Vinson & Elkins

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Recruiting at Vinson & Elkins focuses on candidates from top law schools, and grades and personalities are important as well. The people at Vinson & Elkins are collaborative, hospitable, and supportive, and they care about the well-being of others. Close relationships are established between partners and associates, with the former providing frequent feedback and teaching. Laterals are warmly welcomed and integrated with the help of an assigned mentor. The firm offers formal trainings, CLE programs, and yearly “bootcamps” for skills training. In addition, partner and associate mentors check in regularly with their mentees. The work is stimulating and challenging, and lean teams mean that associates take on high-level work. The work-from-home policy is one day per week, and associates say that, in practice, the number of in-office days can be flexible. Vinson & Elkins sets the billable hour standard at 1,900 hours, with 150 legal development work hours (e.g., pro bono and recruiting) creditable to the target. Compensation is equal to the market standard, with supplemental bonuses available for associates who bill 2,150 billable hours. Firm technology is satisfactory, associates receive education on new technology, and the firm is implementing AI tools. Wellness is supported by counseling services and incentives for annual medical checkups. A coordinator encourages and facilitates pro bono work, and exceptions may be made for exceeding the hours cap. Promotion from associate to counsel and then to equity partner is possible, and an attorney development team informs associates about available in-house and government positions as potential alternate career paths.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE:

Vinson & Elkins provides deep legal experience in handling sophisticated transactions, investments, projects, and disputes worldwide, and the firm is a trusted adviser to clients in the most important financial, industrial, and digital industries. With more than 700 lawyers working across 13 offices, V&E is highly regarded for work in banking/finance, energy (including renewables), infrastructure, technology, real estate, and transportation.

Vinson & Elkins has a reputation for a culture built on collaboration and inclusion, and the firm is known for empowering exceptional careers. From the start of summer associates’ experience, there are opportunities to work on high-profile matters across a variety of areas in a friendly environment where lawyers want to help law students and junior lawyers learn and succeed. Summer experiences include taking on research projects, drafting documents, participating in internal strategy discussions with attorneys, joining calls with clients and opposing counsel, attending depositions and meetings with clients, and working on pro bono matters. V&E’s Summer Program also offers social, cultural, and wellness activities to get to know future colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. As a new associate, there are many resources to support your success such as formal mentor assignments, peer network groups, and attorney development professionals who provide coaching and guidance.

Start your success story at Vinson & Elkins!

• More than 80% of V&E’s partners have been recognized in leading legal publications for their expertise (Chambers, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers, 2023)
• Charter member of Law Firm AntiRacism Alliance, focusing on racial and social justice pro bono work, 2020-2023
• Mansfield Rule 6.0 certified, 2020-2023