Vinson & Elkins LLP

Also Known As: V&E, Vinson & Elkins, Vinson and Elkins, Vinson, Elkins, Vinson Elkins

Law Firms

VAULT RANKINGS 2013

#57 Vault Law 100

#1 Energy, Oil, and Gas

View all Rankings #2 Texas

GENERAL INFO

Headquarters: Houston, TX
16 offices
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THE BUZZ…

• "Strong oil and gas practices"
• "Represented Enron"
• "Fratty"
• "Texas powerhouse"

NEWS AND UPDATES

Vault's Scoop

Uppers

• "Interesting, challenging work"
• "Low-key, friendly work environment"
• "Responsibility early in career"

Downers

• "Confusing compensation system"
• "Good old boy atmosphere"
• "Texas-focused"

ABOUT THIS COMPANY:

THE SCOOP

Founded in Houston in 1917, this Lone Star State institution rode the wildcatter era to build its name on (what else?!) oil and gas matters. Vinson & Elkins hasn’t looked back since, establishing itself as a household name in the global energy industry while growing its expertise in an array of other practice areas.

Just Two Good ol’ Boys

A North Carolina native who’d adopted the city of Houston as his own, attorney William Vinson teamed up with local James Elkins in 1917. Aside from owning law practices in Huntsville and Houston, Elkins had grown up next door to one James Baker—as in Baker Botts. Elkins must have kept business and neighborly relationships separate, however: the National Bank of Commerce ditched Baker Botts for the nascent V&E the same year the latter firm came into existence.

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From the Community

V&E REVIEWS

Inside opinions that matter, collected by Vault from employees at companies around the world.

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V&E SALARIES

Vinson & Elkins LLP salary & compensation reviews include all signing and year-end bonuses, vacation time and other perks and reimbursements that make up total compensation.

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V&E SURVEY SAYS

Vault’s Verdict: Vinson & Elkins associates get the sense that the firm is heavily invested in their professional development, and they have the early responsibility and experience to show for it. Some worry, however, that the firm is overly focused on reaching for New York heights and losing its Texas culture in the process.

Associate Life

Satisfaction
• "Overall, V&E is a great place to work. The quality of the work, clients, and colleagues is top-notch."
• "It genuinely feels like a team, there's a lot of transparency, and partners respect and give great feedback to associates. The office seems like it's low on politics and high on teamwork. Associates are also given a lot of responsibility early on, interacting with clients, drafting motions, going to trial, etc."
• "I am very happy with my job, although it would be good to be a little busier."
• "Good people, good clients, but compensation is below market and the firm can sometimes feel like a good old boys club."

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DISCUSSIONS

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Company Initiatives

Law Firm Diversity Programs, View from the Top: Law Firm Leaders, Pro Bono Programs, Green Programs

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