Department profile
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Vinson & Elkins LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

• V&E’s energy practice is deliberately structured so that, in addition to complex and high-profile M&A transactions, financings and disputes, our energy lawyers also handle the day-to-day contractual, commercial and regulatory aspects of the industry, with the result that our lawyers are highly experienced and familiar with the national and international oil and gas and power industries and how they operate.  In our view this means that our lawyers have significantly more in-depth knowledge about the specifics of the energy sector than our typical competitors.  Similarly, our lawyers commonly spend extensive periods of time in the regions to which our work relates, such that our oil and gas lawyers are well-acquainted with the projects themselves and fully integrated with the local legal communities and knowledgeable regarding local legal and regulatory environments.

• We believe we have the pre-eminent practice in international upstream oil and gas transactions.  Our London lawyers are involved in a significant proportion of the largest and most complex energy deals to take place worldwide and our London energy partners are known as leading lawyers in their areas.  Alex Msimang is known as one of London’s leading lawyers in upstream oil and gas transactions, particularly those relating to Africa and Latin America. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas - UK-wide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Vinson & Elkins possesses a significant oil and gas practice with the ability to handle a range of complex corporate, regulatory and financing matters. The firm provides advice across the full oil and gas production chain, from upstream transactions and pipeline arrangements to downstream LNG matters. Its lawyers assist a roster of major international energy companies, as well as governments and banks. The firm draws on an extensive global network to offer a seamless international service and regularly handles matters involving the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Vinson & Elkins advised ExxonMobil in connection with the divestment of its interest in a portfolio of UK Southern North Sea assets.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Vinson & Elkins has experience and specialised professionals with great experience and knowledge in oil and gas and M&A.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
  • The V&E team are very knowledgeable and able to guide clients from a legal and technical perspective.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
  • The V&E team understand the market, have a fast turnaround time and are very flexible and readily available.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
  • Vinson & Elkins have an impressive approach to problem solving and great attention to detail.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK
  • Vinson & Elkins' response rate is very good. They are always on top of all workstreams and are very efficient in turning drafts.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Louise Woods
    Band 3Louise Woods

    Louise Woods

    Louise Woods' practice focuses tightly on the oil and gas sector, where she leads on a range of disputes including those arising from corporate transactions and upstream exploration contracts.

    • Louise is excellent.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Vinson & Elkins LLP (1)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

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