Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is opening an office in Houston later this year with the addition of Vinson & Elkins capital markets partner Robert Rabalais, reports The Am Law Daily.

“Opening in Houston is a natural outgrowth of our already strong and longstanding energy practice,” firm chairman Philip Ruegger said in a statement. “The Houston office, with a resident partner as talented as Robert, will provide a tremendous benefit to our clients active in the oil and gas space.”