Vinson & Elkins lands Ashurst partner to lead EMEA energy M&A

Vinson & Elkins has hired Ashurst Perkins Coie partner Michael Burns to lead its energy and infrastructure M&A practice across EMEA.

Burns joins the firm's London office after more than 20 years advising private capital investors, corporates, developers and platform companies on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, capital raises and major projects.

Vinson & Elkins is an energy heavyweight concentrated primarily in the state of Texas, where about half of its approximately 220-strong partnership is based. The firm currently has 17 partners in London.

Energy push

Burns has been appointed head of energy and infrastructure M&A for EMEA and will work within Vinson & Elkins' London Transactions practice.

He previously served as Ashurst’s head of EMEA energy and infrastructure.

His practice spans traditional and renewable energy and infrastructure, including oil and gas, renewables, carbon capture and battery storage, as well as digital and transport infrastructure.

“Michael is exactly the calibre of partner we are seeking as we continue to expand our London Transactions practice,” said Ben Higson, head of the firm's London Transactions practice.

“The world’s most significant infrastructure investments increasingly involve London, New York and Houston, and our clients need advisors who can help them navigate those markets seamlessly.”‍

London heats up

Burns' arrival comes amid continued competition for senior energy and infrastructure lawyers in London.

Jones Day hired energy and infrastructure finance partners Caroline Gregson and Nath Curtis, while Broadfield hired Pillsbury partner Gavin Watson as its global head of energy and infrastructure earlier this year.

Gibson Dunn hired leading energy M&A partner Simon Tysoe from Latham in October, with Baker McKenzie adding energy and infrastructure partner Elisabeth Moseley from McDermott the following month.