Energy Law

18th Annual Energy Litigation Conference

Spring (Houston Metro Area), Texas, USA

Past Event

MCLE Credit will be available

Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village
1200 Lake Plaza Drive
Spring (Houston Metro Area), Texas 77389

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Registrar: +1.972.244.3403
IEL: +1.972.244.3421
Fax: +1.972.244.3401
E-Mail: iel@cailaw.org

Overview

This conference has become a must-attend event for energy litigators, in particular oil and gas attorneys. The 18th edition of the Energy Litigation Conference will bring together some of the top in-house and private practice energy litigators to discuss new trends in energy litigation, recent case law of importance to energy litigators, and ways to improve an energy litigation practice.

Conference Co-Chairs

Jonathan Baughman
McGinnis Lochridge
Houston, Texas

Kelli Jones
Managing Counsel
ConocoPhillips Company
Houston, Texas

Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award Recipient

Joann Lee
Associate General Counsel
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Spring, Texas

Download the Brochure (pdf)

For more details, download the online brochure.

Tuition

  • $495 - Regular Registration Fee
  • $395 - IEL Advisory Board Member
  • $395 - IEL Supporting or Sustaining Member Employee
  • $395 - IEL Young Energy Professional Member
  • $395 - CAIL Member or Member Employee
  • $395 - Government Employee
  • $125 - Law Student
  • $125 - Full-time Professor
  • $100 - I cannot attend, but would like to order the materials.

Schedule and Faculty

7:45 am


Registration

8:20 am


Welcome, Overview and Introductions

8:30 am


Energy Litigation Update 2019

A review of recent lawsuits and case outcomes of special interest to energy litigators.

  • Mark D. Christiansen, Edinger Leonard & Blakley, PLLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

9:15 am


Anatomy of a Landmark Case: ETP v. Enterprise Products

The presenters will provide their firsthand trial and appellate perspectives on this pipeline joint venture dispute, from the trial court to the Texas Supreme Court.

  • Jeff M. Golub, Beck Redden LLP, Houston, Texas
  • David M. Gunn, Beck Redden LLP, Houston, Texas

10:00 am


Break

10:30 am


Litigation Risk and Exposure from Extreme Climate Events

Extreme weather events have led to real legal exposure and will continue to do so. This presentation is prospective, in that it discusses how to anticipate and prepare to these events. It is also retrospective, in that it discusses responses after these events, including how to defend, mitigate, and transfer litigation risk. The discussion covers the major types of extreme weather events and many locations around the globe.

  • Mary Rose Alexander, Latham & Watkins LLP, Chicago, Illinois
  • Thomas J. Heiden, Latham & Watkins LLP, Chicago, Illinois
  • Harri K. Kytomaa, Ph.D., P.E. CFEI, Group Vice President & Principal Engineer, Thermal Sciences, Exponent, Natick, Massachusetts
  • Matt Stein, Vice President Business Development, Jupiter Intelligence, San Mateo, California

11:30 am


Perspectives on Trying Energy Cases in 2019 and Beyond: Opinions from a Former Judge, a Trial Lawyer and Jury/Trial Consultant

This session will provide a unique perspective from a distinguished panel on the changing environment that energy lawyers find themselves in when trying complex energy disputes in 2019 and beyond. Whether trying a case before a jury or a judge, listen to the insights of a seasoned trial judge, trial lawyer and jury/trial consultant offer their perspectives given changing demographics, social media, electronics, politics, and the increased use of hydraulic fracturing across the United States.

  • Jesse Pierce, Pierce & O’Neill, LLP, Houston, Texas
  • Shelley C. Spiecker, Ph.D., Senior Litigation Consultant, Persuasion Strategies, Denver, Colorado
  • Randy Wilson, Susman Godfrey L.L.P., Houston, Texas

12:15 pm


Lunch – Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award Presentation and Speech

Award Recipient

JoAnn Lee
Associate General Counsel
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Spring, Texas

1:30 pm


Break

1:45 pm


In-House Counsel Panel – Litigation Managers

This panel will discuss the current trends and hot issues facing in-house counsel in the oil and gas industry and how outside counsel can help them.

Moderator: Amy Pharr Hefley, Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas

Panelists:

  • Jason Bergeron, Senior Counsel – Litigation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Jason Buchman, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Stratum Reservoir, Houston, Texas
  • Tonja D. De Sloover, Deputy General Counsel & Head of Litigation, Energy Transfer LP, Houston, Texas
  • Julie S. Stanger, Senior Counsel, Litigation Management Unit, Chevron Upstream, Houston, Texas

2:45 pm


Best Practices and Pitfalls All Energy Companies Should Know When Litigating Theft of Trade Secret Cases

The filing of trade secret misappropriation cases is climbing in both federal and state court.  With the protections available under the DTSA and TUTSA, energy companies are actively litigating under these statutes to safeguard their trade secrets and police unfair competition.  Critical to the outcome of these cases is the measures taken to secure the confidentiality of trade secrets in advance of litigation.  With the energy industry being heavily driven by data, new technology, global communications, and the movement of key talent, the hiring and departure of employees represent key gateways for incorporating trade secret protections.  Active consulting, service and transactional trends in the industry likewise enhance the need for utilizing measures to protect the ownership and existence of trade secrets in advance of negotiations or due diligence.  Trade secret misappropriation cases have been won and lost based on the business measures in place or lack thereof – highlighting the critical importance of implementing best practices to safeguard trade secrets and being aware of pitfalls that can lead to the loss of trade secret status.

  • Michelle Pector, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Houston, Texas

3:15 pm


Break

3:30 pm


Collecting Judgments in Energy Litigation

Once you have invested the resources in winning a money judgment against your opponent or counterparty, you have a strong incentive to actually turn that into a monetary recovery, if possible. Unfortunately, trial-level litigators who might secure the judgment in the first place may not have the enthusiasm or expertise for post-judgment collection. D. Brent Wells has collected judgments for major energy exploration and production companies, traders that buy and sell energy products such as natural gas, and oilfield service companies that deliver labor and materials on credit. In this presentation Brent will rundown legal options, remedies, and strategies for collecting your energy-related judgment, including asset discovery, judgment liens, execution, garnishment, and turnover. By knowing the tools in the post-judgment arsenal, you may have a better chance of hitting paydirt!

  • D. Brent Wells, Wells & Cuellar, P.C., Houston, Texas

4:15 pm


Ethical Issues in Energy Law

A frank discussion of how to avoid ethical traps, malpractice claims, and even grievances before the State Bar or a disciplinary agency. The session will include a review of the attorney discipline system and recent caselaw that will be useful to both in-house attorneys and outside practitioners.

  • Allison S. Miller, Beck Redden LLP, Houston, Texas
  • Kate Skagerberg, Beck Redden LLP, Houston, Texas

5:15 pm


Adjourn

5:15-6:15 pm


Networking Reception

CLE Credit

This program is approved by the State Bar of Texas for a total of 6.5 hours, including 1 hour of ethics. Course ID Number: 174060472. Credit hours for other states will vary and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.

For this conference, IEL will directly apply (if requested) for course accreditation in the following states: California, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Some of these states may not approve a program for credit hours before the program occurs. Attorneys may be eligible to receive CLE credit through reciprocity or attorney self-submission in other states. Attorneys filing by self-submission in certain states may be required to pay an additional fee. IEL conferences are typically accredited by all mandatory CLE states.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Hosted Luncheon and Presentation of the IEL Outstanding Achievement in Energy Litigation Award - $3,250 each

  • Recognition in the Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through email and web announcements.
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program.
  • Recognition on the Conference website.
  • Recognition at the luncheon.
  • 3 complimentary registrants at the Conference.
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference.

Networking Reception - $2,500 each

  • Recognition in the Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through email and web announcements.
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program.
  • Recognition on the Conference website.
  • Recognition at the Reception.
  • 1 complimentary registrant at the Conference.
  • 2 complimentary guests at reception.
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference.

Breakfast Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) - $3,750 - SOLD

  • Recognition in the Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through email and web announcements.
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program.
  • Recognition on the Conference website.
  • Recognition at the breakfast.
  • 3 complimentary registrants at the Conference.
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference.

Morning Break Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) - $3,500

  • Recognition in the Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through email and web announcements.
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program.
  • Recognition on the Conference website.
  • Recognition at the break, including from podium immediately before break.
  • 2 complimentary registrants at the Conference.
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference.

Afternoon Break Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) - $3,500

  • Recognition in the Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through email and web announcements.
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program.
  • Recognition on the Conference website.
  • Recognition at the break, including from podium immediately before break.
  • 2 complimentary registrants at the Conference.
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference.

Lanyard Sponsor (Exclusive) - $4,000 - SOLD
For Energy Litigation Conference and Young Litigator Oil & Gas Conference

  • Sponsor name on lanyard for Energy Litigation Conference and Young Litigator Oil & Gas Conference
  • Recognition in the 18th Annual Energy Litigation Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through email and web announcements
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program
  • Recognition on the Conference website
  • 2 complimentary registrants at the Energy Litigation Conference and Young Litigator Oil & Gas Conference
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conferences

Canvas Bag (Only 3 Allowed) - $4,000 each

  • Name/Logo on one side of canvas bag
  • Recognition in the Conference brochure, which will be mailed and/or emailed to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders and will reach many thousands more through web announcements.
  • Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program.
  • 2 complimentary registrant at the Conference.
  • An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference.

Exhibitor (Non-law Firms only) - $1,750 each

  • Space to display company/firm materials at the conference.
  • Name/logo on Conference website with link to company page

Hotel Information

The cost of housing is not included in tuition. However, rooms (in limited number) have been reserved at the Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village, 1200 Lake Plaza Dr, Spring, TX 77389. Registrants should call 1 (800) 228-9290 or (281) 350-4000. If asked, the code for the block is IEL. So long as rooms remain available in the block, the reduced room rate of $189, plus taxes and fees, will be available.  The last day to obtain this special rate is October 21, 2019.

Dates available: Nov. 12 and Nov. 13, 2019, other nights may be available depending on hotel availability

BOOK HOTEL ONLINE

Other Information

Press Policy

All IEL conferences are held under the Chatham House Rule. Participants, including journalists, are free to use any information received, but comments may not be attributed to any speaker identifi ed by name or affiliation.

Visa Information

If you require a letter of invitation to obtain a visa for this conference, payment of the registration fee must first be made.  If you apply and do not receive a visa, please send us a copy of the rejection letter from the consulate, and we will cancel your registration and issue a refund. Please email iel@cailaw.org for more details.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.

Privacy Policy

We do not sell or rent information to any outside parties. By providing your information, you will receive postal and electronic communications from the Institute for Energy Law (IEL) of The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) in accordance with CAIL's Privacy Policy. If we co-sponsor a program with another organization, information may be shared between the parties. All such co-sponsors will be identified on the event details and registration page. At any point, you can opt-out or unsubscribe by selecting either link at the bottom of each email or call us at 972.244.3400.

Sponsor an Event

WiFi Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Canvas Bag Sponsor

Breakfast Sponsor

Hosted Luncheon Sponsors

Charging Station Sponsor

Networking Reception Sponsors