Big Law firms are kicking off 2024 by hiring lateral partners in the hot energy sector, with Vinson & Elkins beefing up its energy transition team by hiring Shearman & Sterling partner Jorge Medina in Los Angeles, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher adding Mayer Brown energy finance and transactions partner Dale Smith in Houston.

Dealmaking in the energy and power sector is strong, comprising 17% of total global deal volume in 2023, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group.