Vinson & Elkins Adds Freshfields Finance Partner Raciti-Knapp

Melissa Raciti-Knapp joins the firm's New York office to bolster its finance practice.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Melissa Raciti-Knapp has joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in the firm's finance practice in New York. Raciti-Knapp's practice focuses on project finance and project development, assisting sponsors, developers, commercial banks, export credit agencies, multilaterals and other financial institutions across sectors including conventional and renewable power, mining, oil and gas, water treatment, telecommunications, and other infrastructure projects. She previously worked at Freshfields.

Why it matters

The addition of Raciti-Knapp to Vinson & Elkins' finance practice in New York strengthens the firm's capabilities in project finance and development, which are critical areas of legal services as infrastructure investment continues to grow globally across various sectors.

The details

Melissa Raciti-Knapp has joined Vinson & Elkins as a partner in the firm's finance practice in New York. Raciti-Knapp's practice focuses on project finance and project development, assisting sponsors, developers, commercial banks, export credit agencies, multilaterals and other financial institutions across sectors including conventional and renewable power, mining, oil and gas, water treatment, telecommunications, and other infrastructure projects. She previously worked at Freshfields.

  • Raciti-Knapp joined Vinson & Elkins on February 12, 2026.

The players

Melissa Raciti-Knapp

A finance partner who joined Vinson & Elkins in New York, bringing expertise in project finance and development across various infrastructure sectors.

Vinson & Elkins

An international law firm that has added Melissa Raciti-Knapp as a partner in its finance practice in New York.

Freshfields

The law firm where Melissa Raciti-Knapp previously worked before joining Vinson & Elkins.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Vinson & Elkins' addition of Melissa Raciti-Knapp as a finance partner in New York demonstrates the firm's commitment to strengthening its capabilities in project finance and development, which are critical practice areas as infrastructure investment continues to grow globally across various sectors.