Materials

2025 Live Conference coming up Apr 3 in Houston. Info and registration »
2025 Materials expected available 3-5 weeks from conference date.

Now in its 51st 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. 

2025 Live Conference coming up Feb 4 in Austin. Info and registration »
2025 Materials expected available 3-5 weeks from conference date.

UT Law CLE and the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (OGERL) are thrilled to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Renewable Energy Law Institute!  This year’s Institute offers a dynamic mix of insights into law, economics, technology, finance, tax, and regulatory policy. Join seasoned industry professionals, legal and financial advisors, and key legislative and regulatory figures from Texas and beyond as they discuss the latest trends and developments in renewable energy. In this milestone year, the Renewable Energy Law Institute will cover a diverse range of topics, including: A Keynote Presentation by Dr. Scott Tinker, Chairman of Switch Energy Alliance and Director Emeritus at the Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin. Federal Energy Policy Updates, featuring prominent voices discussing how current debates in Washington policy are shaping the future of renewable energy. Case Law Updates, including insights on Osage Wind and the ongoing litigation surrounding Winter Storm Uri. Procurement and Financing in renewable energy construction. On Wednesday afternoon, choose from two specialized tracks: Real Estate Development and Construction or Permitting, Regulatory, and Environmental. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with faculty, planning committee members, section members, and fellow attendees at our 20th Anniversary Celebration Reception and Whiskey Tasting on Tuesday evening!  

2025 Live Conference coming up Feb 3 in Austin. Info and registration »
2025 Materials expected available 3-5 weeks from conference date.

Come a day early for the Renewable Energy Law Essentials. This afternoon program is a perfect overview for new entrants in the field providing an introduction to renewable energy projects, regulation and interconnection, real estate and title, project finance, permitting, and more. And stay on for the 20th Annual Renewable Energy Law Conference for two days of the latest developments affecting renewable energy in Texas and nationwide.

UT Law CLE and the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section is celebrating 50 years of the Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute! After 50 years, the 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.   In this 50th anniversary year, the Institute will now be a day and half program on April 4-5 in Houston, and covers an array of topics including: The popular two-part Case Law Updates Legislative and Regulatory Updates Information on how the new business courts could impact oil and gas disputes Coverage of MSA terms, service agreements, wellborn assignment updates, and much more Plus, join faculty, planning committee, section members and attendees Thursday evening for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Reception.  All Institute attendees will also receive UT Law CLE's "15&3 Guarantee" that provides complimentary access to a bonus accredited eCourse and allows Texas attorneys to complete their annual MCLE reporting requirements with this one registration.

The 19th Annual Renewable Energy Law Institute blends law, economics, technology, finance, tax, and regulatory policy. The conference aims to inform industry participants, legal and financial advisers, as well as key legislative and regulatory policymakers and staff. Join leading attorneys and industry experts in wind, solar, and storage for two days of the latest developments affecting renewable energy in Texas and nationwide.

Come a day early for the Renewable Energy Law Essentials. This afternoon program is a perfect overview for new entrants in the field providing an introduction to renewable energy projects, regulation and interconnection, real estate and title, project finance, permitting, and more. And stay on for the 19th Annual Renewable Energy Law Conference for two days of the latest developments affecting renewable energy in Texas and nationwide.

Join leading members of the oil, gas and energy tax community—including senior government officials, IRS staff, corporate energy and tax counsel, and members of the energy tax bar—at the 16th Biennial Parker C. Fielder Oil, Gas, and Energy Tax Conference. This nationally recognized event is a unique collaboration between The University of Texas School of Law and the Chief Counsel’s Office of the IRS, and provides an exchange of views and perspectives between the private sector and the Service.    The 2023 program features a sophisticated array of presentations, panels, and discussions on current energy industry and taxation issues, including: Keynote Presentation by IRS LB&I Deputy Commissioner, Douglas W. O’Donnell An overview of current issues in the energy sector—where are we now and where might we be headed? An examination of current energy deals, deal structures, and transactional considerations A discussion on IRS examinations and interaction between the industry and the government Concurrent Tracks focused on hot topics in Oil and Gas Taxation or in the Energy Transition space Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from nationally recognized experts and key personnel at the IRS on multiple taxation issues impacting the oil, gas, and energy industry. 

The 2023 Gas and Power Institute, is a one-day program that features timely topics relevant to the gas and power industry in light of the changing landscape of rules, regulation, legislation, and environmental requirements. The Institute also provides essential information and resources on the latest industry and market climate.

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. The Institute brings together a distinguished faculty of academics and practitioners for presentations on the latest oil and gas developments. 2023 program highlights include: Two-part Case Law Update showcasing recent decisions on oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics. Examine recent cases across the country concerning subsurface property rights and hear a high-level account of the state of subsurface property law. Devon v. Sheppard: Is Royalty Owed on Gross Proceeds or Gross Proceeds Plus? Explore the use of equitable defenses in deed construction cases, and the application of Sun Oil to those defense. Plus valuable information on the consequences of not complying with preferential rights to purchase, PPQ, surface conflicts between oil and gas and renewable energy developments and more. Come a day early for Thursday's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law—ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners seeking a refresher. The Institute is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

UT Law CLE's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law brings together a distinguished faculty of both academics and practitioners for a series of presentations designed to provide a comprehensive overview of oil and gas legal issues. The program opens with the definitive primer on how to drill an oil or gas well and continues with sessions on the Rule of Capture, Texas Title Examination Standards, oil and gas interests and conveyancing, the Joint Operating Agreement, voluntary pooling and unitization, and the Railroad Commission. Also learn all you need to know about an oil and gas lease with a four-session series, including classification, royalty clauses, implied covenants and final session on other clauses. Continue on to the 49th Annual Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute for a full day addressing the latest in oil and gas developments. This program is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

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. The Institute brings together a distinguished faculty of academics and practitioners for presentations on the latest oil and gas developments. 2022 program highlights include: Two-part Case Law Update showcasing recent decisions on oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics. A general overview explaining what ESG is, how it affects the industry, and why lawyers for the energy industry should pay attention to ESG. Produced Water: The Next “Title” Wave of Oil and Gas Litigation Updates on litigation matters from Winter Storm Uri. Plus valuable information on voluntary pooling, royalty litigation and post production cost, retained acreage clauses, and more. Come a day early for Thursday's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law—ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners seeking a refresher. The Institute is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

UT Law CLE's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law brings together a distinguished faculty of both academics and practitioners for a series of presentations designed to provide a comprehensive overview of oil and gas legal issues. The program features sessions on production and marketing; royalty disputes; co-tenancy; division orders; JOA; maintaining the secondary term of the lease; general surface usage; an overview of the Texas Railroad Commission; and more. Continue on to the 48th Annual Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute for a full day addressing the latest in oil and gas developments. This program is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Oil and gas taxation is a complex area of the U.S. federal tax law, with unique principles, policies and aspects of the law. This Bootcamp walks through the fundamentals of oil and gas taxation – from basic rules and concepts, to partnerships and joint ventures, to basic transaction structures – and is ideal for new entrants to the field or as a refresher for experienced practitioners. Join us online for this three part series - streaming live on the first three Wednesdays in November! Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Part 3: Basic Transactional Structures This course begins with an examination of sales vs. leases or subleases of mineral property, and the different rules and provisions relating to those transactions. It then dives into several common deals that a company may choose to do and the tax implications for each.  AND DON'T MISS... Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Part 1: Overview of Basic Oil and Gas Taxation Rules Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Part 2: Partnerships and Joint Ventures  

Oil and gas taxation is a complex area of the U.S. federal tax law, with unique principles, policies and aspects of the law. This Bootcamp walks through the fundamentals of oil and gas taxation – from basic rules and concepts, to partnerships and joint ventures, to basic transaction structures – and is ideal for new entrants to the field or as a refresher for experienced practitioners. Join us online for this three part series - streaming live on the first three Wednesdays in November! Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Part 2: Partnerships and Joint Ventures This course focuses on the origin of sharing arrangements (including economic interests, leasing and joint development arrangements), tax partnerships and juridical partnerships, as well as practical examples of carried interest arrangements, Rev. Rul. 77-176, the fractional interest rule, complete and incomplete payouts, and others. It also discusses the reasons for staying in Subchapter K or whether to elect out of Subchapter K (including the eligibility to make such an election). AND DON'T MISS... Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Part 1: Overview of Basic Oil and Gas Taxation Rules Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Part 3: Basic Transactional Structures

Oil and gas taxation is a complex area of the U.S. federal tax law, with unique principles, policies and aspects of the law. This Bootcamp walks through the fundamentals of oil and gas taxation – from basic rules and concepts, to partnerships and joint ventures, to basic transaction structures – and is ideal for new entrants to the field or as a refresher for experienced practitioners. Join us online for this three part series - streaming live on the first three Wednesdays in November! Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Part 1: Overview of Basic Oil and Gas Taxation Rules This course offers an historic look at the oil and gas industry and its unconventional resurgence in the U.S. Each of the three segments then walk through basic rules and concepts as they are applied to oil and gas exploration, development, and production, and provide the foundation for the next two in-depth courses specific to partnerships/joint ventures and basic transactional structures.  AND DON'T MISS... Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Part 2: Partnerships and Joint Ventures Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Part 3: Basic Transactional Structures  

The 2021 Gas and Power Institute, is a one-day program that features timely topics relevant to the gas and power industry in light of the changing landscape of rules, regulation, legislation, and environmental requirements. The Institute also provides essential information and resources on the latest industry and market climate. 2021 Institute highlights: Brad Jones, of ERCOT, will deliver the luncheon presentation on Restoring Trust. Presentations on both Texas Regulatory and Legislative Updates and Federal Regulatory and Legislative Updates provide highlights from the state and federal level involving electricity, natural gas and crud oil, and other liquids affecting the Texas gas and electric industries. Creative Financing Structures for the Midstream and Electric Power Sectors. Review and discuss hedging methods and contract strategies that mitigated exposure to the intense volatility caused by Winter Storm Uri. Dive into the laws and regulations surrounding private use networks and other behind the meter arrangements. Earn up to 1.00 hour of ethics credit.

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. The Institute brings together a distinguished faculty of academics and practitioners for presentations on the latest oil and gas developments. 2021 program highlights include: Two-part Case Law Update showcasing recent decisions on oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics. Turn Around, Don’t Drown: A New Generation of Oil and Gas Lease “Washouts” in Texas and How to Avoid Them a discussion on three Texas cases that have shaken up the assumptions about the law on this topic. Updates on midstream agreements in bankruptcy from Sabine to Chesapeake. Plus valuable information on title and environmental due diligence as it relates to oil and gas acquisitions, review of surface conflicts between oil and gas lessees and renewable energy companies, trade secrets in the oil and gas context, and more. Come a day early for Thursday's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law—ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners seeking a refresher. The Institute is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.  

UT Law CLE's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law brings together a distinguished faculty of both academics and practitioners for a series of presentations designed to provide a comprehensive overview of oil and gas legal issues. The program opens with the definitive primer on how to drill an oil or gas well and continues with sessions on the Rule of Capture, Texas Title Examination Standards, oil and gas interests and conveyancing, the Joint Operating Agreement, voluntary pooling and unitization, and the Railroad Commission. Also learn all you need to know about an oil and gas lease with a four-session series, including classification, royalty and other clauses and implied covenants. Continue on to the 47th Annual Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute for a full day addressing the latest in oil and gas developments. This program is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

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. The Institute brings together a distinguished faculty of academics and practitioners for presentations on the latest oil and gas developments. 2020 program highlights include: Two-part Case Law Update showcasing recent decisions on oil and gas leases, royalties, mineral conveyances, joint operating agreements, state regulation, and related topics. Mock negotiation of a master service agreement with particular attention paid to the insurance and indemnity provisions to ensure an effective risk allocation program. Discuss Working Interest Disputes under AAPL 2015 Form 610 JOA. The Limits to Certainty in Title Examination: Bright Lines and Sharp Corners vs. Holistic and Harmonizing, and Those Pesky Fact Questions. Plus valuable information on split estate issues, oil and gas bankruptcies, flaring issues, and more. Come a day early for Thursday's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law—ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners seeking a refresher. The Institute is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

UT Law CLE's Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mineral Law brings together a distinguished faculty of both academics and practitioners for a series of presentations designed to provide a comprehensive overview of oil and gas legal issues. The program features sessions on production and marketing; royalty disputes; co-tenancy; division orders; JOA; maintaining the secondary term of the lease; general surface usage; an overview of the Texas Railroad Commission; and more. Continue on to the 46th Annual Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute for a full day addressing the latest in oil and gas developments. This program is jointly presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.