Alan Alexander > Vinson & Elkins LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP has been a major force in energy and infrastructure projects over the years, most notably in upstream oil and gas. It has successfully diversified its practice across industries and geographies. Historically more focused on Mexico, it has successfully targeted other key jurisdictions such as Brazil, Colombia and Chile. It has also made significant inroads into the digital infrastructure field, including data centres and fibre optic cables. In transport infrastructure, the firm has made a further impact in toll roads, and has gained prominence in energy transition projects such as green hydrogen and ammonia production. Moreover, it has a significant presence in private equity investments into energy and infrastructure assets. Houston partner Alan Alexander has a significant focus on Latin America, especially energy transition, and oil and gas projects in Mexico. New York partner Eamon Nolan is also a key name. Since publication, the October 2023 departure of Gabriel Silva  has seen the firm hire energy-transition tax specialist Jorge Medina to its Los Angeles office (effective January 2024); formerly a partner in the project finance and development practices at Shearman & Sterling LLP, Medina has a particular focus on renewable energy in the Americas.

Vinson & Elkins LLP has an extensive record in energy and infrastructure projects, along with international arbitration in Latin America. The firm’s wide ranging projects practice in the region has broadened out from one that primarily focused on Mexico and has also moved beyond its traditional forte of upstream oil and gas. It now encompasses data centre developments and fibre optic cables, toll road concessions in Colombia, green hydrogen projects in Chile and production facilities in Mexico. The Houston team is also recognised for LNG and regasification projects. Energy transactions and projects partner Alan Alexander has a significant focus on the Latin American region. In international arbitration, the firm also has a fine record in Latin America, particularly in the construction and energy fields. Led by James Loftis, who splits his time between Houston and the Middle East (where he is managing partner of the Dubai office), the Houston team also includes Latin America specialist counsel Peter Danysh and counsel Timothy Tyler. All three are part of a wider team that continue to represent the Panama Canal Authority in arbitrations connected to the Panama Canal extension project. The international arbitration team is also active in LNG and natural gas disputes in Latin America.

Vinson & Elkins LLP handles both US and English law governed transactions throughout Latin America. It is also noted for its expertise in relation to private equity investments and energy-sector transactions, including tax structuring capabilities. The increasingly prominent practice has earned a growing number of engagements in the data centre and digital infrastructure segments. Gabriel Silva has an impressive record in transactions throughout the region, most notably in the digital infrastructure and data centre fields, and Eamon Nolan is an experienced figure in energy transactions in Mexico and across Latin America. Houston partners Alan Alexander and Shay Kuperman are noted for energy and infrastructure deals, particularly in Mexico. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Based in Houston, Vinson & Elkins LLP’s construction practice acts for chemical and energy companies in various joint ventures, in addition to advising on all aspects of project financing. Kaam Sahely leads the team and acts for investors, developers and other participants in high-profile infrastructure and energy investments and projects. With expertise in project developments in Latin America, Alan Alexander is handling a series of arbitrations for the Panama Canal Authority following significant technical construction disputes, while Stephanie Coco assists a renewable energy gas producer in a joint venture, developing 39 landfill gas to RNG projects. Vestita Zumot is another key contact in the group.