Vinson & Elkins

Can you feel the energy? High levels of responsibility and “Texan charm” are the V-&-key to success at this US luminary.

Vinson & Elkins training contract review 2026

About the firm

Finding a firm that’s right for you can often feel like burning the midnight oil until you’re running on empty. You fail to find something to jumpstart your interest or ignite your curiosity. Well, take a moment to recharge, start generating a buzz and get a fire going, because the mere thought of this firm will give you that lightbulb moment you’ve been waiting for. That’s right – in case our super subtle language didn’t let on, there’s an energy sector titan you’ve got to know about: Vinson & Elkins. “It’s a firm with a very strong identity and knows what it is, especially embedded within that space,” summed up one astute newbie.

Chambers UK backs up the praise too, giving the firm its flowers in construction, energy and natural resources, projects and international arbitration. To take it even further – all the way across the pond – Chambers USA also heralds the firm for its bankruptcy/restructuring, debt and equity capital markets, and elite corporate/M&A work… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg; you can head over to chambers.com for the bigger picture.

“It’s a firm with a very strong identity and knows what it is, especially embedded within that space.”

This top-tier work and stellar reputation was a deciding factor for our interviewees, who were keen to spill the V-&-tea on their reasons to join the firm. One quipped: “I just typed ‘best energy law firm’ into Google, and Vinson & Elkins popped up!” With origins in Texas, the London base takes on a modest number of trainees and adopts that Southern culture, a fact that our sources were incredibly pleased about. “You really feel like you’re given more responsibility and have both the agency and freedom to say anything to anyone,” recounted one insider. They continued: “Everyone knows your name and your background. It’s one of the main reasons the smaller cohort appealed to me.”

Training Contract Structure

V&E has a more unique spin on how a training contract is structured compared to other firms in our guide. How so? The firm only has two major departments for trainees to sit in: complex commercial litigation and transactions. Each trainee cohort is split in two as each half spends six months in one department, before switching for the following six months. After that, it’s a non-rotational structure where you pick up work from both groups. “For that second year, if you have specific interests, then you can pursue that,” explained one source, “You can shape your year around that, so long as business need doesn’t require you elsewhere.”

“You can really get stuck in with that, and you feel like you’re helping give back to the community.”

On the question of secondment opportunities, both departments have a flagpole location on offer: a disputes seat in Dubai and a transactional seat in Houston, “but it’s all down to the needs of the firm if that happens or not.” We heard the firm’s focus on pro bono work is steadily increasing, and juniors can get involved with Dubai Cares, Advocates for International Development (A4ID), and the AchieVE programme. The latter scheme involves trainees going into a school for training sessions and workshops before bringing the students into the office for a mock trial. Of this, an interviewee commented: “You can really get stuck in with that, and you feel like you’re helping give back to the community.”

Seat Experiences

Trainee Life

The style of supervision trainees received was very much dependent on what year they were in, as this junior told us: “In my first year, a lot of the work was driven by my supervisors, whereas in my second year, it’s more driven by what I want.” The differences don’t stop there; we heard first years are more inclined to work with hands-on supervisors, but upon the jump into year two, “you’re starting to feel like you’re a part of the team, so you really do feel the step up in terms of trust and responsibility.” Newbies are assigned two mentors as well as a buddy in the year above upon joining.

Ever heard the old adage ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’? Vinson and Elkins proves this wrong, as the firm also provides them on occasion for trainees to go out with their supervisors and mentors, so as one source put it: “That’s a lot of free lunch!” While most agreed that the firm offers a primarily learn-on-the-job style contract, insiders did point out that “we’re having a lot more training now; it’s more structured around specific practice areas.”

Located on the 24th floor of the iconic Walkie Talkie, interviewees had nothing but positive reviews about their office. “The views are insane!” one gushed, “We’ve got access to the Sky Garden too, so that’s a perk.” Speaking of other benefits, free coffee and subsidised gym membership were mentioned, as well as a taxi service after 9pm which sources praised for its safety aspect.

Although the firm provides work from home technology, trainees are expected in the office four days a week. The expectation was a moot point however, as most of our sources came in every single day. One elaborated: “There’s a nice atmosphere to it. You feel like you’re with other trainees, even when it’s quieter on a Friday.” As befitting a US firm, the hours could occasionally reach into the night, with most folks reporting an average finish time of 7.30 pm. Weekend work also popped up, but insiders stressed that the firm is “very grateful for your help if you’re working on those days.”

“It has that Texan charm…”

The firm’s culture was a huge talking point amongst sources, with one highlighting: “I’m sure everyone says it, but the culture is a huge reason to love the firm.” The reason being that V&E takes one or two cues from its Southern roots: “It has that Texan charm,” an insider relayed, “People are calm and laid back, but the work is also taken very seriously.” Trainees get together often, and the firm fronts £75 a head per quarter for activities and social occasions. Other opportunities to socialise include the chance to have a G&T at V&E’s Christmas and summer parties, formal drinks when people join or leave the firm, and a tea tasting during Lunar New Year.

The firm also strives for an inclusive environment, offering various initiatives and affinity groups and celebrating occasions like Pride Month and International Women’s Day as well. “I don’t feel out of place in this office at all,” one insider revealed, “I really didn’t expect to fit in as easily as I do!”

Qualification

Qualification is as simple a process as any at the firm. There are only two departments, and with a small intake, there isn’t much red tape involved in selection. “There’s no real need for interviews because they know us all so well,” one source explained with a sigh of relief. Once the job list is revealed for both departments, trainees are encouraged to speak with partners and express their interest over the course of a month before submitting their preference in a more formal survey.

Waiting ahead of the firm’s decisions, juniors were keen to remain at the firm: “I have no intention of going elsewhere anytime soon,” one smiled, “I’d love to keep working here.” In 2025, Vinson & Elkins retained a full house of trainees!