Houston's South Texas College of Law is launching what it says is the region's first institute focusing on oil and gas law.
The institute, announced Wednesday, will teach students what they need to know to jump into the energy industry. It's also aimed at shaping public policy and helping oil and gas businesses and law firms in the energy capital of the world.
"With the United States in the midst of an historic energy transformation and Houston at the heart of it, South Texas College of Law knew it was the right time to establish the Oil & and Gas Law Institute," President and Dean Donald J. Guter said in a statement. "Our goal is be the national leader in oil and gas law education. The needs are great, and we believe there is no better place to have this Institute than at South Texas College of Law in downtown Houston."
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Christopher Kulander, a visiting associate professor, will lead the institute. Kulander taught oil and gas law for three years at Texas Tech University and has an extensive background in the area, including working at Haynes and Boone, LLP, and as an expert witness. He also frequently gives presentations and speeches about the oil and gas industry.
"South Texas has a unique opportunity to be the leading law school for educating and training practice-ready graduates in the oil and gas industry – and that is attractive to potential employers," Kulander said in a statement. "The workforce needs of the oil and gas industry continue to grow, particularly in the legal arena. South Texas fully understands this fact and is prepared to address those demands through the Institute's diverse classes and programs."
The institute will seek to place its top students in the legal departments of oil and gas companies around Houston.
It will focus on developing applied petroleum-related transactional, title and regulatory practice skills. Future areas of study will include international petroleum transactions, midstream and downstream oil and gas activities, and other sources of energy.
Through the institute, the law school hopes to partner with other universities and policy institutions to guide public discussion about the energy industry.
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The institute will be guided by an advisory board with members from the oil and gas industry, academia and regulatory and legislative agencies.
"The Institute is an important endeavor for Houston, the state of Texas and the nation's oil and gas industry," Kulander's statement said. "We look forward to significantly enhancing oil and gas law education in this country."
