The 21st edition of the Energy Litigation Conference will bring together some of the top in-house and private practice energy litigators to discuss new trends in energy litigation, recent case law of importance to energy litigators, and ways to improve an energy litigation practice.

Conference Co-Chairs

Jenn Kaiser
Continental Resources, Inc.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Benjamin Sweet
Chevron
Houston, Texas

Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award Recipient

Charles W. Matthews
Former General Counsel of Exxon Mobil Corporation
Director, Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

Tuition

$495 - Regular Registration Fee
$395 - IEL Advisory Board Member
$395 - IEL Supporting or Sustaining Member Employee
$395 - IEL Young Energy Professional Member
$395 - Government Employee
$125 - Law Student
$125 - Full-time Professor

Schedule and Faculty

7:30 a.m. Registration

8:20 – 8:30 a.m. Welcome, Overview and Introductions

8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Energy Litigation Update 2022

A review of recent lawsuits and case outcomes of special interest to energy litigators.

Tina Q. Nguyen, Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas
Macey Reasoner Stokes, Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. When It’s About More Than a Money Judgment: ENGOs, New Administrations, And Regulation-Based Threats To E&P Operations

This presentation will examine the increasing threats to acquiring and exercising rights to conduct E&P operations and strategies for meeting these threats.

Jonathan A. Hunter, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, Louisiana

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. BREAK

10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Litigation over Mineral Use of “Pore Space”

From a concept created to address rights to store natural gas along pipelines or to facilitate long-term carbon capture and storage projects, “pore space rights” have become the basis for surface owner demands for additional compensation from active oilfield operations when waterflooding and disposing of produced water. Attendees will learn about the origins of the concept, its current state of development, and its likely consequences, intended and unintended.

L. Poe Leggette, BakerHostetler, Houston, Texas

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. The In-House Perspective on Representing Energy Clients

This panel will discuss the current trends and hot issues facing in-house counsel in the energy industry, working with outside counsel, and representing energy clients in litigation.

Moderator: Christopher Hogan, Hogan Thompson LLP, Houston, Texas

Panelists:

Stefanie L. Burt, Assistant General Counsel, EQT Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Vanessa Garza, Senior Counsel, Chevron, Houston, Texas
Jenn Kaiser, Lead Counsel – Williston Basin, Continental Resources, Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Laura A. Sutton, Assistant General Counsel, Litigation, Energy Transfer, Houston, Texas

12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch – Lifetime Achievement in Energy Litigation Award Presentation and Speech

Award Recipient

Charles W. Matthews
Former General Counsel of Exxon Mobil Corporation
Director, Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

Introduced by: David J. Beck, Beck Redden LLP

1:30 – 1:45 p.m. BREAK

1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Perspectives from Both Sides of Royalty Litigation – Operator and Landowner

Discussing recent cases, developments, and trends in royalty litigation nationwide, with insightful, practice-oriented commentary from practitioners who represent landowners and operators in royalty disputes.

Robert D. Woods, YetterColeman LLP, Houston, Texas
Reagan E. Bradford, Bradford & Wilson PLLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Will Rising Commodity Prices Lead to More Litigation?

In the wake of a global pandemic, large-scale natural disasters, and now the war in Ukraine, global energy prices have become more volatile than ever. What types of contractual provisions come to the forefront during these times of uncertainty? When can significant commodity price changes alter parties’ contractual relationships? And what kinds of litigation and causes of action can be expected as a result? An experienced panel of both in-house and outside counsel will address these issues and what practitioners in the energy space can expect in the months and years ahead.

Moderator:

Andrew S. Hicks, Schiffer Hicks Johnson PLLC, Houston, Texas

Panelists:

David Allen, Operating Advisor, BC Partners, New York, New York
Nathaniel H. Christian III, Co-founder and former General Counsel of CastleOak Securities, L.P., New York, New York

3:30 – 3:45 p.m. BREAK

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. The Climate of the Courtroom: Jurors’ Evolving Attitudes toward Energy Litigation

The last two tumultuous years have impacted how jurors view lawsuits across myriad domains, and the energy sector has been no exception. Jurors are bringing new biases to the courtroom and many are bringing formidable polarization into deliberations. This presentation will discuss recent findings from mock trial research and post-trial interviews with real jurors that provide insights into the conditions litigants face when they arrive at trial; attendees will learn the importance of considering this climate throughout the life of a given case in terms of strategy and tactics.

Clint Townson, Ph.D., Strategy Consultant, IMS Consulting & Expert Services, New York, New York

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Semi Charmed Life: Defeating Addiction in the Profession (Ethics)

This topic will discuss the addiction issues facing our profession today, while providing valuable information on the resources available to help lawyers who struggle with addiction. The presentation will also discuss the interplay between addiction issues, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the protections available to lawyers who seek help.

Matt W. Sherwood, McCarn & Weir, Amarillo, Texas

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. NETWORKING RECEPTION

CLE Credit

This program is approved by the State Bar of Texas for a total of 6.75 hours, including 1 hour of ethics. Course ID Number: 174171272. Credit hours may vary depending upon in-person or online viewing depending on the jurisdiction. Please review your jurisdiction’s rules and regulations before registering.

For this conference, IEL will directly apply (if requested) for course accreditation in the following states: California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Some of these states may not approve a program for credit hours before the program occurs. Attorneys may be eligible to receive CLE credit through reciprocity or attorney self-submission in other states. Attorneys filing by self-submission in certain states may be required to pay an additional fee. IEL conferences are typically accredited by all mandatory CLE states.

Overnight Accommodations

C. Baldwin, A Curio Collection by Hilton
400 Dallas St.
Houston, TX 77002

The deadline for booking a hotel room is October 17.

Book Your Hotel

Sponsorship Opportunities

Canvas Bag Sponsor (Exclusive) $8,000 - SOLD

Name/Logo, along with IEL’s logo, on canvas bag distributed to all attendees containing conference material
Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure, final program and conference break slides
6 complimentary registrants at the conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the Conference

Conference Notepads (Only 1 Allowed) $4,500 - SOLD

Name/Logo on notepads distributed to all attendees
Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure, final program and conference break slides
3 complimentary registrants at the conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the Conference

Lanyard Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) $4,000 – SOLD

Name on lanyards distributed at conferences
Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure, final program and conference break slides
3 complimentary registrants at the conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the Conference

Breakfast Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) $3,500 - SOLD

Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program
Recognition on the Conference website
Recognition from the podium at start of conference
Recognition via signage at the breakfast
2 complimentary registrants at the Conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Morning Break Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) $3,500 - SOLD

Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program
Recognition on the Conference website
Recognition at the break, including from podium immediately before break
2 complimentary registrants at the Conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Afternoon Break Sponsor (Only 1 Allowed) $3,500 - SOLD

Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program
Recognition on the Conference website
Recognition at the break, including from podium immediately before break
2 complimentary registrants at the Conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Conference Materials Sponsor (Exclusive) $3,250 - SOLD

Single page company/firm advertisement showing through back of packet containing conference related material
Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure, final program and conference break slides
2 complimentary registrants at the Conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Hosted Luncheon and Presentation of the IEL Outstanding Achievement in Energy Litigation Award $3,000 each
Honoring Charles W. Matthews

Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program
Recognition on the Conference website
Recognition at the luncheon
2 complimentary registrants at the Conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Charging Station (Only 1 Allowed) $3,000 - SOLD

Signage Recognizing Sponsor at charging stations
Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochures and final programs
Recognition on the Conferences website
2 complimentary registrants at the Energy Litigation
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conferences

Networking Reception $2,500 each

Recognition in all marketing, which will be sent to several thousand interested counsel and business leaders
Company/firm logo prominently displayed in the Conference brochure and final program
Recognition on the Conference website
Recognition at the reception
1 complimentary registrant at the Conference
2 complimentary guests at reception
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Exhibitor (Non-law Firms only) $1,750 each

1 complimentary registrant at the Conference
Space to display company/firm materials at the conference.
Name/logo on Conference website with link to company page

Other Information

Press Policy

All IEL conferences are held under the Chatham House Rule. Participants, including journalists, are free to use any information received, but comments may not be attributed to any speaker identiﬁ ed by name or affiliation.

Photo/Audio/Video Release

Registration for or attendance at this event acknowledges consent to be recorded or photographed. We reserve the right to use any photograph/video taken at our events, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. We may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, annual reports, newsletters, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject

Visa Information

If you require a letter of invitation to obtain a visa for this conference, payment of the registration fee must first be made. If you apply and do not receive a visa, please send us a copy of the rejection letter from the consulate, and we will cancel your registration and issue a refund. Please email iel@cailaw.org for more details.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.

Privacy Policy

We do not sell or rent information to any outside parties. By providing your information, you will receive postal and electronic communications from the Institute for Energy Law (IEL) of The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) in accordance with CAIL's Privacy Policy. If we co-sponsor a program with another organization, information may be shared between the parties. All such co-sponsors will be identified on the event details and registration page. At any point, you can opt-out or unsubscribe by selecting either link at the bottom of each email or call us at 972.244.3400.

21st Annual Energy Litigation Conference

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Overview