Vinson & Elkins Elects New Leadership Team

In a bold step forward, Vinson & Elkins has selected an impressive slate of new leaders to guide the firm through the post-pandemic era.

Noted dealmaker Keith Fullenweider will take over the reins from longtime Chair Mark Kelly. Elected as Vice Chairs are a trio of the firm’s brightest stars: litigator Michael Holmes, private equity specialist James Fox, and IP and technology litigation standout Hilary Preston. They succeed managing partner Scott Wulfe, a noted transactional lawyer.

“Jim, Michael, Hilary, and I are honored to be elected by our partners to help lead our firm into the future,” said Fullenweider. “We thank Mark and Scott for their remarkable leadership over the past 10 years. During this time, in addition to our established expertise in energy and infrastructure, our investments in litigation, real estate, private equity, technology, leveraged finance, arbitration and investigations have propelled the firm forward.

“At the same time, we have strengthened our culture, which is defined by a shared commitment to our clients and to leaving our firm better than we found it. Our firm has never been more aligned, meaning we have a tremendous opportunity to grow strategically and help our clients across additional practices and industries.”

The new Executive Committee is a major shout-out to the University of Texas Law School, from which three of the new leaders graduated. Fox’s alma mater is Brooklyn Law School.

Kelly and Wulfe are completing their tenth year in these leadership roles, the maximum permitted, at the end of 2021. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2022.