The Institute for Energy Law (IEL), a division of The Center for American and International Law (CAIL), has announced that James Cowan, retired Vice President, Board Member, and Head of Legal at Shell USA, Inc., is the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award. The award presentation will take place at IEL’s 23rd Annual Energy Litigation Conference on November 12 in Houston, TX.
"I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Jim Cowan for over 30 years and witnessing his remarkable evolution from a young litigator in Texas to a globally recognized strategist in energy disputes. In his roles at Shell across three continents, Jim has tackled a vast array of energy disputes, devised innovative strategies, and earned a reputation as an exceptional colleague and mentor," stated Thomas (T.L.) Cubbage, President of The Center for American and International Law.
Established in 2002, the Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award is presented annually at IEL’s Energy Litigation Conference. It recognizes energy litigators for significant achievements in specific litigation or across their career, as acknowledged by their peers.
About James Cowan - James Cowan recently retired as Vice President, Legal for Shell USA, Inc., where he served as a key legal advisor and leader. Over his 20-year career at Shell, Cowan advised on legal matters across 70 countries and led teams in Houston, Rio de Janeiro, and London. His work spanned the entire energy supply chain, managing complex litigation and arbitration with a focus on mitigating reputational, political, and financial risks. Cowan also served as executive sponsor for Shell USA’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, earning the US LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s 2023 Out and Proud Corporate Counsel award. He remains active in the community, serving on the board and finance committees for the Houston Ballet and Houston's Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal). Cowan holds a JD and BA from the University of Texas at Austin.
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About the Institute for Energy Law - The Institute for Energy Law (IEL) was founded in Dallas in 1959 as a division of The Center for American and International Law, an international nonprofit educational institution for lawyers, judges, and law enforcement professionals. IEL provides lawyers and other professionals in the energy industry with exceptional academic and professional opportunities, including annual conferences, courses, seminars, scholarly publications, and membership activities. As one of the energy industry's premier membership organizations, IEL counts many leading global energy companies and attorneys among its international members. Learn more about IEL by visiting cailaw.org/IEL.
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Email: klarraga@cailaw.org
Phone: 972-244-3436