger." He is joined by Houston partner James Cuclis, who is recommended for his knowledge of former Soviet Bloc countries. David Andril in Washington, DC is recommended for his representation of natural gas producers and pipelines before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Michael Doble is also nominated. Paul Deemer in Beijing is another V&E lawyer making it onto our shortlist of the practice area's high-flyers: his good showing underscores the firm's Asian strategy. V&E also gains representation in the Project Finance section thanks to a second appearance for Bruce Bilger.

ENVIRONMENT

Vinson & Elkins possesses a strong environmental law practice in the US - especially in Texas. Carol Dinkins's reputation precedes her. One of the area's most respected practitioners, she maintains offices in both Houston and DC. Christopher Amandes was recommended to researchers as "an excellent counsellor". The inclusion of Sharon Mattox and Molly Cagle confirms V&E's leading position in the state. Co-chair of the firm's environmental practice Kevin Gaynor also garners a large amount of recommendations, earning him a place on our list of the area's elite. "An exceptional lawyer", Gaynor focuses on defending environmental enforcement actions, complex environmental litigation and mediation.

ANTITRUST LITIGATION

Houston's Harry Reasoner makes his mark in two chapters (Competition and Commercial Litigation). "One of the best trial lawyers in the country", he has "been there forever and done wonderful things", according to one source. He is joined in the Competition chapter by partner Neil Imus in DC. William Dawson in Texas was "a must" for the litigation section.

DISPUTES

In Arbitration, James Lloyd Loftis in the London office was praised as "a good strategist", who "focuses on international commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes". Mark Tuohey is similarly well regarded in Business Crime. Two Product Liability practitioners stood out: Knox Nunnally received a great deal of recommendations and is reportedly "A darn good trial lawyer!" Paul Stallings is also held in high regard.

PATENTS

Two lawyers represent the firm in this section. William LaFuze, described as a "stand-out" practitioner and Willem D Schuurman, who also received a very respectable share of votes.

FULL SERVICE

The firm's experts appear in a number of other practice areas. Two banking lawyers make the cut: William Young and David Keyes. Daniel Stewart, Vinson & Elkins' representative in the Insolvency and Restructuring section was said - by his competitors - to be a "classy, good negotiator". In Corporate Tax, Edward Osterberg's "good reputation" earned him a place in the book. Texas-based Jeffrey Chapman and Michael Wortley represent the firm in Corporate Governance. Mark Spradling flies the flag for the firm in the Capital Markets chapter. Vinson & Elkins is represented by a highly respected pair in the Trade and Customs research. "Major player" William Barringer is well recognised, as is James Durling, who is noted for his expertise in trade remedies. The last mention goes to the "superb", "highly recommended" Sanford Weiner in the Real Estate chapter.