News & Achievements

Roberta Downey, Jenny Speck, and Charyn Ullrick Named Finalists for Prestigious Industry Award

Firm News


Vinson & Elkins Partners Roberta Downey and Jenny Speck and Chief Financial Officer Charyn Ullrick were named finalists for The American Lawyer/Corporate Counsel’s 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards.

On April 14, 2026, at the WIPL award ceremony in Chicago, Jenny Speck was announced as a winner in the Next Generation of Leaders (Law Firm) category.

The WIPL Awards honor women leaders and allies who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession by demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment to advancing equality.

Roberta Downey — Law Firm Thought Leadership Finalist
Head of the firm’s International Construction Group, Downey was named a finalist in the Law Firm Thought Leadership category, which recognizes women for serving as influential voices in their industries and communities to create meaningful change.

Downey is widely regarded for her work in international arbitration and cross‑border disputes, frequently contributing analysis that informs both clients and the broader legal community. Her thought leadership reflects decades of experience guiding multinational companies through complex, high‑value matters.

Jenny Speck — Next Generation of Leaders (Law Firm) Finalist
A partner in the firm’s Renewable Tax Group, Speck was named a finalist in the Next Generation of Leaders category, which recognizes women lawyers under the age of 40 who have made exceptional advancements in service delivery, public or societal interest, or otherwise worked to improve the profession or community around them.

Speck’s extensive understanding of renewable energy tax credits has positioned her at the forefront of some of the market’s most innovative transactions. Her sharp analytical instincts and collaborative leadership style have earned her strong recognition from clients and colleagues alike.

Charyn Ullrick — Innovative Leadership – Internal Innovation Finalist
Ullrick, the firm’s Chief Financial Officer, was named a finalist in the Innovative Leadership – Internal Innovation category, which recognizes women who challenge conventional thinking and bring forward innovative ideas that improve internal operations, enhance team performance, and strengthen firm culture.

Ullrick’s ability to unite departments, modernize core processes, and foster a culture of transparency and teamwork has transformed the way the firm operates. Her leadership has not only strengthened the firm’s financial performance but also elevated the daily experience of attorneys and business professionals across the firm.

To view the full list of finalists, click here.

About Vinson & Elkins
For more than a century, Vinson & Elkins has provided outstanding client service across important industries that drive the global economy. Built on a strong culture of collaboration across 14 offices worldwide, V&E lawyers are committed to excellence, offering clients decades of legal experience in handling transactions, investments, projects and disputes across the globe. Learn more by visiting www.velaw.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

For more information, please speak with our media contacts.

Discover our latest:

Insights

Events

Jenny Speck to Speak at Lockton U.S. Energy Risk Summit

Partner Jenny Speck will speak at Lockton’s U.S. Energy Risk Summit on November 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The summit …

November 12, 2026

November 12, 2026 • 1-minute read

CLE Events

Sixth Annual Navigating the Annual Meeting and Reporting Season 

Join leading practitioners and industry voices for a timely discussion of the legal, regulatory, and governance developments shaping the next proxy season.

November 11, 2026

November 11, 2026 • 2-minute read

Navigating Series Background Decorative Image

Events

Jenny Speck Speaking at 2026 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference

Partner Jenny Speck will speak at the 2026 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit in a session titled “Tax …

November 3, 2026

November 3, 2026 • 1-minute read

Articles

Executive Order 14421: Managing the Risk of a Ban on Chinese Grid Equipment

The nation’s electric grid depends heavily on foreign-made equipment, much of it from China. Depending on how the Dept. of …

October 30, 2026

October 30, 2026 • 1-minute read

Podcasts

Powering Progress Episode 14 – Environmental Litigation and the New Data Center Playbook

This series has explored the extraordinary investment flowing into data centers and the challenges surrounding power, real estate, financing, and …

October 29, 2026

October 29, 2026 • 14-minute read

News & Achievements
V&E

Get in Touch

Thoughts or questions? Send us a note, and we’ll connect you with the right person.

The ESG GC: How Your Role as Chief Legal Officer is Integral To Your Company’s ESG Efforts Background Image