Company:
K&L Gates LLP
Current Position:
Partner
Job duties:
I am a partner in the Fort Worth and Houston offices. I am a member of the oil, gas & resources practice group. For the past 18 years, I have focused on a broad range of energy issues including royalty disputes, lease termination issues, surface use issues, municipal ordinances, environmental claims, right to take challenges, and eminent domain. I try cases before both juries and the bench on a wide variety of complex oil and gas issues. I also maintain a specialized practice in the area of eminent domain, representing numerous midstream energy clients and other condemning authorities in a variety of matters involving real property acquisitions, easement negotiations, condemnation proceedings, challenges to their right to take, and subsequent trials. I also counsel clients on policy issues, best practices and litigation avoidance. I am a frequent author and presenter on issues impacting the oil and gas industry, including eminent domain.
Impacts:
I was part of the team that worked on the first ground water contamination cases from fracing in the Barnett Shale. I also counsel clients on best practices.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my family, friends and faith. I am also passionate about mentoring young women, especially those who want to go into the energy industry and/or law.
Describe your educational history:
I received my B.S. in Bioenvironmental Sciences from Texas A & M University in December of 1996 (Class of 1997). I then received my J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center, Bates Law, in May 2000. I have been a practicing lawyer since that time focusing on oil, gas and related energy litigation.
What advise would you give to the current Aggies interested in entering environmental industry?
Take a broad approach and be open to all aspects of environmental work. Environmental issues touch all industries. The jobs take many shapes and forms. You may also be surprised at your ability to help create the job you want. This degree plan, with its practical and wide variety of courses, can prepare you for almost any job!
If you were entering the environmental industry today, what area would you pursue? Why?
I would pursue a career in either oil and gas health, safety, environmental or regulatory work or legislative lobbying to help create practicable workable rules and regulations.