Vinson & Elkins grows practice with addition of James Barratt in London

Vinson & Elkins announced today that it has expanded its International Dispute Resolution practice in London with the addition of James Barratt, who joins as co-head of International Disputes – Europe alongside existing partner Louise Woods.

Barratt brings over twenty years of experience in international commercial arbitration, public international law, investment arbitration alongside English court proceedings. His practice is focused on disputes in the energy sector, notably those involving natural gas and LNG, but he has conducted substantial arbitrations across various other sectors, including life sciences, private equity, aviation, defense, technology, and telecommunications, and he is also adept in advising clients on investment treaty disputes and public international law.

“James is highly esteemed in the global arbitration field and is well-known for effectively addressing clients’ dispute resolution requirements in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape,” said Nick Henchie, managing partner of the Vinson & Elkins London office. “As we continue to expand our London office and to grow our cross-office disputes capabilities, he will be a great fit.”

Barratt regularly represents governments, international organisations and multinationals with an emphasis on clients based in Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. Barratt is a barrister and appears frequently as the first chair advocate before international arbitral tribunals and the English High Court.  He also  sits as a Recorder in the English Crown Court. He joins the firm from Fried Frank, where he was a partner.

“Our International Dispute Resolution group has continued to build on its established market position over recent years, and the opportunity to bring on a seasoned practitioner like James only strengthens that position further. Client demand in London and across our other key markets for experience in international arbitration and English court litigation continues to grow, and James’ addition helps us to meet that demand” said James Loftis, global head of the firm’s International Dispute Resolution group.

“What attracted me to Vinson & Elkins was its deep experience and bench strength in the international arbitration space, alongside its focus on energy, infrastructure and other disputes.” said Barratt. “The International Dispute Resolution practice is a strategic priority for the firm, and its reputation and commitment to expanding its high-value disputes practice made it an appealing opportunity.”

Barratt received his degree from the University of Cambridge in 1999 and was called to the Bar in 2001.