(Austin) December 13, 2005 — The American Bar Association Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession has announced that Vinson & Elkins partner Michael Marin is one of six recipients of the prestigious 2005 Spirit of Excellence Award, which recognizes lawyers who work to promote diversity in the law.

A litigator in V&E;'s Austin office, Marin is being honored for his commitment to projects that increase minority participation in the legal profession and in the court system. Specifically, Marin has been instrumental in creating and implementing numerous mentoring programs and scholarship initiatives to provide opportunities for students from underrepresented populations to become lawyers. He spearheaded the creation of the Austin Bar Association's award-winning "Pick Me! A Jury of My Peers" jury project, which teaches high school seniors the importance of jury service. Marin also is a Co-Leader of the V&E; Jury Project, a pro bono effort that utilizes litigation, legislation and education to increase public participation and diversity in the Texas jury system.

"Mike, as a relatively young partner, has already established a reputation for his legal ability in the courtroom and as a leader  in our  profession," says Vinson & Elkins Managing Partner Joe Dilg. "Mike’s efforts in promoting diversity within the  legal  profession  reflects Vinson & Elkins strong commitment in this area and we are extremely proud of him."

Marin was raised in the farm community of Canutillo, Texas, which is as far west as you can go without leaving the Lone Star State. His mother, a Mexican immigrant with a second grade education, spoke no English. His Mexican-American father dropped out of school after the eighth grade in order to work in the fields to help his family during the depression. As a boy, Michael spent summers in the hot Texas sun picking onions and tomatoes. As a teenager, he mowed lawns, washed dishes and bused tables at a local restaurant. His earnings helped support the needs of the family.

After three years in the United States Air Force Academy, Marin completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso. While serving active-duty in the Air Force as a heavy equipment mechanic, he obtained an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University. Recognizing the enormous influence that lawyers wield in our society, Marin attended Harvard Law School in 1991. Upon graduation in 1994, Marin returned to his roots, joining Vinson & Elkins, where he has cultivated a successful civil litigation practice. In 2003, the firm proudly admitted Marin to the partnership.

"I am truly honored to receive this award," says Marin, who at age 38, is widely recognized as one of the brightest young litigators in Texas. "But the recognition should go to V&E;, which places such emphasis on public service and diversity."

Marin has served as lead counsel on numerous complex business disputes and wrongful death cases in state and federal court. He has represented clients in pharmaceutical and biotechnology matters, as well as telecommunications, semiconductor and construction cases.

Vinson & Elkins also would like to congratulate the other honorees, including Houston attorney Harry Gee Jr.; Sara Lee Corp. General Counsel Roderick A. Palmore; Starbucks General Counsel Paula Boggs; Rachel Patrick, staff director for American Bar Association Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice; and Judge Ann Claire Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago.

For more information, please contact  Michael Marin at 512.542.8549 or via e-mail at mmarin@velaw.com. Or you may contact Darrin Schlegel at 713.758.2171 or via e-mail at dschlegel@velaw.com.

Vinson & Elkins was established in 1917 and is one of the world's largest international law firms. The firm has about 700 lawyers practicing in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Dubai, Houston, London, Moscow, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington D.C. Vinson & Elkins offers a wide range of legal services. Clients include public and private companies, financial institutions, municipalities, governments of sovereign nations, entrepreneurs, families and individuals.