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Come early for the new Boot Camp: Fundamentals of Oil, Gas & Mineral Law, a one-day primer, preceding the Institute.
Sponsors
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP
Person, Whitworth, Borchers & Morales, L.L.P.
Scott, Douglass & McConnico, L.L.P.
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Conference art

35th Annual

Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Institute

Co-sponsored with the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
Houston Mar 27, 2009 Hyatt Regency
Conference Concluded
Video Replay: Dallas May 21, 2009 Cityplace Conference Center
Conference Concluded
Video Replay: Midland Jun 5, 2009 Hilton Midland Plaza
Conference Concluded
Buy
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Overview

In its 35th year, The Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Institute brings together all the major players in the field—attorneys, corporate lawyers, E & P operators and landmen—for one day of presentations on the latest in oil and gas developments, including the traditional case law update by Ernest E. Smith.

The 2009 program includes presentations by industry experts on the Coastal v. Garza ruling, a look at conflicts between oil and gas operations versus wind operations, an examination of commodity prices, and a comparison of Texas and Louisiana oil and gas law.

The Institute in Houston concludes with the Annual Meeting of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section.

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Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Day 1 Morning
    Presiding Officer:
    In Houston: David M. Patton, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP - Houston, TX
  • 7:45 am
    Houston Only
    Registration Opens
    Includes continental breakfast.

  • 8:15 am
    Houston Only
    Welcoming Remarks

  • 8:30 am
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    The Rule of Capture Trumps Subsurface Trespass—Finally, a Decision in the Garza Case
    A discussion of the 2008 decision in Coastal Oil & Gas Corp. v. Garza Energy Trust.

    Everard A. Marseglia Jr., Liskow & Lewis - Houston, TX

  • 9:00 am
    Houston Only
    1.25 hrs
    Case Law Update
    A review of recent decisions dealing with oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics.

    Ernest E. Smith III, University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX

  • 10:15 am
    Houston Only
    Break

  • 10:30 am
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    Documenting the Farmout
    A review of the basic elements and a discussion of the key issues that should be addressed in drafting and negotiating a Farmout Agreement.

    Mark K. Boling, Southwestern Energy Company - Houston, TX

  • 11:00 am
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr ethics
    Conflicts, Contracts and Costs
    An ethical update on critical law practice considerations.

    Claude E. Ducloux, Hill, Ducloux, Carnes & de la Garza - Austin, TX

  • 11:30 am
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    Oil, Gas & Wind? Making Room for Everyone
    An overview of Texas law regarding the ability to develop oil, gas and wind energy simultaneously, the accommodation doctrine, and other related legal principles. This session analyzes current issues from the perspective of the oil and gas lessee in light of the increasing public support for wind energy.

    Thomas J. Forestier, Winstead PC - Houston, TX

  • Day 1 Afternoon
    Presiding Officer:
    In Houston: David M. Patton, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP - Houston, TX
  • 12:00 pm
    Houston Only
    Pick up Box Lunch
    Included in course registration.

  • 12:15 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    LUNCH PRESENTATION: Commodity Prices—Where Will They Go and What to Do About It?
    While oil has fallen from unsustainable highs to unsustainable lows, natural gas has fallen—but not quite so far. This presentation describes the fundamental forces behind the recent extremes in commodity prices, and how these forces will influence the future.

    Edward M. (Ed) Kelly, Wood Mackenzie - Houston, TX

  • 12:45 pm
    Houston Only
    Break

  • 1:00 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    Continuous Drilling Provisions and Horizontal and Vertical Severances
    A discussion of the history and evolution of partial termination and continuous drilling provisions in oil and gas leases as well as horizontal and vertical severances in modern oil and gas leases.

    Raul Leal, Person, Whitworth, Borchers & Morales, L.L.P. - Laredo, TX

  • 1:30 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    Basics of Oil and Gas Taxation
    Aimed at the non-tax practitioner, this session surveys the key federal income tax provisions affecting investment in and operation of oil and gas and mineral interests, both domestically and internationally. Depending on developments in Washington, legislative changes may also be addressed.

    George M. Gerachis, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. - Houston, TX

  • 2:00 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    A Comparison of Texas and Louisiana Oil and Gas Law
    This session provides a comparison of commonly encountered Louisiana and Texas oil and gas law issues from the perspective of a Texas oil and gas law practitioner.

    Aaron G. Carlson, Noble Energy, Inc. - Houston, TX

  • 2:30 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr ethics
    The Legal Ethics of Negotiations
    The ethical dilemmas lawyers face when advocating positions on behalf of clients whether before a court or in a business transaction. When does “bluffing” become an act susceptible to professional censure? Are there ethical differences between telling a lie and withholding the truth? Are misdirected emails to be treated the same way under the rules of ethics as inadvertently delivered faxes? New rules on surreptitious recordings by lawyers.

     

    Lawrence L. Foust, Los Angeles, CA

  • 3:00 pm
    Houston Only
    Break

  • 3:15 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    Purchase and Sale Agreements in Hard Times—Termination Provisions and Remedies for Breach
    A look at the Termination and Remedies Provisions that need to be re-analyzed and possibly re-inserted in your trusty Purchase and Sale Agreement forms in these times of volatility and uncertainty.

     

    Willis James McAnelly III, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP - Houston, TX

  • 3:45 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    What Am I Missing?
    Selected pitfalls and problems to avoid in title examination and due diligence.

    Peter E Hosey, Jackson Walker L.L.P. - San Antonio, TX

  • 4:15 pm
    Houston Only
    0.50 hr
    Ingress and Egress for Mineral Operations on Landlocked Tracts
    How do you get there from here? Using easements, licenses, and other lawful means to gain the right of use of the real property of another for mineral operations.

    Ernest V. Bruchez, Bruchez Goss Thornton Meronoff & Hawthorne, P.C. - Bryan, TX

  • 4:45 pm
    Houston Only
    Adjourn Institute

  • 5:00 pm
    Houston Only
    0.75 hr
    Annual Meeting of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
    All members of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar are invited to join the Section's Council members for the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Council. Elections of Council officers and new Council members will be held, and there will be reports on the Section's activities over the past year. 

    Michael P. Pearson, Jackson Walker L.L.P. - Houston, TX

  • 5:45 pm
    Houston Only
    Adjourn Annual Meeting

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Mark K. Boling

Southwestern Energy Company
Houston, TX

Ernest V. Bruchez

Bruchez Goss Thornton Meronoff & Hawthorne, P.C.
Bryan, TX

Aaron G. Carlson

Noble Energy, Inc.
Houston, TX

Claude E. Ducloux

Hill, Ducloux, Carnes & de la Garza
Austin, TX

Thomas J. Forestier

Winstead PC
Houston, TX

Lawrence L. Foust

Los Angeles, CA

George M. Gerachis

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Peter E Hosey

Jackson Walker L.L.P.
San Antonio, TX

Edward M. (Ed) Kelly

Wood Mackenzie
Houston, TX

Raul Leal

Person, Whitworth, Borchers & Morales, L.L.P.
Laredo, TX

Everard A. Marseglia Jr.

Liskow & Lewis
Houston, TX

Willis James McAnelly III

Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Houston, TX

Michael P. Pearson

Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Ernest E. Smith III

University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

David M. Patton—Chair

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP
Houston, TX

Tim Brown

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
Houston, TX

William B. Burford

Hinkle, Hensley, Shanor & Martin L.L.P.
Midland, TX

Aaron G. Carlson

Noble Energy, Inc.
Houston, TX

Terry I. Cross

McClure & Cross LLP
Dallas, TX

Frank N. Cusimano III

Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Houston, TX

Monika Ehrman

Pioneer Natural Resources
Irving, TX

Norma Rosner Iacovo

Tenaska Power Services
Arlington, TX

Margaret McNamee

University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

M.C. Cottingham Miles

Martin & Drought, P.C.
San Antonio, TX

Elizabeth N. "Becky" Miller

Scott, Douglass & McConnico, L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Ricardo E. Morales

Person, Whitworth, Borchers & Morales, L.L.P.
Laredo, TX

Ronald D. Nickum

Amarillo, TX

Michael P. Pearson

Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Richard D. Watt

Watt Beckworth Thompson & Henneman, L.L.P.
Houston, TX

Fabené J. Welch

EnerVest Ltd.
Houston, TX

Credit Info

  • Houston
  • Dallas
  • Midland
MCLE Credit
Toggle view Texas – 7.25 hrs  |  1.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number  provided on your certificate of attendance.
Toggle view California – 7.25 hrs  |  1.00 hrs Ethics
You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov.  UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  
Other Credit
Toggle view Registered Landman (AAPL) – 7.25 hrs
Following the conference, UT CLE will send, to attendees who have claimed AAPL credit in their briefcase, by email the AAPL Affidavit of Attendance with the AAPL course number and reporting information included.
http://www.landman.org
Toggle view TX Accounting CPE – 8.00 hrs
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.
MCLE Credit
Toggle view Texas – 7.25 hrs  |  1.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number  provided on your certificate of attendance.
Toggle view California – 7.25 hrs  |  1.00 hrs Ethics
You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov.  UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  
Other Credit
Toggle view Registered Landman (AAPL) – 7.25 hrs
Following the conference, UT CLE will send, to attendees who have claimed AAPL credit in their briefcase, by email the AAPL Affidavit of Attendance with the AAPL course number and reporting information included.
http://www.landman.org
Toggle view TX Accounting CPE – 8.00 hrs
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.
MCLE Credit
Toggle view Texas – 7.25 hrs  |  1.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number  provided on your certificate of attendance.
Toggle view California – 7.25 hrs  |  1.00 hrs Ethics
You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov.  UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  
Other Credit
Toggle view Registered Landman (AAPL) – 7.25 hrs
Following the conference, UT CLE will send, to attendees who have claimed AAPL credit in their briefcase, by email the AAPL Affidavit of Attendance with the AAPL course number and reporting information included.
http://www.landman.org
Toggle view TX Accounting CPE – 8.00 hrs
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Houston – Mar 27, 2009 – Hyatt Regency
Conference Concluded
Video Replay: Dallas – May 21, 2009 – Cityplace Conference Center
Conference Concluded
Video Replay: Midland – Jun 5, 2009 – Hilton Midland Plaza
Conference Concluded
Buy
  • Houston
  • Dallas
  • Midland
Standard Registration
Last day for $250.00 Regular pricing: Mar 18, 2009

$300.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Mar 20, 2009

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Mar 23, 2009
Standard Registration
Last day for $200.00 Regular pricing: May 13, 2009

$250.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): May 15, 2009

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: May 18, 2009
Standard Registration
Last day for $200.00 Regular pricing: May 27, 2009

$250.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): May 29, 2009

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Jun 1, 2009

Venue

speaker

Hyatt Regency

1200 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX
713-654-1234

Accommodations

$189.00 good through Feb 26, 2009

Parking Information

$12 Valet; Self-parking available nearby

speaker

Cityplace Conference Center

2711 North Haskell Avenue
Dallas, TX
214.515.5100
Map

speaker

Hilton Midland Plaza

117 West Wall
Midland, TX
(432) 683-6131 (reservations)

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

  • Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell

    Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell
    www.lockelord.com/

  • Person Whitworth Borchers & Morales LLP

    Person Whitworth Borchers & Morales LLP
    www.personwhitworth.com/CM/Custom/Home.asp

  • Scott Douglass & McConnico

    Scott Douglass & McConnico
    www.scottdoug.com/

  • Vinson & Elkins

    Vinson & Elkins
    www.velaw.com/
Download Sponsor Details Become a Sponsor
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