A Texas-Sized Centennial for Vinson & Elkins

James Elkins, who co-founded Vinson & Elkins in 1917 at the tender age of 37, is remembered as a bit of a curmudgeon.

He drank coffee sparingly and, it is said by lawyers at the firm today, even partners had to sneak their trips to the local coffee shop or face a tongue lashing from Elkins. Same for golfing.

“If he could detect you played golf on the weekend by the tan line from your golf glove, he’d let you know it,” said John Taurman, an of counsel at the firm, who has a keen interest in history.

Elkins never owned a home, ...