7th National Young Energy Professionals' Law Conference

Overview

Designed primarily for energy attorneys under 40 years of age, this conference will (1) provide young energy professionals with opportunities to network with their peers from in-house and law firm environments to build relationships that will benefit them professionally, (2) provide significant hours of energy related CLE for a low price, and (3) provide professional development training that will help attendees to be better lawyers and to reach their goals. More information coming soon! 

Conference Co-Chairs

Kate Gafner
Coterra Energy Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Andrew D. Martin
Davidson, Summers, Hearne, Martin & Powell, LLC
Shreveport, Louisiana 

Bianca Roberson Johnson
Legal Counsel
Shell USA, Inc.
Houston, Texas

Registration Options

Schedule

Tuesday, March 26

5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Welcome Reception

Join us for New Orleans style food and refreshments at the world-famous Pat O’Brien’s while meeting and catching up with other conference attendees. This event is free for all conference attendees.

Briars Suite at Pat O’Brien’s New Orleans, 624 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Sposnored by

Wednesday, March 27

8:00 a.m. - Registration

8:35 – 8:45 a.m. - Welcome, Overview and Introductions

8:45 – 9:15 a.m. - Derisking Global Renewable Energy Projects

The First Global Stock take in Dubai undertaken pursuant to the Paris Agreement has called for tripling global installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal is ambitious and can only be achieved through significant global derisking of renewable energy. Professor Sourgens will discuss the central risks that stand in the way of achieving this goal and how we can reduce the risks by establishing best global practices for renewable energy projects.

• Frédéric G. Sourgens, James McCulloch Chair in Energy Law, Tulane University Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. - Working Together: Community Engagement’s Crucial Role in the Energy Transition

Lawyers have a greater role to play for energy companies than representing clients in the courtroom and boardroom. Energy companies interact constantly with local communities. To be most effective, energy companies need good relations and the ability to address local political, tribal, and community concerns.

Whether energy companies are interacting with the community on everyday matters or are responding to a disaster or crisis, in-house and law firm attorneys have an important role to play in protecting their clients in such interactions while also not letting legal concerns cause the company unnecessary problems in the community.

• Jessica L. Duggan, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Lissa Lyncker, Chief of Staff, Gulf of Mexico Region, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Tershara Matthews, Senior Vice President, National Offshore Wind Policy Lead, WSP USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Meghan E. Smith, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, Louisiana

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. - BREAK

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. - Selling Yourself and Your Firm (Non-MCLE)

A vibrant panel discussion of outside and in-house counsel on what works and what does not when you are pitching a client and trying to land business. What does your client actually want to see? What do firms do to impede their success? How can firms stand out in the RFP process? The panel will share advice and experiences on the good and the bad of law firm marketing, formal client pitches, and business development.

• Matt Eagan, General Counsel, Sentinel Midstream, Dallas, Texas
• Tod Everage, Kean Miller LLP, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Janika Polk James, Kuchler Polk Weiner, LLC, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Brittany Salup, Senior Counsel - Americas E&P Litigation, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Covington, Louisiana

11:15 am – 12:00 p.m. - Exploring the Void: Pore Space Ownership

Join us as we explore the void. Subsurface pore space is open to a number of different uses, from serving as storage room for carbon dioxide or other substances to facilitating unconventional mineral production. Because the technology enabling these various uses is still in its infancy, most states have not yet fully adapted their legal frameworks to the unique problems presented by pore space. Our speaker will detail these new challenges and give an overview of existing or likely answers.

• Prof. Joseph A. Schremmer, Associate Professor, Director Oil & Gas, Natural Resources, and Energy Center, University of Oklahoma College of Law, Norman, Oklahoma

12:00 – 12:55 p.m. - Networking Luncheon and Presentation of Outstanding Young Energy Professional Awards

12:55 – 1:30 p.m. - Leadership Luncheon Series – Featuring A Fireside Chat with Carolyn Benton Aiman Regarding Leadership, Professionalism, and a Successful Career in Energy Law (Non-MCLE)

Carolyn Benton Aiman is a senior vice president and chief legal officer for Sempra Infrastructure. She previously served as vice president and general counsel for Sempra LNG. She has more than 20 years of in-house legal and private law firm experience. She has worked in energy for most of her career and has supported different lines of business across the energy value chain. Benton Aiman has successfully delivered - capital projects and global supply chain for an international company, supporting key capital projects in LNG, deepwater and downstream business lines.

She has been a champion of inclusivity and supportive of diversity in the energy sector and the legal profession. She has also served as executive sponsor of employee resource groups focused on women and related key initiatives. During her career, she has been named to the Top 50 Women in the Law 2019 by the National Diversity Council; Houston Magazine’s Woman of Influence in 2017, Houston Business Journal's 2022 Women Who Mean Business; Outstanding Business Leader in Energy; and 2022 Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Role Model. She was recently named a Wonderful Woman by the Lawyers of Color Association and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Corporate Counsel Association and Texas Law Book.

Interviewer: Bianca Roberson Johnson, Legal Counsel, Shell USA, Inc., Houston, Texas

1:30 – 1:45 p.m. - BREAK

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. - When Hell Freezes Over: Public Nuisance and Other Novel Theories of Liability from Winter Storm Uri

In the years since Winter Storm Uri hit, dozens of mass action suits have been filed against several different groups alleging property damage, personal injury, and economic loss from increased electricity prices. Some of these suits allege novel theories or attempt to use existing causes of action in new ways. One such theory is public nuisance, which certain plaintiffs have attempted to expand a basis of liability in some jurisdictions in recent years. This presentation will provide a brief update on the history and current state of the Uri-related mass actions before turning to a review of the public nuisance and similar claims alleged therein. We will look at how certain cases may have expanded nuisance concepts, and how that potential expansion may affect present litigation.

• Krista Garcia, Haynes and Boone, LLP, Houston, Texas
• Garrett Martin, Haynes and Boone, LLP, Houston, Texas

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. - Emerging Issues in New Energy Sources

This interactive session will provide an overview of important legal and commercial issues for developers related to increased development of renewable energy resources, energy storage, CCS and clean hydrogen including supply chain considerations, financing and tax concerns, regulatory approvals, and ESG.

• Jennifer Lee, Assistant General Counsel, First Solar, Inc., Houston, Texas
• Lindsey F. Swiger, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Houston, Texas
• Irina Tsveklova, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Houston, Texas

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. - BREAK

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. - Artificial Intelligence and Governance: Preparing Energy Companies for the Rise of AI Regulation, Labor Force Friction, and Ethical Challenges.

As government and public interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows, energy companies are evaluating the appropriate measures for AI governance, including board oversight, risk management frameworks, AI responsible use policies, AI task forces, and technology audits. Meanwhile, energy attorneys and in-house counsel must carefully guide their clients through a patchwork of laws and ethical implications, including those related to potential bias, accuracy, discrimination, and labor force friction. This presentation will dive into these issues with a practical look into the emerging opportunities and challenges posed by AI.

• Miles Indest, McGuireWoods LLP, Houston, Texas
• Raechelle Munna, Assistant General Counsel - Corporate & Securities, Entergy Corporation, New Orleans, Louisiana

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. - Onshore vs. Offshore – What Do You Need to Know

The energy industry offers oil and gas attorneys a wide range of diverse practices, but many attorneys focus on either onshore or offshore development. This session will look at the differences between the two, thereby providing you with a better understanding of the legal issues, governing regulatory agencies, and relevant legislation to each segment. Come ready to ask questions and gain a better comparative understanding of these segments of the energy industry.

Moderator: Samantha L. Thompson, Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP, Houston, Texas

Panelists:

• Meghan Dawson McElvy, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Houston, Texas
• Cherrell Taplin, Liskow, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Robert Woods, Yetter Coleman LLP, Houston, Texas

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Ticketed Optional Reception & Dinner (SOLD OUT – Cost $90)

Join us for this optional reception and dinner at Brennan’s. For nearly seven decades, Brennan's has charmed the palates and hearts of patrons with its splendid ambiance, impeccable service, and authentic Creole cuisine.

The purchase of a dinner ticket is required for this event and space is limited.

Brennan’s, 417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Thursday, March 28

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. - Silencing Self-Doubt: Empowering Individuals to Achieve Their Full Potential (Non-MCLE)

This discussion will provide insight, strategies, and inspiration for individuals to overcome self-doubt, embrace their strengths, and unlock their full potential.

• Daniel J. Schuch, Managing Counsel – Legal Digital Center of Excellence / North American Contracting & Procurement, Shell USA, Inc., Houston, Texas

9:45 – 10:45 a.m. - Trying Difficult Cases: Perspectives From Both Sides of the “V”

How do you represent your clients in complex, energy litigation in difficult or even hostile jurisdictions? Learn from experienced trial counsel the dos and don’ts of presenting your case to a skeptical audience. The presentation will review historical examples of high stakes cases tried in communities considered predisposed against one of the parties. The presenters will offer practical lessons from the case studies and their own experience and will suggest best practices for achieving favorable outcomes.

• Paul M. Sterbcow, Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Samuel L. Tarry, Jr., McGuireWoods LLP, Tysons, Virginia

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. - BREAK

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. - Past Challenges to Energy Project Developments and What You Can Learn From Them

This session will look at recent legal challenges to energy project developments. It will cover common litigation tactics and legal claims brought in these challenges, successful and unsuccessful responses to such challenges, and emerging legal defenses. The session will offer guidance and best practices for attorneys on how to best prepare their clients to face these challenges.

• Dana A. Raphael, Hogan Lovells US LLP, Washington, D.C.

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Environmental Justice: Key Considerations and Best Practices

This session will explore recent developments related to environmental justice that are pertinent to the energy industry, including best practices for identifying issues and potential actionable steps to get in front of potential EJ concerns.

• Roy Prather, Beveridge & Diamond PC, Baltimore, Maryland

12:30 p.m. - Adjourn

MCLE Credit

This program is approved by the State Bar of Texas for a total of 8.25 hours, including 0.5 hour of ethics. Course ID Number: 174229747. Credit hours for other states will vary and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules.

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.

Hotel Information

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

• Rate $ 189.00+ per night for Deluxe 1Q or Premier 1K room as available and listed.
• Nights available Wed 3/27 and Thurs 3/28
• Cutoff date: March 13, 2024

Book Your Hotel

Sponsorship Opportunities

Conference Reception and Dinner (Exclusive) - $5,000 - SOLD

Ticketed Event at
Brennan’s, 17 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• Recognition via signage at the reception and dinner
• 2 complimentary registrants at the conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Welcome Reception Sponsor (Exclusive) - $5,000 - SOLD

Pat O’Brien’s, 718 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• Recognition via signage at the reception
• 2 complimentary registrants at the conference, including receptions and dinner
• 2 additional complimentary guests at welcome reception on Wednesday
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Wi-Fi Sponsor (Exclusive) - $4,000 - SOLD

• Name Reflected in Wi-Fi Access Code
• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• 2 complimentary registrants at the conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference

Day 1 Breakfast Sponsor (Exclusive) - $3,500 - SOLD

• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• 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, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Day 2 Breakfast Sponsor (Exclusive) - $3,500 - SOLD

• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• Recognition from the podium at start of 2nd day of conference
• Recognition via signage at the breakfast
• 2 complimentary registrants at the conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Lanyard Sponsor (Exclusive) - $3,000 - SOLD

• Sponsor name on conference lanyard
• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• 1 complimentary registrant at conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference

Conference Materials Sponsor (Exclusive) - $3,000 - SOLD

• Single page company/firm advertisement showing through the clear back cover of the conference attendee packet
• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• 1 complimentary registrant at conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Charging Station (Exclusive) - $3,000 - SOLD

• Signage recognizing sponsor at charging station
• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• 1 complimentary registrant at conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Hosted Luncheon Sponsor - $2,500 each

• Recognition in all marketing
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• Recognition via signage at the lunch
• Recognition from the podium at the luncheon
• 1 complimentary registrant at conference, including receptions and dinner
• An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Exhibitor (Non-law Firms only) - $1,500 each

• Space to display company/firm materials at the conference
• Company/firm logo displayed in the conference program
• Company/firm logo displayed on slides during breaks
• Recognition on the conference website
• 1 complimentary registrant at the conference, including welcome reception. Does not include Thursday’s reception and dinner.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lilly Hogarth, CAIL Sponsorship Director, at lhogarth@cailaw.org or 972.244.3424.

Other Information

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