Department profile
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Oil & Gas Litigation

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Vinson & Elkins LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

With nearly a century of experience that runs from the wellhead to Wall Street, Vinson & Elkins’ Energy Litigation lawyers combine their technical proficiency in energy operations, robust understanding of the business side of the energy industry, and decades of experience as lead counsel, to advise clients in nearly every kind of energy-related dispute.

https://www.velaw.com/practices/energy-litigation/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Oil & Gas Litigation - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Vinson & Elkins LLP offers outstanding representation in the most complex and high-stakes litigation in the oil and gas industry, with substantial prowess in multi-plaintiff and class action litigation arising from shale play development. The firm is a strong choice for clients facing challenging disputes involving joint development, joint operating and surface use agreements, and has further strength advising on ownership, royalty payment and lease obligation issues in connection with mineral rights. It is capable of representing clients across the life-cycle of litigation, including at trial, appellate and Supreme Court levels.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Vinson & Elkins LLP acted for the plaintiff Antero Resources Corporation in a lawsuit in the Texas Business Court alleging that Stonewall Gas Gathering breached two provisions of a gas gathering agreement entered in 2014 that governed the shipment of gas on the Stonewall Pipeline in West Virginia.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Vinson & Elkins' team is large and diverse, with each team member having a niche perspective of specific energy nuances.

    Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA

  • The primary distinguishing attribute of the Vinson & Elkins team is their ability to provide expertise across a broad spectrum at an elevated depth of knowledge, while also maintaining a focus on commerciality.

    Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA

  • There is no question that Vinson & Elkins is able to handle complex and sophisticated matters.

    Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA

  • Vinson & Elkins has top-of-class lawyers with expertise in all aspects of oil and gas matters.

    Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • James D Thompson
    James D Thompson

    James D Thompson

    James Thompson has decades of experience handling trials and appeals across the oil and gas sector. Clients benefit from his technical knowledge as a former petroleum engineer. He co-heads the litigation and regulation department, and deftly handles disputes and arbitrations arising from issues such as breach of gas supply contracts and joint development agreements.

    • Jim Thompson is client service-oriented and composed under pressure.

      Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA
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  • Matthew R Stammel
    Matthew R Stammel

    Matthew R Stammel

    Matthew Stammel is head of the firm's energy litigation practice group and has considerable expertise in oil and gas industry disputes involving complex issues, particularly arising from exploration and drilling activity. He has particular strength in advising on litigation concerning joint development, joint operating and surface use agreements.

    • Matthew Stammel is at the top of the class when it comes to professionalism, experience, responsiveness and results.

      Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA
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  • Nicholas Nathaniel Shum
    Nicholas Nathaniel Shum

    Nicholas Nathaniel Shum

    Nick Shum centers his practice on representing upstream and midstream sector clients in litigation.

    • Nicholas is so easy to work with and always provides solid, effective legal advice.

      Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA

    • Nick is a highly impactful attorney.

      Oil & Gas Litigation respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Vinson & Elkins LLP (3)

USA - Nationwide

Members

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