The South Texas College of Law/Houston recently announced the launch of the Oil & Gas Law Institute. The goal of the program is to give students comprehensive training in oil and gas law, turning out practice-ready graduates with cutting-edge knowledge of the field.
The Institute plans to ensure that graduates are practice-ready by making the third year specialty-focused and practice-oriented. Initially, the Institute will offer intensive training in petroleum transactions, petroleum title issues and regulatory practice. In the coming years, the Institute plans to add specializations in a wide range of additional areas, including international transactions, mid- and downstream activities, and alternative energy.
Students with advanced standing will have the opportunity to be placed in Houston-area law firms, providing practical training and a context to help them better understand what they learn in the classroom.
The South Texas College of Law/Houston is the oldest law school in the city. Because the school finds itself at the heart of the current growth in the energy industry, it aims to become a leading force in oil and gas law.
Christopher Kulander, an assistant professor at the South Texas College of Law, has been named as the first director of the new institute. In addition to teaching experience, Kulander has practiced extensively in the oil and gas sector, and he previously worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, according to a statement from the school.