Texas Bar Journal • July/August 2025
OIL, GAS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
LAW
Trace Burton, Chair
The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section (OGERL), established
in 1938, is the oldest section of the State Bar of Texas and has over
4,000 members. The section sponsors numerous CLE events in collaboration
with the State Bar of Texas or the University of Texas, including: the
Advanced Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Law Course; Oil & Gas
Disputes; the Renewable Energy Law Institute; the Ernest E. Smith Oil,
Gas, and Mineral Law Institute; and the Oil, Gas and Mineral Title
Examination Course. Three times a year, the section publishes a journal
of legal articles that also includes a recent caselaw update in each
edition. OGERL also funds awards and internship opportunities for law
students historically at four Texas state agencies: The Electric
Reliability Council, the Public Utility Commission, the Railroad
Commission, and the General Land Office. During each academic semester,
OGERL grants scholarships to law students who achieve the highest grade
in each basic oil, gas, and energy law course at each Texas law school.
In a new program for 2024-2025, OGERL sponsors a leadership academy for
up-and-coming energy attorneys that focuses on practice development,
mentorship, and involvement in section activities. Learn more about
OGERL at oilgas.org.