The Institute for Energy Law (IEL), a division of The Center for American and International Law (CAIL), has announced that Kimberly R. Phillips, General Counsel—Projects, Technology & Intellectual Property at Shell USA, Inc., is the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award.
Phillips is being honored primarily for her impactful leadership in her former role as General Counsel—Global Litigation at Shell, where she led a team of 60 lawyers and legal professionals across seven countries, overseeing the company’s global disputes portfolio and strengthening Shell’s strategic approach to complex energy litigation. The award will be presented during IEL’s 24th Annual Energy Litigation Conference on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
“Kimberly has built an exceptional reputation for her meticulous preparation and deep understanding of the complex issues shaping our industry,” said Vickie Adams, IEL Co-Director and CAIL Vice President. “Beyond her remarkable record in major energy cases, she stands out for her dedication to leading with inclusivity and integrity.”
Established in 2002, the Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award recognizes outstanding energy litigators for their professional achievements, significant contributions to the energy industry, and dedication to advancing the practice of law. It is presented annually during IEL’s Energy Litigation Conference, one of the Institute’s most respected and well-attended events.
About Kimberly R. Phillips - Phillips is General Counsel—Projects, Technology & Intellectual Property at Shell USA, Inc., leading a global legal team advising on capital projects, environmental law, technology, cybersecurity, and data privacy. A litigator with more than 30 years of experience, she previously served as General Counsel—Global Litigation, managing Shell’s worldwide disputes through a team of 60 lawyers and legal professionals in seven countries.
Before joining Shell, Phillips was a partner in private practice in Dallas and Houston, handling complex trial and appellate matters in state and federal courts. She is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Her many honors include the National Bar Association’s Best Corporate Counsel Award, the Premier Women in Law Award, and the Legacy of Leadership Award from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. In 2022, she became the first recipient of IEL’s Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, recognizing her efforts to advance diversity and belonging in the energy legal profession.
Phillips earned her law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian.