Vinson & Elkins has launched a London tax practice with the hire of former Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Michael Thompson.

Thompson, who has been at Freshfields for over 20 years, joined the London office of the US firm earlier this month. He made partner at Freshfields in 1985 and has been a consultant at the firm for the last five years. He has particular experience in advising clients involved in oil and gas exploration, production, refining and marketing.