Vinson & Elkins LLP’s group is widely acknowledged for its ability to bring together ‘expertise in international arbitration and upstream oil and gas contracts’. Indeed, the team utilizes the wider firm’s dominant oil and gas practice to specialize in energy-related disputes, where it acts for both energy companies and sovereign states in commercial and investor-state cases. The group also garners a significant volume of construction and project-related work. From bases in Houston and Dubai, James Loftis steers the international dispute resolution department and focuses on energy, construction and infrastructure disputes. Key names in New York include Camilo Cardozo, who serves as head of international disputes for the Americas, and José Sanchez.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is well-organized, and always prepared and prompt in its submissions. Each of the team are experts, knowledgeable, resourceful and very forceful in both written and oral argument. In addition, they have shown admirable patience and perseverance during hearings.’

  • ‘Each legal member is an expert by himself/herself, very courteous, very professional in their approach. Each one of the team speaks with command.’

  • ‘Houston office combines the firm’s experience and expertise in international arbitration and upstream oil and gas contracts. V&E in London and Houston work seamlessly as one team without duplication of effort.’

  • ‘James Loftis is a very capable litigator with a deep understand of the oil & gas industry. I have found the team's judgment to be spot on. Our case is handled by a small and focused team that operates in an effective and cost-efficient manner - just the way we like it.’

  • ‘The team is committed to providing steadfast client dedication, placing a paramount focus on meeting unique needs. We highly value effective communication, and the firm's bilingual language proficiency in both English and Spanish provides a significant advantage.’

  • ‘The team's familiarity with both local and international arbitrators empowers us to select the most suitable arbitrators, ensuring a fair and favorable arbitration process.’

Key clients

  • Panama Canal Authority
  • Nam Tai Property
  • Upland Oil and Gas LLC, Sucursal del Peru and Upland Oil and Gas LLC
  • Ministry of Oil of the Republic of Iraq
  • University of Ghana
  • Khaitan Holdings (Mauritius)
  • Tampico Beverages
  • Basrah Oil Company
  • Offshore Exploration and Production LLC

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Loftis, Camilo Cardozo

Other key lawyers

José Sanchez, Peter Danysh