About

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

·         Vinson & Elkins is consistently ranked as the world’s leading energy law firm, with approximately 700 lawyers and a client base including many of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, premier private equity firms and master limited partnerships.  The firm has ranked #1 in energy M&A transactions by volume and value over the last decade, according to Mergermarket.

·         Our law firm’s strong reputation is reflected in the number of lawyers – more than 60 percent – who dedicate their practice to the energy sector. That deep bench has three distinct advantages for energy companies:

  • Our lawyers in supporting practices, such as tax, environmental and regulatory have unique experience and knowledge on oil and gas transactions.
  • Our lawyers, from associates doing due diligence to senior partners structuring transactions, have unparalleled technical knowledge of the industry.
  • Our experience gives us a valued perspective of what is “market” even for cutting-edge deals. This gives our clients an advantage in structuring and negotiations.

·         With an integrated network of 16 offices across the globe, V&E offers clients nearly a century of cross-border experience in the legal aspects of virtually all areas of the oil and gas value stream in energy-producing regions across the globe.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) - USA

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Vinson & Elkins LLP is a Houston-based powerhouse in the energy space, particularly excelling in oil and gas transactions and regulatory work. It continues to have a fantastic reputation for its work in upstream transactions and represents a fine choice of counsel for LNG matters. The firm offers leading representation in the midstream space, with expertise in matters including presidential permit applications and rate cases. With its strong international presence, clients are offered exceptional expertise in various energy-producing regions around the world. The firm draws on additional competencies in tax, environmental compliance and project finance, to assist players in the oil and gas sector.

Work Highlights

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

  • Vinson & Elkins LLP advised EnCap on its $4.275 billion sale of the leasehold interests and related assets of its portfolio companies Black Swan Oil & Gas, PetroLegacy Energy and Piedra Resources to Ovintiv.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Keith Fullenweider
E
Keith Fullenweider
E
Eminent Practitioners
Keith Fullenweider expertly advises private equity firms on the full spectrum of oil and gas transactions, including M&A, financing and securities matters.
"Keith is an excellent lawyer."
Douglas S Bland
1
Douglas S Bland
1
Band 1
Douglas Bland has an impressive track record assisting clients across the oil and gas sector on high-value transactions. He is looked to for his advice on strategic investments and joint venture formation.
"Douglas is a great attorney."
"He has a very strong grasp of his area and how to get what we need done."
James D Seegers
1
James D Seegers
1
Band 1
James Seegers has considerable expertise in regulatory issues surrounding the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines.
"James is an outstanding lawyer. He always does a great job."
"He brings a level of expertise to matters."
Bryan Loocke
2
Bryan Loocke
2
Band 2
Bryan Loocke focuses his practice on upstream and midstream oil and gas matters, with expertise spanning M&A and a broad range of commercial agreements concerning gathering and processing.
"Bryan is very responsive and dialed-in on the market."
"He is a fierce negotiator and knowledgeable about the marketplace."
"Bryan is a great lawyer and he is very thoughtful."
Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Band 3
Jeffrey Jakubiak has a wealth of experience handling a range of FERC proceedings as well as advising key power sector clients on compliance and enforcement matters.
"Jeffrey is very experienced and a strategist."
John Grand
3
John Grand
3
Band 3
John Grand's oil and gas practice spans M&A, joint ventures and investments, with a particular focus in the upstream and midstream sectors.
"John's strength is his ability to think through the issues. He is creative and practical."
John S Decker
4
John S Decker
4
Band 4
John Decker offers comprehensive regulatory counsel to clients in both the oil and gas and electricity sectors, often advising on the regulatory aspects of large transactions. He is particularly noted for his cognizance of international regulatory regimes.
"John is very proactive with his clients."
Shay Kuperman
4
Shay Kuperman
4
Band 4
Shay Kuperman regularly represents clients active in the oil and gas sector. He has particular strength guiding clients through the acquisition of companies and assets.
"Shay is a practical and pragmatic attorney."
"He is a really smart and thoughtful lawyer."
Danielle Patterson
5
Danielle Patterson
5
Band 5
Danielle Patterson is noted for her expertise in oil and gas transactions. She has particular experience acting on behalf of hydrocarbon exploration companies.
"Danielle provides good quality, timely work."
"She is an excellent lawyer with an ability to summarize complex issues and recommend solutions."
Monique Watson
5
Monique Watson
5
Band 5
Monique Watson focuses her practice in the natural gas sector. She is well-versed in oil pipeline regulations and managing rate approvals before FERC.
"Monique is a very good lawyer."
Suzanne Clevenger
5
Suzanne Clevenger
5
Band 5
Suzanne Clevenger acts for major energy clients in rate and tariff matters before FERC. She has additional experience handling Natural Gas Act Section 4 cases.
"Suzanne is very effective."
"She is probably one of the most responsive attorneys I have ever dealt with. Her approach shows thinking that is based on a vast basis of knowledge."

Ranked Lawyers at
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA

Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation)

Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Jeffrey M Jakubiak
3
Band 3
John S Decker
4
John S Decker
4
Band 4
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation)

James D Seegers
1
James D Seegers
1
Band 1
John S Decker
4
John S Decker
4
Band 4
Monique Watson
5
Monique Watson
5
Band 5
Suzanne Clevenger
5
Suzanne Clevenger
5
Band 5
Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional)

Keith Fullenweider
E
Keith Fullenweider
E
Eminent Practitioners
Douglas S Bland
1
Douglas S Bland
1
Band 1
Bryan Loocke
2
Bryan Loocke
2
Band 2
John Grand
3
John Grand
3
Band 3
Shay Kuperman
4
Shay Kuperman
4
Band 4
Danielle Patterson
5
Danielle Patterson
5
Band 5