Vinson & Elkins has added Partner Samara Shepherd to its Investment Funds practice in Houston, marking another strategic hire as the firm continues to expand its presence across private equity fund formation and management advisory services.
Shepherd advises private fund sponsors in the formation, structuring, and ongoing management of private equity funds and related investment vehicles. Her work includes guiding emerging fund managers in launching their inaugural funds, as well as working with established sponsors who manage a broad range of fund sizes and strategies. Her experience covers funds focused on energy and infrastructure, as well as growth and buyout strategies. She also advises on governance, succession planning, compensation arrangements, and other operational matters, in addition to secondary transactions involving continuation funds, GP-led restructurings, and sales of fund interests. Shepherd’s practice further includes counseling clients on fund-related elements of mergers and acquisitions involving private equity-backed portfolio companies.
Her arrival strengthens a growing Investment Funds practice at Vinson & Elkins that has been expanding its depth in asset management and private equity capabilities. Shepherd previously served as a partner in the Investment Funds practice at Kirkland & Ellis, and her addition follows the recent arrivals of Samuel Francis and Reed Schuster, also from Kirkland & Ellis, earlier this year. Shepherd earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt Law School.
Vinson & Elkins’ Investment Funds practice advises sponsors and investors on fund formation, regulatory compliance, and transactional matters related to management entities and portfolio company-level activities. The team collaborates across the firm’s global platform to serve clients operating in sectors including energy, infrastructure, and broader private markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“Samara will provide instant value to our clients because of her deep understanding of investor dynamics and the fact that she is a consummate team player who is a joy to work with. Her arrival marks an exciting moment for our growing, full-service Investment Funds practice and our complementary asset management teams.”
Robert Seber, Partner and Head of Investment Funds Practice, Vinson & Elkins
“I was enticed by the energy and dynamic vision of Vinson & Elkins’ Investment Funds team, along with the depth and strength of the firm’s leading Corporate practice. I look forward to reuniting with Reed and Sam and to working with Robert and the Investment Funds practice, particularly within the energy and infrastructure sectors, to deliver fund solutions that match the sophistication and ambitions of our clients.”
Samara Shepherd, Partner, Vinson & Elkins
