Bankruptcy lateral hiring continues on a hot streak amid the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, with Vinson & Elkins adding a partner in New York.

George Howard. Courtesy photo.

George Howard joined Vinson & Elkins on Monday, coming from Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, where he had been counsel.

Firms have been busily adding bankruptcy and restructuring lawyers, spurred by the economic downturn and low oil prices. That provides opportunities for both lateral moves and career advancement, as in the case of Howard, who was counsel at Skadden but joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner.

Howard said he is pleased to join Vinson & Elkins as a partner, but said he was attracted to the Texas firm because of its busy restructuring practice, "great portfolio" of private equity clients, and entrepreneurial bent. He also wants to help Vinson & Elkins build the New York office.

"It's just an amazing team," Howard said, noting that he has known David Meyer, the co-head of the firm's restructuring and reorganization practice for several years.

Meyer said in a press release that the practice has been extremely busy since well before the economic troubles caused by COVID-19, and Howard, who began his career at Jones Day, helps the firm expand its capabilities in New York.

Vinson & Elkins managing partner Scott Wulfe said in the release that the firm is focused on growing the restructuring team to meet increased client demand.

Howard has worked on a number of energy bankruptcies, such as representing Quantum Pacific (Gibraltar) as majority shareholder in the Pacific Drilling restructuring. He's also done work for coal producers Alpha Natural Resources and Peabody Energy in connection with Chapter 11s.

A Skadden spokeswoman did not immediately provide a comment on Howard's departure.