Houston recently hosted the Institute for Energy Law’s (IEL) first-ever Upstream Oil & Gas Legal Conference, gathering top legal minds from across the energy industry. Attendees, including in-house counsel from leading energy firms, explored critical regulatory developments and pressing legal challenges impacting the upstream sector. Jana Grauberger, shareholder at Liskow, described the event as “a great addition to the IEL conference calendar,” applauding its engaging topics, expert speakers, and strong networking value.
Photo: Elizabeth L. Tiblets, K&L Gates, speaking to attendees on Royalty Disputes After Initial Production
Addressing Legal Complexities with Practical Insight
The conference sessions focused on providing actionable strategies, covering joint operating agreements, oilfield service contracts, royalty disputes, and trends in mergers and acquisitions. Expert-led panels offered attendees vital tools for navigating today’s complex and shifting regulatory landscape, enriching their capacity to make informed, impactful decisions.
Photo: Lauren Brogdon, Haynes and Boone, LLP (left), Clarissa Howley Mills, EPA, Region 6 (center), and Roberta Saielli Lewis, Shell USA, Inc. (right), speaking on Emergency Response: Navigating Regulations, Investigations, and Record Keeping.
Photo: Austin Brister, McGinnis Lochridge, speaking on JOA Disputes: A Survey of Emerging and Re-Emerging Issues.
Fostering Collaboration in Energy Law
IEL’s inaugural event also emphasized the value of collaboration, creating opportunities for attendees to connect, share insights, and foster partnerships within the industry. Beyond addressing legal complexities, the conference underscored the power of collective knowledge in navigating an evolving legal environment.
Photo: Networking Lunch
Initiatives like the Upstream Oil & Gas Legal Conference underscore IEL’s commitment to supporting legal professionals in a rapidly evolving field. As IEL continues to advance the future of energy law by equipping practitioners with essential skills and insights to address industry challenges, we invite those in the sector to explore IEL memberships and our upcoming programs, all designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and impactful growth across the energy industry.