They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Quentin Smith of Vinson & Elkins

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.
From 2019–2021, I served as lead counsel for a Hempstead, Texas-based construction company defending against tortious inference and business disparagement claims exceeding $1 million that, if litigated, would have put the company out of business. We executed a strategy that not only stayed the litigation, but dismissed all claims against our client, with prejudice, after an interlocutory appeal. After dismissal, the court awarded $175,000 in attorneys’ fees to our client.

From 2017–2019, I helped a Fortune 100 oil and gas company achieve a favorable result in an international arbitration involving hydrocarbon exploration. In doing so, I directed the technical defense, which involved (i) methods for finding potential hydrocarbon reservoirs, and (ii) the prudent operator standard for drilling an exploration well. At the arbitration, I cross-examined the opposing side’s sole technical expert and presented our technical expert on the primary disputed technical issue.

How do you define success in your practice?
I define success as achieving my client’s goals with integrity. In any matter I handle, I strive to understand the client’s goals at the outset of that matter. Rarely is their goal simply winning a dispute. Instead, there are often numerous other factors that are just as, if not more, important than obtaining a favorable judgment or award by any means necessary. As clients often say, they don’t have legal problems, they have business problems. Once I understand what the client hopes to achieve, I work with the client to make that goal a reality. As a litigator, it often requires me to do battle with opposing lawyers. While I fight hard for my clients, I always do so with respect and civility because my actions are not only a reflection of me and my firm but also my client. I never want my actions to jeopardize my client’s goals.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?
I am most proud to be in a position of trust to help people. I’ve had the opportunity to help paying clients, pro bono clients, young lawyers, and students. Helping a client achieve a goal or a younger lawyer grow is something truly special. I am always appreciative of the true gratitude that people have shown when I’ve used my position as a lawyer to help them. Whether it’s receiving hugs on the courthouse steps, grander celebrations, or a simple thank you call from a young lawyer who asked for advice. In my role as a more senior lawyer, I am proud to help mentor and train younger lawyers, regardless of whether they are at V&E, because various mentors have helped me to become a successful lawyer. Law is an apprenticeship. Few people can learn to be a successful lawyer on their own. And while formal mentoring programs are great, nothing can replace a person taking an interest in your growth as a lawyer. Finally, I’m proud to serve as an example to students, showing them that people who look like them can succeed at the highest levels of the legal profession.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?
Michael Murphy, a former V&E lawyer, is my greatest legal mentor. Michael was my mentor as a summer associate and continued in that role when I joined V&E as a young lawyer. Michael taught me a what it means to be a great lawyer. By staffing me on a case that was going to trial in my first year, Michael was responsible for one of the most important lesson I learned as a first-year lawyer: start with the end in my mind. By being able to work with Michael and a great trial lawyer during a four-week trial, I was able to learn the importance of each step of the litigation process. Michael continues to act as a sounding board and has always displayed an uncanny ability for great judgment. I am appreciative for Michael’s mentorship as I have developed as a lawyer.

Just for fun, Just for fun, tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.
“Brazilian Rhyme” (Live) by Earth, Wind & Fire: After the Earth, Wind & Fire and Isley Brothers Verzuz Battle, I added this song to my summer playlist. It’s a happy song that makes everyone want to dance.

“Conga Rock” by Diplo & Mat.Joe: A song with few lyrics, it’s another happy summer song that defies genres by borrowing from various musical sources.