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Vinson & Elkins LLP

Construction: Contentious

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Vinson & Elkins LLP

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About

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

Vinson & Elkins has a leading reputation for advising clients on complex, high profile and value matters. 

With Nick Henchie’s growing reputation as a leading authority on construction disputes, the team continued to win new instructions, from existing key as well as new clients, particularly on exceptionally high profile matters which is testament to the growing team and its reputation.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction: Contentious - London (Firms)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Vinson & Elkins has a well-regarded construction disputes practice with a particularly strong reputation for its work in international arbitration proceedings. The team is especially active on contentious aspects of energy and infrastructure sector projects, acting for both developer and supplier-side clients. It possesses notable expertise in handling claims relating to projects across the entirety of the oil and gas value chain.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Vinson & Elkins represented the Panama Canal Authority in a series of commercial arbitrations with Grupo Unidos por el Canal and its shareholders.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Vinson & Elkins are very thoughtful. They provide practical advice that is both legally and commercially thought through, and do so efficiently under tight timelines.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Nicholas Henchie
    Nicholas Henchie

    Nicholas Henchie

    Nicholas Henchie frequently assists clients with high-value arbitrations across the globe. He has deep expertise in disputes concerning energy and infrastructure projects in various jurisdictions, including the UK, Latin America and the Middle East.

    • Nicholas has exceptional strategic skills coupled with a detailed knowledge of law and process.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Nicholas is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. He is a trusted counsel who fights for, and alongside, his clients.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Nicholas delivers a great service and is highly skilful.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • Roberta Downey
    Roberta Downey

    Roberta Downey

    Roberta Downey is a respected construction lawyer due to her adept representation of clients in a range of contentious matters, including adjudications and arbitrations. She frequently assists with disputes involving energy sector developments and urban regeneration projects. She serves as head of Vinson & Elkins' international construction group.

    • I would recommend her as someone who is strong, impressive and absolutely has your side in a matter. She has a huge amount of experience and is a go-to in the industry.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Roberta is an absolute force of nature. She has made the firm into one of most sought-after firms in London.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Roberta is incredibly impressive and very charismatic. She can decipher complex things into an easily understandable summary. She is also extremely effective and super bright.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • Angus Rankin
    Angus Rankin

    Angus Rankin

    Angus Rankin is a knowledgeable construction disputes lawyer. He has experience across a range of sectors, including energy and infrastructure. Rankin is well versed in representing clients in ICC arbitrations.

    • Angus Rankin is very skilful and knowledgeable.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Angus is someone who does everything in his power to win a case and keep clients happy.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Angus has sound judgement and remains calm under pressure. He's so reasonable that you cannot help but find yourself agreeing with him.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • Scott Stiegler
    Scott Stiegler

    Scott Stiegler

    Scott Stiegler has a solid reputation for his representation of clients in construction-related international arbitrations. His practice focuses on the energy and infrastructure spaces, and he is particularly adept at advising on waste-to-energy development disputes.

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Ranked Individuals at Vinson & Elkins LLP (5)

London (Firms)

UK-wide

Members

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