Natan Leyva ’99 Joins Vinson & Elkins as Partner

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 8, 2016) — Vinson & Elkins has has announced the addition of Natan Leyva as a partner in its global tax practice. Leyva, who will reside in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, focuses on all aspects of international tax planning.

Leyva joins V&E from Ernst & Young LLP, where he was a principal in the National Tax Department. At EY, Leyva led the firm’s repatriation and foreign tax credit planning initiatives and was a national resource on the use of cross-border partnership structures.

“Natan has an excellent reputation nationally for his in-depth knowledge of international tax issues, which become more important to our clients every day in light of developments in the U.S. and other jurisdictions,” V&E managing partner Scott Wulfe said. “As we continue to add to V&E’s lineup of leading tax lawyers in Washington, finding an international tax practitioner of Natan’s stature has been a top priority.”

Leyva advises U.S. companies on foreign tax credits, the subpart F regime, foreign currency transactions, and other aspects of outbound tax planning. He has extensive experience advising large multinationals on offshore restructurings, foreign tax credit and repatriation planning, intellectual property transactions, and the use of partnerships in cross-border structures. Leyva also advises foreign companies on inbound tax matters and has represented clients in connection with IRS challenges relating to foreign tax credits and other international tax issues.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at EY, but am looking forward to returning to a law firm environment where I can enhance and expand my practice,” Leyva said. “V&E is a top-tier destination for clients and I’m excited to help grow its International Tax practice.”

Prior to joining EY in 2011, Leyva was a partner at McKee Nelson, which merged with Bingham McCutchen in 2009. Leyva received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, summa cum laude, and his J.D. degree from Yale Law School.

“Natan, like other members of our team, has a reputation not only for technical excellence but for providing excellent client service,” said George Gerachis, head of V&E’s global Tax practice. “He’s proven himself a strong leader and is the ideal strategic and cultural fit to help expand our practice globally.”

V&E’s International Tax practice is nationally recognized by both Chambers USA 2016 and Legal 500 U.S. 2016. The firm represents foreign and domestic clients across a broad range of industries, including energy, finance, technology, and real estate.