Vinson & Elkins Adds Monique Watson, a Former Senior FERC Official, as Partner to Further Expand its Energy Regulatory Practice

Vinson & Elkins announced today that Monique Watson has joined the firm as a partner in Washington, D.C., bolstering the firm’s prominent Energy Regulatory practice. Watson possesses more than two decades of experience in energy law, specifically in oil and gas pipelines, as well as environmental impacts and permitting.

Watson brings extensive knowledge of the energy industry and a proven track record to the firm, which includes previously serving as the Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Energy Market Regulation, Division of Pipeline Regulation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In her role, she ensured the effective execution of the Division’s technical natural gas and oil pipeline rate and tariff review. Watson additionally worked in the FERC Office of the Solicitor serving as lead counsel in defending broad regulatory activities of the FERC in Federal courts under the Natural Gas Act, the Federal Power Act, and other statutes. Watson is highly regarded in the industry and joins Vinson & Elkins from Steptoe.

“Our energy regulatory practice has been a respected leader for decades and adding Monique to our strong team of attorneys further solidifies the firm’s position as one of the largest and most prominent energy regulatory practices in the country,” said Jay Seegers, Co-Leader of Vinson & Elkins’ Energy Regulatory practice with Bill Scherman. “Our regulatory environment is vital to the country’s economic growth and energy security. With Monique’s insights and experience, we expect to continue to grow our practice as energy regulation plays a critical role in guiding energy investments to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply.”

“This opportunity allows me to contribute to the dynamic energy regulatory landscape and work alongside the talented team at Vinson & Elkins,” said Watson. “The firm’s longstanding reputation and leadership in the energy sector are truly impressive, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to further strengthen our capabilities and provide exceptional service and value to our clients.”

Watson joins a strong existing Energy Regulatory practice where Vinson & Elkins has expanded the practice in the past six months. In February 2023, the firm added several key lateral hires in the Washington, D.C., and New York offices.

Watson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law, graduating cum laude.

Vinson & Elkins’ Energy Regulatory practice is nationally recognized as Band 1 for Chambers in the Energy & Gas Regulatory category and Tier 1 for Legal 500 in the Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas category. With a deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape and evolving environmental challenges, Vinson & Elkins represents a diverse range of clients, including energy companies, utilities, investors, government entities, and other stakeholders, on matters related to energy regulation, environmental compliance, and interactions with government agencies.