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Vinson & Elkins
An international US law firm recognised for its expertise in energy, infrastructure and complex international disputes.
About Vinson & Elkins
Vinson & Elkins (V&E) is an international law firm founded in Houston, Texas, in 1917, with 14 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm employs approximately 745 lawyers globally and is particularly recognised for its expertise in energy, infrastructure, private equity and international disputes. Its London office, established in 1971, was among the first US law firm offices in the City and serves as a centre for the firm's international transactional and disputes work. V&E has built a longstanding reputation advising major energy companies, financial institutions and infrastructure investors on complex cross-border matters, particularly those involving oil and gas, energy transition projects and international construction disputes. The firm's sector-focused approach distinguishes it from broader full-service competitors, with its lawyers regularly advising on transactions and projects involving significant commercial and regulatory challenges.
Vinson & Elkins recruits approximately four to six trainees each year, offering a distinctive training contract that combines traditional seat rotations with a more flexible approach to departmental experience. During their first year, trainees primarily work within two practice groups for six months each, while the second year offers greater flexibility to undertake work across multiple departments simultaneously. Opportunities include international arbitration, commercial litigation, energy transactions, projects, corporate M&A, finance and capital markets. Trainees typically share an office with a supervising associate or partner and receive additional support from an associate mentor throughout their training. International secondments are a regular feature of the programme, with opportunities particularly in Houston, Brussels and the firm's Middle Eastern offices, allowing trainees to gain experience of cross-border transactions and disputes
V&E funds the preparatory courses and examinations required for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and provides a £20,000 maintenance grant for the SQE year. The firm's relatively small trainee intake is intended to provide early exposure to substantive client work, with trainees encouraged to work directly with associates and partners on live matters. Additional benefits include private medical and dental insurance, subsidised gym membership, access to private GP services and an interest-free season ticket loan.
Practice areas & rankings
In the 2026 edition of Chambers UK, Vinson & Elkins received five practice area rankings and 11 individual lawyer recognitions, reflecting its established position in international construction arbitration, energy and infrastructure disputes. The firm retained its Band 1 ranking for Construction: International Arbitration, alongside Band 2 rankings for Construction: Contentious and Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas. Its international projects practice was ranked Band 3, while its commercial international arbitration practice received a Band 5 ranking. These results highlight V&E's particular strength in complex disputes involving major energy and infrastructure developments, where its London lawyers frequently advise clients operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Vinson & Elkins won Marketing Initiative of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2025 for its Global Construction Conference Series, which brought together senior in-house counsel and industry leaders across London, Tokyo, Dubai and other international locations. The programme used interactive case studies to explore construction disputes and was recognised for its approach to client engagement. The firm was also named an Energy Practice Group of the Year by Law360 in 2025, marking the fourteenth time it had received the recognition and highlighting its longstanding expertise in energy transactions and disputes.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
International construction arbitration is one of Vinson & Elkins' defining strengths, with the firm retaining its Band 1 ranking in Chambers UK 2026. The practice represents contractors, developers and project owners in disputes arising from major construction and infrastructure projects, particularly those involving energy facilities and complex engineering works. Its lawyers handle arbitrations concerning delays, cost overruns, contractual breaches and defective construction, frequently involving projects across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The London team includes several individually recognised practitioners, including Roberta Downey, Nick Henchie, Scott Stiegler and Angus Rankin, reflecting the depth of its expertise in international construction disputes.
Vinson & Elkins' oil and gas practice is ranked Band 2 in Chambers UK 2026, reflecting its longstanding position as an adviser to major energy companies, governments and financial institutions. The team handles transactions and projects throughout the oil and gas industry, including upstream exploration and production, pipeline infrastructure and liquefied natural gas developments. Its London lawyers advise on acquisitions, joint ventures, financing arrangements and regulatory matters, frequently involving emerging markets and complex cross-border investments. Notable work includes advising ExxonMobil on the divestment of its interests in a portfolio of Southern North Sea assets, demonstrating the firm's involvement in significant UK energy transactions.
Vinson & Elkins' contentious construction practice is ranked Band 2 in Chambers UK 2026, with particular expertise in disputes arising from energy and infrastructure developments. The team represents employers, contractors and investors in litigation and arbitration proceedings involving major construction contracts, including disputes over project delays, payment obligations and defective works. Its work frequently concerns large international engineering projects where technical complexity and significant financial exposure require specialist legal advice. The firm's London practice benefits from its broader international arbitration capabilities, allowing lawyers to manage disputes involving multiple jurisdictions and different contractual frameworks.
Vinson & Elkins' international projects practice is ranked Band 3 for Projects: Mainly International in Chambers UK 2026. The team advises developers, investors, lenders and governments on the development and financing of major infrastructure and energy projects, particularly across Africa, the Middle East and emerging markets. Its work includes negotiating project agreements, structuring financing arrangements and advising on regulatory requirements throughout the development process. The practice is closely integrated with the firm's energy and construction teams, enabling lawyers to support clients from initial project development through financing and operation.
Vinson & Elkins' international arbitration practice is ranked Band 5 for International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration in Chambers UK 2026. The team represents multinational corporations, investors and governments in complex cross-border disputes, often involving substantial commercial contracts and investments. Its lawyers have particular experience in energy-related disputes, including disagreements arising from oil and gas projects, infrastructure investments and international joint ventures. The practice handles proceedings under major international arbitration rules and regularly works alongside lawyers from the firm's global offices. London practitioners James Barratt and Louise Woods are individually recognised in Chambers UK 2026, highlighting the firm's capabilities in resolving high-value international disputes.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The application process begins with an online submission through Vinson & Elkins' graduate recruitment portal, where candidates are required to upload their CV and a covering letter. The covering letter provides an opportunity to explain their motivation for pursuing commercial law, their interest in V&E and their suitability for the firm's training programme. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the firm's particular strengths in energy, infrastructure and international disputes, explaining how these practice areas align with their professional interests. Given the firm's small trainee intake, applicants should focus on providing specific evidence of their skills and experiences rather than relying on general statements about wanting to work at an international US law firm. Academic achievements are also important, with the firm expecting at least AAB at A-level and strong undergraduate performance.
How to answer why youVinson & Elkins: quick answers
How much does Vinson & Elkins pay trainees?
Vinson & Elkins pays first-year trainees £60,000, rising to £65,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at Vinson & Elkins earn £173,077.
How many trainees does Vinson & Elkins take on?
Vinson & Elkins takes on around 6 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What grades do you need to apply to Vinson & Elkins?
To apply to Vinson & Elkins you will generally need a 2:1 degree. At A-level, Vinson & Elkins asks for AAB. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
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