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
Vinson & Elkins today announced the promotion of three senior directors to its C-Suite: Emily Pittman, to Chief International Operations Officer – EMEA and Asia, and Ale Valentini and Allie Watkins, to Co-Chief Practice Management Officers.
“We recognize the invaluable role our business professionals play in fostering an optimal work environment where all of us can thrive – while delivering exceptional value to our clients,” said Adam Kassoff, Chief Operating Officer at Vinson & Elkins. “Emily, Ale, and Allie epitomize the sort of savvy business leaders we seek to recruit and develop, and we look forward to their continued guidance, strategic vision, and dedication to achieving operational excellence for the firm in the years ahead.”
Emily Pittman, based in the firm’s London office, most recently served as Senior Director of International Operations, overseeing the firm’s international operations and practice management function. In her new role, she will continue to oversee operations and practice management in London, Dubai, Dublin, and Tokyo. She leads the international team responsible for financial services, business development, talent management, human resources, information technology, communications, and facilities. Pittman also oversees the firm’s Paralegal program. A former practicing lawyer specializing in leveraged finance and asset-based lending, she practiced in the United States and England and Wales. Pittman holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University.
Ale Valentini and Allie Watkins, based in the firm’s Houston office, have been promoted to Co-Chief Practice Management Officers, jointly leading a team that provides ongoing operational support to the leaders of our practice groups and legal departments. In their new roles, they will draw on their extensive experience to effectively address the business needs of these groups.
Valentini most recently served as co-lead of the firm’s Global Practice Management department as a Senior Director of Global Practice Management. She joined the firm as an International Accounting Manager and soon transitioned into the role of Financial Planning & Analysis and Pricing Director, which allowed her to delve deeper into strategic financial planning, a critical component of the firm’s growth and success. Valentini received a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela.
Watkins previously served as co-lead of the firm’s Global Practice Management department as a Senior Director of Global Practice Management and also headed practice management efforts for the Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets group. She previously practiced law, focused on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, finance, and real estate. Watkins received a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University.
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.
