Vinson & Elkins Expands New York M&A and Capital Markets Practice

Vinson & Elkins announced today that M&A and capital markets lawyer John Johnston has returned to the firm as counsel in New York.

After beginning his career at Vinson & Elkins, Johnston rejoins the firm from Baker Botts, where he spent the past five years. He represents businesses in a wide range of corporate transactions, including initial public offerings, registered and unregistered offerings of equity and debt securities, and M&A transactions. In addition, Johnston advises companies on shareholder activism and corporate governance matters, Exchange Act reporting, beneficial ownership reporting, stock exchange compliance and other securities law matters.

“John is a terrific lawyer who we already know is a great fit for the firm, and his familiarity with Vinson & Elkins will allow him to immediately service clients in key areas of focus for our Corporate department, particularly in New York, including our top-ranked shareholder activism and capital markets practices,” said Matt Strock, Co-Head of Vinson & Elkins’ Corporate department. “We are excited to welcome him back as we continue to strategically grow our New York practice.”

Johnston has represented public and private companies and investment funds based in the U.S. and abroad across a broad range of industries, including energy, REITs, shipping, retail, media, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

“I can’t think of a better way to continue building my practice than returning to the firm where I started, especially when that firm has built such an incredible team in New York,” Johnston said. “Vinson & Elkins is known for its ability to lead clients through every phase of their most complex transactions and challenges, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues old and new, across practices and geography.”

Johnston received his JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.