Vinson & Elkins Hires Thomas Knight, Expanding Energy Regulatory Practice

Vinson & Elkins today announced that Thomas Knight has joined the firm as a Washington, D.C.-based partner in the firm’s Energy Regulatory practice.

Knight represents some of the leading natural gas and storage companies before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE), with a focus on rate, certificate, compliance and tariff matters. He also counsels new natural gas pipeline and storage companies and crude oil and liquids pipeline companies on developing greenfield energy projects, including guiding them through the regulatory process from formation to obtaining regulatory approvals and preparing initial rates and tariffs to go into service.

“Tom’s experience handling complex FERC and DOE matters is a natural complement to our Energy Regulatory practice and will prove instantly valuable to our clients,” said Vinson & Elkins Partner Jay Seegers, co-head of the firm’s Energy Regulatory practice. “Our Energy Regulatory team has enjoyed dramatic growth in recent years. Tom bolsters our standing as one of the nation’s leading energy regulatory practices with a deep bench of talent advising the energy community.”

William Scherman, co-head of the firm’s Energy Regulatory practice, added: “We look forward to Tom bringing his experience and technical knowledge to the firm to help our clients navigate the ever evolving and increasingly complex energy regulatory landscape.”

Vinson & Elkins is nationally recognized by Chambers USA in the Energy & Gas Regulatory & Litigation category (2014-2024) and Tier 1 for Legal 500 (2024) in the Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas category. With a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and evolving environmental challenges, the firm represents a diverse range of energy companies, including pipelines and pipeline customers in the development of new projects, whether in negotiating transportation service agreements or counseling regarding the open season and declaratory order process at FERC.

“I could not pass up the opportunity to join a firm that has such an incredible reputation across so many different areas of the energy industry,” said Knight. “Vinson & Elkins’ Energy Regulatory team has unrivaled experience and industry connections with midstream companies.”

Knight joins from Locke Lord LLP, where he was a longtime energy regulatory partner and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.

Knight has received widespread recognition, including from Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law (2021 – 2025). He received his Bachelor degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from American University’s Washington College of Law.