Michael Charlson > Vinson & Elkins LLP > San Francisco, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP has ‘exceptional trial lawyers for complex corporate disputes‘, and with partners who have ‘a rare combination of savvy, skill, practical judgment and fierce work ethic‘. The key lawyers are co-heads of complex commercial litigation Chris Popov in Houston, as well as co-heads of shareholder litigation and enforcement Craig Zieminski in Dallas and Michael Charlson in San Francisco. The firm is best known for its work in the conventional and renewable energy sectors, in which is represents issuers, underwriters, accounting firms, financial institutions, and directors and officers in securities fraud class actions and merger-related litigation. Holmes and Zieminski recently saw the confirmation of its victory at trial in which they represented Energy Transfer Equity, LP in a case concerning the now-terminated $38bn merger between ETE and Williams. Christopher Duffy has left the firm.

Vinson & Elkins LLP has ‘deep industry knowledge‘ in its complex commercial litigation practice, many of whom handle high-stakes securities cases. Chris Popov in Houston leads that practice, with Dallas-based Craig Zieminski and Michael Charlson in San Francisco taking the reins of the shareholder litigation and enforcement group. The firm is particularly well known for its work for clients in the energy sector, though it is increasingly involved in a broader spectrum of securities matters. Charlson is currently acting for Genius Brands International, which distributes and licenses children’s cartoon entertainment and related consumer products, in a notable securities class action. Michael Holmes in Dallas is a key figure in the group, and his recent work for EnCap Investments L.P.  in derivative claims.