Vinson & Elkins Named a Top-Ranked Firm and Best Law Firm to Work For in Vault’s 2025 Associate Survey

Vinson & Elkins was named a Vault Law 100 firm, an annual assessment of the most prestigious firms in the U.S. as voted on by law firm associates from across the country. The firm received two top spots – as the Best Firm in Texas and the Best Law Firm in Energy, Oil & Gas.

Additionally, Vinson & Elkins was classified among the nation’s top five firms for Clean Tech/Renewable Energy for the fifth year in a row. Three of the firm’s other practices were ranked among the Top 20 in the country:  – Environmental Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Project Finance.

Vault also ranked Vinson & Elkins as one of the Best “Law Firms to Work For” based on its survey of Vinson & Elkins associates, who offered accolades in key categories, including integration of laterals and clerks, compensation, culture and quality of work.

“Formal training and mentorship programs are helpful, but more beneficial is the hands-on guidance associates receive from senior attorneys,” wrote Vault in its editorial commentary based on reviews from Vinson & Elkins’ associates.

In survey responses, the firm’s associates shared positive reviews about their experiences at Vinson & Elkins. Below are a few excerpts of their comments:

On culture:

• “Virtually everybody, lawyers and staff alike, are unbelievably supportive, friendly, and collaborative. The culture is laid back in that V&E does not make it difficult to have a family and social life separate from the firm, which I greatly appreciate.”

• “The relationship between staff and lawyers is strong, which makes the office a more comfortable and supportive environment in general.”

On mentoring and collaboration:

• “Partners serve as great mentors. They understand the value of associates, want them to succeed, and care about their well-being.”
• “Partners are generally very receptive to associate input/needs outside of work. The partners at the firm sit interspersed throughout the office, so there is significant mixing between associates and partners.”

On diversity, equity, and inclusion:

• “Having diverse teams in an inclusive environment at V&E means that we are able to leverage the power of different perspectives and ideas to provide the best solutions and service to our clients.”

On quality of work and opportunities:

• “The work at V&E is truly cutting edge; it is not atypical to see news articles about transactions and cases that V&E attorneys worked on. Junior attorneys often get substantive work, and when junior attorneys get less substantive projects (like document review), senior attorneys tend to explain the overall strategy of the case or transaction very well, and will listen to the junior attorney’s comments/suggestions about the strategy if they have any.”

• “Partners make an effort to include associates on client and court calls and proceedings.”

On wellbeing:

• “While V&E is an international firm that plays big in all of the competitive markets, I think the ‘southern roots’ allow for a more balanced attitude towards work-life balance.”
• “The firm offers meditation and similar programs designed to enhance wellness….”

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.

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