The Institute for Energy Law (IEL), a division of The Center for American and International Law (CAIL), hosted the 77th Annual Energy Law Conference on February 26–27, 2026, at The Westin Houston, Memorial City in Houston, Texas. The long-standing program brought together private practitioners, in-house counsel, land professionals, regulators, and industry leaders from across the country for two days of discussion on the legal, regulatory, and commercial developments shaping today’s energy landscape.
First launched in 1949, the Annual Energy Law Conference remains one of the most established continuing legal education programs in the energy industry. The conference continues to serve as a central gathering point for practitioners and industry professionals seeking insight into the legal and business issues affecting the evolving energy sector.
Conference Leadership and Program Highlights
This year’s program was led by Conference Co-Chairs Kimberly L. Cunningham of Exxon Mobil Corporation and Louie Layrisson of Baker Botts L.L.P., who curated a robust agenda featuring leading voices from across the industry. Sessions explored a wide range of timely topics and reflected the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of energy law, with perspectives from private practice, corporate legal departments, government agencies, technology companies, data center developers, and investment professionals.
Photo: Rosario Hecht Dominguez (Holland & Hart LLP) moderates a discussion with panelist Elizabeth A. Ryan (ConocoPhillips) during the “Regulatory State Update and Best Practices” session at the 77th Annual Energy Law Conference.
Distinguished Leadership in Energy Award
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the IEL Distinguished Leadership in Energy Award to Liam M. Mallon, retired President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company and Vice President of Exxon Mobil Corporation. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership and long-standing contributions have had a lasting impact on the energy industry.
Photo: Kristy McCarthy (left) and Rick Vint (right) join Liam M. Mallon (center) following the presentation of the IEL Distinguished Leadership in Energy Award at the 77th Annual Energy Law Conference.
Deans of Oil & Gas Practice Lecture
Conference participants also heard from Gregory S. Mathews of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., who delivered the Deans of Oil & Gas Practice Lecture, which features distinguished practitioners reflecting on their careers and the evolution of the energy industry.
Photo: Robert Brannon (Chevron), Gregory S. Mathews (Chevron), and Kristy McCarthy following the Deans of Oil & Gas Practice Lecture at the 77th Annual Energy Law Conference.
Inaugural Class of IEL Legends
The conference also marked a historic milestone for IEL with the induction of the inaugural class of IEL Legends. The recognition honors individuals whose decades of leadership, scholarship, and service shaped the Institute for Energy Law and the broader energy law profession. The inaugural class included Janice Hartrick, Sheila Hollis, Prof. Bruce M. Kramer, Prof. Patrick H. Martin, The Hon. Joseph W. Morris, Frederick J. “Rick” Plaeger II, Laura M. Robertson, and Robert G. Storey.
Photo: IEL Legends honorees (left to right) Laura M. Robertson, Janice Hartrick, Prof. Bruce M. Kramer, Prof. Patrick H. Martin, and Frederick J. “Rick” Plaeger II, pictured with Jay Ray, Vice President of The Center for American and International Law and Co-Director of the Institute for Energy Law, following the induction of the inaugural class of IEL Legends at the 77th Annual Energy Law Conference.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the educational programming, the conference offered numerous opportunities for connection and collaboration. Networking receptions, the Distinguished Leadership Award dinner, and gatherings throughout the two-day program allowed attendees to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and strengthen the professional relationships that continue to define the IEL community.
IEL extends its sincere appreciation to the conference sponsors, faculty, and participants whose support and engagement helped make the 77th Annual Energy Law Conference a memorable and impactful experience. Through their continued involvement, the conference remains a leading forum for dialogue, professional development, and collaboration within the energy law community.
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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. Visit www.cailaw.org/IEL to learn more.