For more than seven decades, the Institute for Energy Law’s (IEL) Annual Energy Law Conference has been a cornerstone for legal professionals and industry leaders navigating the ever-evolving energy landscape. This year’s 76th Annual Energy Law Conference, held February 13-14, 2025, in Houston, once again proved why it remains the longest-running and one of the most respected energy law conferences in the nation.
With over 20 sessions, 65+ distinguished faculty members, and 400 participants representing 9 countries and 28 states, the conference delivered timely discussions, expert analysis, and valuable networking for in-house counsel, private practitioners, regulators, and industry professionals.
Photo: A full house in Houston for the kickoff session of the Annual Energy Law Conference—big thanks to Jas Brar and Roy Prather III for starting us off strong!
Conversations That Matter
From headline keynotes to breakout panels, the 76th Annual Energy Law Conference delivered content that hit at the heart of today’s most urgent legal and business challenges. Two standout highlights include keynote sessions from ExxonMobil’s General Counsel, Jeff Taylor, and Fervo Energy’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Latimer. Speaking to IEL for the first time, Taylor offered an unfiltered look into legal leadership at one of the world’s largest energy companies and the anticipated challenges and opportunities for the industry under the new administration. Latimer discussed the opportunities and challenges available in the geothermal sector of the industry.
Photo: Jeff Taylor, General Counsel at Exxon Mobil, speaks during a fireside chat at the 76th Annual Energy Law Conference, offering insights on the evolving role of legal leadership in the global energy sector.
Themes of innovation, regulation, litigation, and transformation pulsed through the conference, with sessions tackling the industry's most urgent legal challenges. As decarbonization, carbon capture, and hydrogen investments accelerate, lawyers are leading on deal structure, risk management, and compliance. Shifting state and federal policies are pushing companies to adapt in real time, balancing sustainability with operations. At the same time, legal teams are managing increasingly complex disputes, from cross-border transactions to enforcement actions. And with AI, cybersecurity, and infrastructure innovation on the rise, the role of legal counsel is evolving just as fast as the industry itself.
Beyond the panels and presentations, the event also fostered meaningful connections, with attendees engaging in meaningful conversations at special social events, and during conference breaks and informal meetups that reinforced the conference’s role as a hub for collaboration and professional growth.
Honoring Leadership in Energy
A standout moment of the conference was the presentation of the 2025 Distinguished Leadership in Energy Award to Thomas E. Jorden, Chairman, CEO, and President of Coterra Energy Inc. The award, which has been given annually since 1970, recognizes extraordinary professional and civic contributions to the energy sector.
Jorden was honored during a special reception and dinner at the Houston Racquet Club on February 13, where industry colleagues celebrated his impact and leadership. The evening underscored the importance of recognizing those who have shaped and continue to shape the future of energy law and policy.
Photo: Thomas Jorden of Coterra Energy receives IEL’s Distinguished Leadership in Energy Award at the 76th Annual Energy Law Conference, presented by Kristi McCarthy and introduced by Cole DeLancey.
The 2025 Deans of Oil and Gas Practice Lecture
The conference also featured the highly anticipated Deans of Oil and Gas Practice Lecture, delivered this year by Professor Keith B. Hall, Nesser Family Chair in Energy Law and Director of the John P. Laborde Energy Law Center at Louisiana State University.
Photo: Professor Keith Hall receives his award from Kristi McCarthy after delivering the Deans of Oil and Gas Lecture at IEL’s 76th Annual Energy Law Conference.
Each year, the lecture provides a lawyer’s lecture for lawyers, offering a moment of reflection and insight on a career in oil and gas law. Hall, a nationally recognized expert in mineral rights and energy law, shared his experiences in academia, legal practice, and leadership in the field. His lecture provided attendees with historical context, key industry shifts, and lessons learned from his career—reinforcing the importance of mentorship, continued learning, and adaptability in the energy sector.
The Value of the IEL Community
The success of the 76th Annual Energy Law Conference would not have been possible without the dedication and engagement of our attendees, faculty, and sponsors.
To our participants—your enthusiasm, curiosity, and expertise create the dynamic discussions that make this conference an invaluable experience. To our faculty—thank you for sharing your time and insights to help advance the field of energy law. To our sponsors—your generous support enables IEL to continue providing high-quality programming and meaningful industry connections.
Photo: A packed room for the “Legal Considerations in Brine-Based Lithium Extraction, Processing, and Use” session at the Annual Energy Law Conference.
As the conference wrapped up, one thing was clear: the energy sector is in constant flux, but the IEL community remains a steady force in advancing legal and industry expertise. Whether through its annual conference, specialized programming, or thought leadership, IEL continues to be a vital space for lawyers and professionals working in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.