51^st Annual Ernest E. Smith

Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute

Houston Apr 3-4, 2025 Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston $625 Individual | $725 after Mar 19 $565 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $665 after Mar 19 $500 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $600 after Mar 19

Live Webcast Apr 3-4, 2025 $725 Individual $655 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) $580 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) $100 Add-on rate for in-person registrants

Register

Related products: Materials

PRESENTED BY
The University of Texas School of Law
The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (OGERL)

Overview

Now in its 51^st year, the Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute continues to be the definitive course for attorneys, corporate lawyers, E&P operators, and landmen, and it brings together a distinguished faculty of academics and practitioners for presentations on the latest oil and gas developments.
The Institute will be a day and half programming on April 3-4 in Houston, coving an array of topics including:

The popular two-part Case Law Updates
A view from the Business Court & Fifteenth Court of Appeals - Rules, Procedures, Cases & Know-How
Pulling the Brake on Predatory Litigation, provides insight on the root causes of and strategies available to counteract the abuses and promote fairness and predictability in litigation.
Coverage of mineral conveyancing, mineral ownership, purchase and sale agreements, pore space ownership, carbon capture and sequestration permitting and much more

Plus, join faculty, planning committee, section members and attendees for the Thursday evening Networking Reception.

Event Schedule

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

Day 1 April 3, 2025
Day 2 April 4, 2025

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Apr. 3, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Paul Santoyo, Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C. - San Antonio, TX
7:30 am
Houston Only

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:40 am

0.75 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Case Law Update: Part One

Review recent decisions dealing with oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics.

Owen L. Anderson, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
9:25 am

0.50 hr

The End of Chevron Deference: Implications for the Oil & Gas Industry

After 40 years, the Chevron doctrine has been overruled, fundamentally changing how the oil and gas industry navigates federal regulations as federal courts stand ready to play a more active role in interpreting regulatory statutes. Explore the impacts of this shift in power on the industry as a whole.

M. Alejandra Salas, McGinnis Lochridge, LLP - Austin, TX
9:55 am

0.50 hr

Pore Some More

Discuss ownership rights in Texas of subsurface pore spaces.

Peter Hosey, Jackson Walker LLP - San Antonio, TX
10:25 am

15-Minute Break
10:40 am

0.50 hr

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Permitting and Contract Issues

Address recent developments in state and federal regulation of the rapidly evolving carbon capture industry in Texas and recent trends in negotiating pore space agreements.

Thomas M. Weber, McElroy, Sullivan, Miller & Weber, LLP - Austin, TX
11:10 am

0.50 hr

Case Law Update: Part Two

Review recent decisions dealing with oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics.

Owen L. Anderson, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
11:40 am
Houston Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Houston)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Apr. 3, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Christopher S. Kulander, South Texas College of Law - Houston - Houston, TX
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:00 pm

0.50 hr

Pulling the Brake on Predatory Litigation

Our legal system is being exploited to generate unreasonable jury verdicts and unjust settlements that are inconsistent with fairness, efficiency, and the rule of law. What are the root causes of this crisis and what strategies are available to counteract these abuses and promote fairness and predictability?

Justin Anderson, ExxonMobil - Houston, TX
12:30 pm

15-Minute Break
12:45 pm

0.50 hr

The Meaning of ‘Other Minerals’ and Other Incidents of Mineral Ownership

A reexamination of the granting clause and the meaning of “other minerals” as they pertain to other incidents of the mineral estate, including produced water, lithium, and porous space.

Monika U. Ehrman, SMU Dedman School of Law - Dallas, TX
1:15 pm

0.50 hr

Recent Developments in Deed Interpretation Issues in Mineral Conveyancing

Focus on recent developments in deed interpretation issues common to mineral conveyancing, including the “four corners” doctrine and “surrounding circumstances,” and examine recent case law implicating such interpretive issues.

Katy Wehmeyer, Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C. - San Antonio, TX
1:45 pm

0.50 hr

Royalty Updates and Issues

A summary of decisions and emerging issues in royalty-related disputes.

David Drez III, Wick Phillips - Fort Worth, TX
2:15 pm

0.50 hr

Adverse Possession of a Working Interest by a Non-Operator

Courts and parties have long struggled with how to apply adverse possession to mineral interests. Discuss one area of this uncertainty that is rapidly evolving: adverse possession claims of working interest by non-operators, including the Amarillo Court of Appeals’ recent decision in PBEX II, LLC v. Dorchester Minerals, L.P.

Samantha L. Thompson, Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP - Houston, TX
2:45 pm

15-Minute Break
3:00 pm

0.50 hr

Leasing and Development of State Lands and Minerals

Broad-ranging discussion regarding the leasing of approximately 13 million acres of state land in Texas managed by the General Land Office. Topics include oil and gas leasing, pooling, allocation wells, and lease audits, as well as brine mining, geothermal leasing, and leasing for carbon sequestration.

Nick Orman, Texas General Land Office - Austin, TX
3:30 pm

0.50 hr

Navigating Lease Termination Claims in Active Development Plays

Review some of the more common varieties of oil and gas lease termination claims, and discuss practical considerations for continued development of disputed properties in the midst of pending litigation.

J. Derrick Price, McGinnis Lochridge - Austin, TX
4:00 pm

0.75 hr ethics

Texas Business Courts: The First 6+ Months

A view from the Business Court & Fifteenth Court of Appeals - Rules, Procedures, Cases & Know-How

Hon. Scott A. Brister, Fifteenth Court of Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Sofia Adrogué, Eleventh Business Court Division - Houston, TX
4:45 pm
Houston Only

Adjourn to Reception

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Apr. 4, 2025
Presiding Officer:
Gregory C. Cox, EOG Resources, Inc. - Houston, TX
8:00 am
Houston Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
Thank You to Our Breakfast
8:30 am

0.50 hr

Purchase and Sale Agreements: What's New

Discuss recent developments and trends in purchase and sale transactions in the energy sector.

Liz Felicidario, Haynes Boone, LLP - Houston, TX
9:00 am

0.50 hr ethics

Updated Texas Disciplinary Rules: What You Should Know

New and amended disciplinary rules took effect in October 2024, adding a number of clarifications and additional provisions. Hear a summary of rule changes relevant to an oil and gas practitioner.

Olga Kobzar, Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP - Austin, TX
9:30 am

0.50 hr

Accommodating Concurrent Real Estate and Mineral Development in Urban Areas and Beyond

Revisiting surface use agreements and Chapter 92 of the Texas Natural Resources Code.

Ross Sutherland, Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP - Austin, TX
10:00 am

0.50 hr

Mineral Interest Pooling Act

A short history of the MIPA and discussion of its current application and use.

Robert G. Hargrove, Davis, Gerald & Cremer PC - Austin, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

0.50 hr

The Curious Case of the Modern Non-Participating Leasehold Co-Tenant

Unlike traditional leasehold co-tenancy, modern leasehold co-tenancy in horizontal wells presents unique challenges. Following the holding in Apache v. Devon, where the court determined that an operator not in privity with another leasehold owner has no duty or obligation to pay the royalties on that leasehold owner’s leases, practical questions have emerged over the payment of royalty to the non-participating leasehold co-tenant’s lessors and mineral owners, which questions include: Who has the obligation to pay the royalty? When does the obligation to pay royalty accrue? What happens if a well doesn’t pay out? What is the statute of limitations and how is it measured? How are royalties calculated in absence of production and price information?

Thomas M. “Mike” Murray, McMahon Surovik Suttle, PC - Abilene, TX
11:15 am

0.50 hr

Water Use Rights in Oil and Gas Operations

An overview of what you need to know for your next water deal supporting oil and gas operations. Specifically, we will explore water law in the oil patch, acquiring water rights or the right to drill water wells, and structuring water transactions for oil and gas operations.

Taylor Spalla, Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP - Fort Worth, TX
11:45 am

1.00 hr ethics

Use of AI in Litigation

J. Hoke (Trey) Peacock III, Susman Godfrey LLP - Houston, TX
12:45 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 April 3, 2025
Day 2 April 4, 2025

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Hon. Sofia Adrogué

Eleventh Business Court Division
Houston, TX

Justin Anderson

ExxonMobil
Houston, TX

Owen L. Anderson

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Hon. Scott A. Brister

Fifteenth Court of Appeals
Austin, TX

David Drez III

Wick Phillips
Fort Worth, TX

Monika U. Ehrman

SMU Dedman School of Law
Dallas, TX

Liz Felicidario

Haynes Boone, LLP
Houston, TX

Robert G. Hargrove

Davis, Gerald & Cremer PC
Austin, TX

Peter Hosey

Jackson Walker LLP
San Antonio, TX

Olga Kobzar

Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Austin, TX

Thomas M. “Mike” Murray

McMahon Surovik Suttle, PC
Abilene, TX

Nick Orman

Texas General Land Office
Austin, TX

J. Hoke (Trey) Peacock III

Susman Godfrey LLP
Houston, TX

J. Derrick Price

McGinnis Lochridge
Austin, TX

M. Alejandra Salas

McGinnis Lochridge, LLP
Austin, TX

Taylor Spalla

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
Fort Worth, TX

Ross Sutherland

Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Austin, TX

Samantha L. Thompson

Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP
Houston, TX

Thomas M. Weber

McElroy, Sullivan, Miller & Weber, LLP
Austin, TX

Katy Wehmeyer

Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C.
San Antonio, TX

Planning Committee

Christopher S. Kulander—Co-Chair

South Texas College of Law - Houston
Houston, TX

Paul Santoyo—Co-Chair

Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C.
San Antonio, TX

S. Jack Balagia Jr.

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

J. Byron (Trace) Burton III

Uhl, Fitzsimons, Jewett, Burton, Wolff & Rangel, PLLC
San Antonio, TX

Gregory C. Cox

EOG Resources, Inc.
Houston, TX

Jacob M. Davidson

Davis Gerald & Cremer
Midland, TX

Brandon Durrett

Jackson Walker LLP
San Antonio, TX

Monika U. Ehrman

SMU Dedman School of Law
Dallas, TX

Robert G. Hargrove

Davis, Gerald & Cremer PC
Austin, TX

Christopher Michael Hogan

Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP
Houston, TX

Norma Rosner Iacovo

Tenaska Power Services Co.
Irving, TX

Michael D. Jones

Jones Gill Porter Crawford & Crawford LLP
Houston, TX

Kelli Tieken Kenney

McElroy, Sullivan, Miller & Weber, LLP
Austin, TX

Olga Kobzar

Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Austin, TX

Carroll G. Martin

Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Austin, TX

David Michael Patton

Troutman Pepper Locke
Houston, TX

Michael P. Pearson

Jackson Walker LLP
Houston, TX

J. Derrick Price

McGinnis Lochridge
Austin, TX

Donato David Ramos Jr.

Law Offices of Donato D. Ramos P.L.L.C.
Laredo, TX

Jaime S. Rangel

Uhl, Fitzsimons, Burton, Wolff & Rangel, PLLC
San Antonio, TX

April Rogers

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Ernest E. Smith

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Katy Wehmeyer

Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C.
San Antonio, TX

MCLE Credit

Texas – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Expected for Administrative Law, Expected for Oil, Gas and Mineral Law, Expected for Property Owners Association Law, Expected for Real Estate 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.

California – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 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.

Kansas – Expected – 13.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. For out-of-state seminars, the attorney is responsible for submitting the executed affidavit to Kansas Continuing Legal Education within 30 days after the seminar.
UT Law CLE will provide the affidavit via email once you have completed the claim credit process in your UTCLE.org account. You will then return the completed affidavit form to cleinfo@kscourts.org. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Louisiana – Expected – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

At the completion of the conference you must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Supreme Court of Louisiana Continuing Legal Education Committee within 30 days after the conference.

New Mexico – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

North Dakota – Expected – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attendees must self-report their attendance to North Dakota using the course number assigned. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Ohio – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

Oklahoma – 13.00 hrs | 3.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Pennsylvania – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submit. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Other States – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provided to other licensing authorities as needed.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

Certified Professional Landman (AAPL) – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

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

Registered Landman (AAPL) – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

Registered Professional Landman (AAPL) – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

TX Accounting CPE – 13.00 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

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 Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit. 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.

California – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim California MCLE credit, California credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

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.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Kansas – Expected – 13.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Kansa MCLE credit, Kansas credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, and provide your Kansas Registration number in your UTCLE.org account. UT Law CLE will report credit claimed credit on your behalf to the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission (KSCLE) within 30 days after the conference. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 50-minute credit hour.

Louisiana – Expected – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Louisiana MCLE credit, Louisiana credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

At the completion of the conference you must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Supreme Court of Louisiana Continuing Legal Education Committee within 30 days after the conference.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

New Mexico – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of New Mexico within 30 days after the conference.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.
MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

North Dakota – Expected – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attendees must self-report their attendance to North Dakota using the course number assigned. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Ohio – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Ohio MCLE credit, Ohio credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to The Supreme Court of Ohio within 30 days after the conference.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Oklahoma – 13.00 hrs | 3.00 hrs Ethics

To claim Oklahoma MCLE credit, Oklahoma credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #169) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the webcast.

Pennsylvania – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Pennsylvania MCLE credit, Pennsylvania credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submitted. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other States – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

To claim Other States MCLE credit, Other States credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provide to other licensing authorities as needed.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

Certified Professional Landman (AAPL) – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

Registered Landman (AAPL) – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

Registered Professional Landman (AAPL) – 11.00 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

TX Accounting CPE – Expected – 13.00 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and 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.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Texas Accounting CPE credit, the Texas Accounting CPE credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. Self-report your CPE credit directly to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

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

Key Dates

Houston – Apr 3-4, 2025 – Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston

Live Webcast – Apr 3-4, 2025

Houston
Live Webcast

Individual
Last day for $625.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$725.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $565.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$665.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $500.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$600.00 for registrations received after this time

Individual
Last day for $725.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$725.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $655.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$655.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $580.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$580.00 for registrations received after this time

Add-on
Last day for $100.00 Regular pricing: Mar 19, 2025

$100.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Mar 28, 2025

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Mar 31, 2025

Venue

Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston

2222 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027-3502
713.627.7600
Map

Accommodations

$189 room rate good through March 12, 2025(subject to availability). Call 855-463-3091 and reference "UT Law 2025 Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute" when you make your reservation or click here to book online.

Parking Information

$12 daily self-parking; $24 overnight self-parking; $18 valet daily parking; $31.50 valet overnight

Additional Information

The conference will take place in the Founders Ballroom on the main level of the hotel.

Our Sponsors

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

Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C.

Founded by experienced, board-certified oil and gas attorneys, Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C. provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services to clients in the energy sector with a focus in Texas. The Firm, located in San Antonio, represents publicly traded and privately owned exploration and production companies, working interest owners, drilling contractors, oil field service vendors, pipeline companies, refiners, high-wealth mineral owners and financial institutions.

The full suite of energy services offered includes upstream acquisition and divestitures, leasing and operational counsel, due diligence, high-stakes commercial energy and real property litigation/arbitration and title examination.
swenergylaw.com
Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP

Scott Douglass & McConnico, LLP (“SDM”) is a firm of seasoned trial lawyers. We seek the most strategic and cost-effective resolution for our clients’ issues, whether in a contract dispute, a professional malpractice claim, a tax dispute, or an oil and gas dispute. Our attorneys’ vast courtroom experience and deep subject-matter expertise distinguishes SDM from other litigation firms, as does our nationally-recognized appellate practice. SDM also has one of the largest administrative law practices in the state, including oil and gas and energy issues at the Railroad Commission, the General Land Office, and University Lands, state tax matters before the Comptroller’s Office, and related lawsuits and appeals.
www.scottdoug.com/
Jackson Walker

Founded more than 135 years ago, Jackson Walker has played a vital role in the growth and development of business in Texas and around the world. With more than 500 attorneys across six Texas offices, the Firm represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, insurance companies, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses. The Firm is ranked nationally in 26 practice areas in the U.S. News' "Best Law Firms" rankings, has 23 Chambers-ranked practices, and has more attorneys ranked by Best Lawyers than any other firm in Texas.
jw.com
Davis, Gerald & Cremer PC

Davis Gerald & Cremer is an oil and gas firm headquartered in Midland with a growing office in Austin. Its lawyers handle trials and appeals of oil and gas lawsuits, perform title examination, provide regulatory counsel and advocacy before the Railroad Commission of Texas and the General Land Office, and advise clients in transactions involving oil and gas properties. While our lawyers are based in Midland and Austin, we handle cases around the state.
www.dgclaw.com/
McGinnis Lochridge

McGinnis Lochridge is a Texas-based firm with offices in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Decatur providing quality legal services for more than 90 years. We represent clients throughout the petroleum industry in Texas and across the country. We represent major oil and gas companies, independents and landowners in disputes and lawsuits, ranging from individual tract claims to nationwide class actions. Building on a firm history dating back nearly a century, McGinnis Lochridge lawyers have dealt with the developing issues in unconventional shale plays throughout Texas and North America. Our work in the unconventional shale plays in South Texas and the Permian Basin builds on decades of a strong firm presence in courtrooms throughout South Texas and West Texas. We also work regularly with Texas governmental agencies including the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) and the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ), as well as local municipalities and water districts.

mcginnislaw.com

51st Annual Ernest E. Smith

Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute

Houston Apr 3-4, 2025 Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston $625 Individual | $725 after Mar 19 $565 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $665 after Mar 19 $500 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $600 after Mar 19

Live Webcast Apr 3-4, 2025 $725 Individual $655 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) $580 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) $100 Add-on rate for in-person registrants

Register

Related products: Materials

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Apr. 3, 2025

Thursday Afternoon, Apr. 3, 2025

Friday Morning, Apr. 4, 2025

Conference Faculty

Hon. Sofia Adrogué

Justin Anderson

Owen L. Anderson

Hon. Scott A. Brister

David Drez III

Monika U. Ehrman

Liz Felicidario

Robert G. Hargrove

Peter Hosey

Olga Kobzar

Thomas M. “Mike” Murray

Nick Orman

J. Hoke (Trey) Peacock III

J. Derrick Price

M. Alejandra Salas

Taylor Spalla

Ross Sutherland

Samantha L. Thompson

Thomas M. Weber

Katy Wehmeyer

Planning Committee

Christopher S. Kulander—Co-Chair

Paul Santoyo—Co-Chair

S. Jack Balagia Jr.

J. Byron (Trace) Burton III

Gregory C. Cox

Jacob M. Davidson

Brandon Durrett

Monika U. Ehrman

Robert G. Hargrove

Christopher Michael Hogan

Norma Rosner Iacovo

Michael D. Jones

Kelli Tieken Kenney

Olga Kobzar

Carroll G. Martin

David Michael Patton

Michael P. Pearson

J. Derrick Price

Donato David Ramos Jr.

Jaime S. Rangel

April Rogers

Ernest E. Smith

Katy Wehmeyer

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston

Accommodations

Parking Information

Additional Information

Our Sponsors

Stay in the loop with UT Law CLE

51^st Annual Ernest E. Smith