Vinson & Elkins Adds Partners Samuel Francis and Reed Schuster to Growing Investment Management Practice

Vinson & Elkins today announced that it has enhanced its Investment Management practice with the addition of Partners Samuel Francis in New York and Reed Schuster in Austin.

Francis represents U.S. and international private investment fund sponsors on all aspects of the formation and operation of private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds, and he provides regulatory guidance and support with respect to investment adviser registration and ongoing compliance requirements. His practice also focuses on advising asset managers on M&A transactions, and he regularly offers strategic counsel on a diverse range of management company matters.

Schuster focuses his practice on the formation, organization, operation and regulatory compliance of U.S. and international private equity, oil and gas, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and venture funds. He has significant experience representing investment advisers on matters related to formation, structuring and governance, as well as registration with the SEC and ongoing compliance with federal securities laws and SEC regulations, including SEC examinations and investigations.

“Sam and Reed’s broad skillset and experience, as well as their collaborative approach to practicing law, make them a perfect fit for the firm,” said Vinson & Elkins Partner and Vice Chair Jim Fox. “Hiring lawyers of this caliber will help us continue to build our Investment Management practice and attract stellar talent.”

“Reed and Sam significantly strengthen our Investment Management and Private Investment Funds team,” added Vinson & Elkins Partner Robert Seber, head of the firm’s Investment Management practice. “We expect them to work closely with partners across the firm to offer a full spectrum of capabilities — including fund formation, continuation vehicles, regulatory, and secondaries — to our private fund clients.”

Francis and Schuster join from Kirkland & Ellis, where they were partners in the firm’s Investment Funds practice group. The lawyers say they were enticed by Vinson & Elkins’ experience representing some of the world’s leading sponsors, as well as the firm’s culture and ambitions to expand its Investment Management practice.

“There is strong demand for fund formation and dealmaking, and I look forward to working with clients across investment strategies to create and operate a variety of fund structures,” said Francis, who received a Bachelor degree, summa cum laude, from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, and a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law, where he was a member of the Fordham Law Review.

“I have had the opportunity to work opposite Vinson & Elkins lawyers and know first-hand the skill, professionalism and problem-solving approach they bring to investment management matters. I cannot wait to join the team,” added Schuster, who graduated with a Bachelor degree, with honors, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Law Review.