Vinson & Elkins

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

Vinson & Elkins is Texas through-and-through, from its work in the energy field to the hospitable nature of its offices and friendliness of its partners. Recruiting focuses on grades and law school attended (especially schools in Texas) and is expanding to consider a greater range of diverse candidates. Coworkers—including partners—are kind, supportive, and team-oriented partners who take a keen interest in the personal and professional development of associates. Their on-the-job guidance combined with structured workshops and CLEs helps associates feel prepared to take additional responsibilities. The firm welcomes and effectively onboards lateral hires. Work assignments seem to be a combination of level-appropriate and challenging tasks with an appropriate degree of client interaction. Weekly workload surveys let partners know how and to whom projects should be assigned, though they often hand pick associates they like and have worked with before. Vinson & Elkins’ 1,900-hour billable requirement is reasonable, though some feel the limit of 100 pro bono/DEI/development hours applied to the billable goal is too low—especially because, in the past, countable pro bono hours were unlimited. Compensation matches the prevailing market rate, and bonus multipliers can lead to an award of an above-market bonus. Firm technology is decent, and resources such as AI programs and an attentive IT staff are helpful. Associates are generally pleased with the firm’s wellness offerings, which include workload management seminars, counseling, and mindfulness apps. The firm has made notable efforts to increase diversity via recruitment, affinity groups, and parental leave. Promotion to equity partner is difficult but possible, and counsel positions are viable long term. Leaving for positions at other firms, in the government, or in-house in the energy industry is an attractive alternative.