Vinson, lose none at this Texan powerhouse which serves up oodles of energy expertise with a side of Southern charm.
Vinson & Elkins Lateral Profile 2025
When you think of Texas, a few key features inevitably spring to mind. Firstly, there’s the sheer size of the state. As they say, everything’s bigger in Texas. Secondly, there’s the state’s deep roots in the oil industry. And last but not least, you’ve got the ever-vibrant food scene. Hailing from the Lone Star State, Vinson & Elkins does a pretty good job of embodying those very characteristics. Starting with size, the firm’s got a tidy sum of nine US offices, spanning Austin, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Richmond and DC. A further four overseas offices across Dubai, Dublin, London and Tokyo bring V&E’s global footprint to a very respectable 13 offices. As for the oil industry connections, there are few firms as well-versed as V&E in all things energy related. Take it from our colleagues over at Chambers USA who place the firm top of the podium nationwide for its expertise in energy transition; oil and gas energy (regulatory, litigation and transactional); offshore energy; oil and gas projects; power and renewables projects (transactional). In fact, the firm’s energy prowess is so much so that Chambers Global recognizes the firm’s oil and gas (projects and energy) work as top notch across multiple global jurisdictions.
View the firm’s Chambers USA rankings
Read the firm’s Inside View feature on junior associate life
Why did you join your firm? Associates say...
“I chose V&E because of its excellent reputation in the energy space and the welcoming partners and associates.”
“I chose V&E because their litigation group specialized in the areas I was interested in and also because the people generally gave off good vibes.”
“Strength in energy and environmental practice areas. Culture in the D.C. office was good-natured and reasonable (by BigLaw standards). Firm appears to be in a healthy position business-wise thanks to strength in energy projects and other transactional areas.”
Career Development & the Path to Partnership
|
11 |
undisclosed |
63% |
||
|
partners made in 2024 |
associate : partner gearing |
of junior associates intend to make partner |
||
|
54% |
50% |
76% |
||
| felt partnership was achievable for attorneys with childcare/caregiver responsibilities | felt partnership was achievable at the firm | agreed partners are nurturing future leaders |
||
Hours & Compensation
|
1,900 |
13 |
45 |
|
billable hours |
average number of vacation days associates took in one year |
average number of hours associates worked in one week |
|
56% |
78% |
93% |
| agreed that they had a good work-life balance |
felt like they could take vacation/annual leave on their own terms |
found the firm's claims around bonus allocation to be authentic |
Salaries
1st year: $225,000
2nd year: $235,000
3rd year: $260,000
4th year: $310,000
5th year: $365,000
6th year: $390,000
7th year: $420,000
8th year: $435,000
Is Vinson & Elkins the right firm for you?
|
86% |
91% |
89% |
|
were happy in their current role |
agreed the work they received was of the right quality |
felt that they chose the right firm |
Here's what survey respondents had to say about the firm's culture...
“The culture is one where I can grow and the attorneys that are senior to me are invested in my growth.”
“There is a great firm culture with attorneys who are not only amazing at what they do but are also willing to put in the effort to train the juniors.”
“Everyone is smart, hardworking, and kind.”
Pro Bono
|
33 |
63% |
|
average pro bono |
agreed the firm puts effort towards its commitment to pro bono and social impact activity |
Pro bono highlights: Various community organizations (small business, general civil, housing, and immigration clinics); City of Houston OBO, Texas C-Bar (small business programs); Catholic Charities, International Association of Women Judges, NYT (representing several female Afghan judges and journalists in their Humanitarian Parole and Asylum applications); Eviction Defense (DVAP/HVL) & Housing Repair (LSNYC).
Contact
Learn more about opportunities at the firm
Recruitment contact: Michelle Brelsford, Lateral Associate Recruitment Manager
mbrelsford@velaw.com
Gina Maggio, Lateral Associate Recruitment Manager
gmaggio@velaw.com
Gretchen Rollins, Senior Director of Attorney Recruitment
grollins@velaw.com