Vinson & Elkins has acquired New York boutique Cronin & Vris in a boost to the Texas-based law firm's bankruptcy practice.

The five-lawyer practice is set to join Vinson's New York office, with founding partner Dennis Cronin becoming a partner and co-head of Vinson's insolvency practice. Also joining Vinson as partners will be Jane Vris and Dov Kleiner.

Cronin and Vris are former partners at elite New York law firm Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz, with Kleiner a former Wachtell associate. Cronin was managing partner of the M&A leader from 1981 to 1987.

In addition, Laurence Cherkis, a former partner and head of Wachtell's real estate practice, and Ronald Trost, the former head of Sidley Austin's bankruptcy practice, are joining Vinson as counsel.

Cronin served as Vinson's counsel when energy giant Enron, to which Vinson was primary adviser, went bankrupt. Last year the firm settled claims by Enron's bankruptcy estate amounting to $30m (£14.9m). Vinson admitted no liability and said it made the payment in order to avoid lengthy litigation.

Meanwhile, former Weil Gotshal & Manges bankruptcy partner Harry Perrin is joining Vinson's Houston office as a partner. Perrin is currently co-head of the restructuring business at energy-focused investment bank Petrie Parkman.