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.

Conference Co-Chairs

Kyle Doherty
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Cris A. Mulcahy
Holland & Hart LLP
Santa Fe, NM

Skylar Rudin
Shell USA, Inc.
New Orleans, LA

Schedule and Faculty

Wednesday, April 2

7:45 a.m. - Registration

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

8:45 – 9:15 a.m. - Interesting Times - Water, Energy, & Climate(?) (No CLE)

The Hon. Michael Connor, Former Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works & Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. - A CCS Toolkit: The Legal and Technical Landscape for Developing a CCS Project (60 min)

Decarbonization through the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) is emerging as the primary means of reducing carbon emissions and GHGs on a local, national, and global level. Operators are currently identifying emitters around the United States that they can partner with to (1) capture their carbon emissions, (2) transport them via pipeline, and then, ultimately, (3) inject them into suitable pore space via a Class VI injection well for permanent sequestration. The ability to make all of these steps happen requires addressing a number of legal issues, many of which have commercial implications, including calculation of fees, recapture liability, allocation of tax credits and environmental attributes, and scope of termination rights. This presentation will discuss everything from the science that makes CCS possible to contractual provisions relating to pore space acquisition and transportation and sequestration services to legislative considerations to property rights pursuant to Louisiana law. The presentation will also address the regulatory scheme underlying the development of CCS projects in Louisiana.

Moderator: Kyle Doherty, Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas

Panelists:

Melvin Huang, Senior Commercial Counsel, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Houston, Texas
Colleen C. Jarrott, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, New Orleans, Louisiana
Jonathan M. Skaggs, PG, Principal Geoscientist, GSI Environmental Inc., Austin, Texas

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. - BREAK

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. - Produced Water Update: Reuse Regulations, Pilot Projects, and the Next Frontier in Produced Water (45 min)

In 2019, key Permian Basin states passed produced water legislation. Since 2019, these Permian Basin states have been actively working on regulations for produced water reuse. As the Permian remains a hot oil and gas play and freshwater resources in the underlying Ogalala Aquifer dwindle, produced water reuse regulations are more important than ever. In 2024, the TCEQ issued its first permit for produced water reuse. Pilot projects in New Mexico have successfully experimented with produced water reuse and in November 2024, the NMED formally proposed produced water reuse regulations, including for pilot projects. This panel will discuss the various rulemakings on produced water reuse and addresses the “how-tos” of successful produced water reuse pilot projects.

Cris A. Mulcahy, Holland & Hart LLP, Santa Fe, New Mexico

11:15 am – 12:00 p.m. - Hot Rocks, Hotter Deals: Insights for Geothermal Project Development (45 min)

Explore the intersection of construction, finance, and legal strategy in geothermal energy development. This session will drill into contract structuring, risk mitigation, and financing approaches tailored to the unique challenges of geothermal projects.

Michael Cooper, Finance Counsel, Fervo Energy, Golden, Colorado
Pilar Hastings-Smith, Senior Counsel, Fervo Energy, Houston, Texas

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. - Networking Luncheon and Presentation of Outstanding Young Energy Professional Awards

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. - Energy Transition: Global Sustainability and Policy Perspectives (45 min)

This panel will address the importance of the energy transition and global sustainability challenges and opportunities, exploring potential future scenarios. It will examine policy outlines from U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, discussing their impact on the energy transition.

Juan Carlos Machorro, Santamarina y Steta, Mexico City, Mexico
Norma Álvarez Girard, Santamarina y Steta, Mexico City, Mexico

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. - Inside Perspective: Insights from Former External Counsel Now In-House Counsel (45 min)

When navigating the dynamic relationship between in-house and external counsel, understanding what truly adds value is key. This panel brings together seasoned in-house counsel who previously built their careers as law firm partners before transitioning in-house. Featuring counsel from Shell, Chevron, and Exxon – supporting upstream, litigation, and risk management -- this panel will demystify life as in-house counsel, share insights on what law firms often get wrong (and right), and offer practical tips for associates looking to build strong, lasting relationships with corporate clients. Attendees will gain valuable on how to provide strategic business-oriented legal support and position themselves as trusted advisors from the start. Come ready with your questions for an engaging discussion.

Moderator: Hilary Soileau, K&L Gates, Houston, Texas

Panelists:

Skylar Rudin, Legal Counsel, Shell USA, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana
Brett Sheneman, General Counsel, Risk Management; Litigation Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Spring, Texas
Ben Sweet, Senior Counsel, Chevron Americas E&P Litigation, Chevron, Houston, Texas

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. - BREAK

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. - Title Insurance: Powering Renewable Energy Deals (45 min)

Title insurance plays a crucial role in renewable energy projects, impacting everything from lease agreements to securing construction funding. This session will cover the fundamentals of title insurance, explore different coverage options, and equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully navigate and close deals.

Lacy Ward McCormick, Senior Counsel, Stewart Title Energy & Infrastructure Group, Houston, Texas

4:15 – 5:15 p.m. - The New Ethics Landscape: AI – Achieving Compliance, Avoiding Cliffs, and Adapting AI to Benefit Attorneys and Clients (60 min Ethics)

The advent of AI represents unique opportunities for assisting clients with their legal issues and for saving both attorneys and clients time, money, and effort on legal matters. However, the use of AI in the practice of law also creates novel ethical concerns. These include issues surrounding when an attorney must disclose that they have used AI, whether and when it is unethical for an attorney not to use AI, and whether a client should be required to provide informed consent to the use of AI, amongst others. This session will offer engaging insight and analysis on the ethical use of AI in the practice of law, and helpful tips on how to avoid potential ethical AI cliffs.

Tracy Pearl, William J. Alley Professor of Law, The University of Oklahoma College of Law, Norman, Oklahoma

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. - Networking Reception

Thursday, April 3

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. - Breaking Barriers: Lessons in Leadership and Success from Trailblazers (No CLE)

Join a dynamic panel of women leaders as they share their inspiring journeys and insights on navigating diverse pathways to success. Featuring the President of Berry Petroleum, a national leader in McGuireWoods’ Labor and Employment Group, and the Deputy General Counsel and Asst. Corporate Secretary of Phillips 66, this session offers valuable lessons in leadership, overcoming challenges, and balancing professional and personal roles. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and practical tips to thrive at every stage of their legal careers.

Sabrina A. Beldner, McGuireWoods LLP, Los Angeles, California
Jenarae N. Garland, Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Corp. Secretary, Phillips 66, Houston, Texas

9:45 – 10:30 a.m. - Policy Implications of the Trump Administration on the Energy Sector (45 min)

As the Trump Administration begins its second term, significant changes are anticipated in policies related to natural resources, energy, and the environment. This panel features seasoned legal and policy experts with extensive government experience who will analyze the Administration’s energy priorities during its first 100 days and beyond. Panelists will delve into critical topics, including changes in the regulatory framework, federal leasing, and permitting reform. This session offers valuable insights into the potential challenges and opportunities these evolving policies present for the energy sector.

Troy Lyons, Holland & Hart LLP, Washington, D.C.
Shawn Welch, Holland & Hart LLP, Salt Lake City, Utah
Beth Viola, Holland & Knight LLP, Washington, D.C.

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. - BREAK

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. - PFAS Lawsuits: What's Next? (45 min)

PFAS regulations and PFAS lawsuits are becoming a major liability hurdle, with expanding reporting obligations, increasing litigation against companies, and growing settlements. This panel will explore the key legal and regulatory developments and the role of PFAS in manufacturing, industry practices, and product use. Experts will discuss how these chemicals move through the supply chain, their impacts, and challenges. Attendees will gain insight into what businesses, legal teams, and policymakers need to know to navigate the road ahead.

Linn Bumpers, Baker Botts L.L.P., Washington, D.C.
Quincy Jones, Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting, Houston, Texas

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Developing Renewable Natural Gas, Key Considerations for a Successful Project (45 min)

The session will explore the ever-evolving space of renewable natural gas and the factors that figure into the development of renewable natural gas projects. From financing to feedstock, panelists will discuss the commercial and legal considerations that have the greatest impact on the success of a renewable natural gas project and how to evaluate those options from the outset.

Hayden Harms, Akin, Houston, Texas
Tom Hillebrand, Akin, Houston, Texas

12:30 p.m. - Adjourn

Overnight Accommodations

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Guests may also book through our call center daily from 5AM – 11PM PT at 702-698-7575 (local) or 855-435-0005 (toll free) by referencing your group code, SNAT25.
Standard "Run of House" rooms at $279+/night

Reservations will need to be made by 3/10/2025.

Book Hotel

MCLE Credit

This program is approved by the State Bar of Texas for a total of 8.0 hours, including 1.0 hours of ethics. Course ID Number: 174272850. IEL will directly apply (if requested) for course accreditation in the following states: California, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Attorneys may be eligible to receive CLE credit through reciprocity or attorney self-submission in other states, which may require you to pay an additional fee.

Attorneys may be eligible to receive CLE credit through reciprocity or attorney self-submission in other states. IEL conferences are typically accredited by all mandatory CLE states.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Conference Breakfasts Sponsor (Exclusive) - $6,000 - 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
4 complimentary registrants at the conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Conference Reception (Exclusive) - $5,000 - SOLD
April 2, 2025

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
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Wi-Fi Sponsor (Exclusive) - $5,000 - 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
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference

Lanyard Sponsor (Exclusive) - $3,250 - 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
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the event or at the conference

Charging Station (Exclusive) - $3,250 - 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
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Hosted Luncheon Sponsor - $2,750 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 from the podium at the luncheon
1 complimentary registrant at conference
An opportunity to display company/firm materials at the conference

Exhibitor (Non-law Firms only) - $2,250 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

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

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.

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.

8th National Young Energy Professionals Conference

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