Mr. Paul B. Simon
Simon Lawyer, LLC
Paul B. Simon advises oil & gas operators and investors on acquisitions and divestitures, private equity investments, and similar strategic transactions. Paul’s regularly provides counsel on the industry’s primary commercial agreements -- JOAs, IADC drilling contracts, participation agreements, and the like -- and advises clients on regulatory issues and appeals before the major federal agencies -- BLM, BOEM, BSEE, and ONRR. Paul is a partner with the Burke Law Group. Two of Paul's former law partners at Burke recently left to be second in command, and head of enforcement, respectively at the EPA in the new administration. The founder of the firm, Marcella Burke, was Deputy Solicitor for Energy and Natural Resources in the first Trump administration and supervisor to the department's current general counsel. These changes are providing unique and momentous opportunities for Paul's clients at Burke and keeping him and his clients busy -- including on behalf of Marcella's other long-term client, General Murrille, who recently enlisted Burke, via a team led by Paul and Marcella, to establish the legal framework, including rules, regulations, and internal processes, for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resource's new enforcement division.

Ms. Shayna L. Sonnier
Veron Bice, LLC
Shayna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and ultimately, a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law. Since 2005 she has focused on general litigation, family law, estate planning, and successions, and licensed both in Louisiana and Texas. Shayna recently joined Veron Bice, LLC and became the President-Elect of the Louisiana State Bar Association.

Early in her life, Shayna witnessed the value of a skilled attorney as her family faced a significant legal battle, and this experience inspired her to pursue a career in law. She is passionate about her faith, family, community, and work and volunteers her time as part of numerous organizations and associations. Peers will attest some of the many characteristics that set Shayna apart are both her ability to establish trust with her clients as well as her hands-on approach to every case.

In her free time, Shayna enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and animals, and traveling. Her favorite quote is, “We live as though the world were as it should be, to show it what it can be.”

Dr. Gregory B Upton Jr.
LSU Center for Energy Studies
Dr. Greg Upton is Associate Research Professor at the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies. His research interests are related to the analysis of economic, environmental and public policy issues in the energy industry.

During his tenure at LSU, Dr. Upton has addressed a number of topical energy issues of significance to Louisiana, including Louisiana mineral taxes, solar tax credits, and net metering policies, the impact of the oil price collapse on Louisiana’s budgetary challenges, and implications of the crude oil export ban’s lifting on the Louisiana economy, among others. He has presented research on these topics to more than 100 industry, governmental, and academic audiences, and has been quoted or cited approximately 100 times in local and national media, including the Wall Street Journal and NPR’s Marketplace. He has written guest columns about energy related issues affecting Louisiana appearing in the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Acadiana Advocate, Baton Rouge Business Report, New Orleans’ Times-Picayune, Lafayette’s Daily Advertiser, and Public Utilities Fortnightly Magazine.

He co-authors two yearly economic outlooks. The Louisiana Economic Outlook (LEO), with Dr. Loren Scott, includes employment forecasts for both Louisiana and its metro areas. The LEO has been ongoing for 40 years. The Gulf Coast Energy Outlook (GCEO), with Dr. David Dismukes, is a work product of the LSU Center for Energy Studies and includes forecasts of oil and gas sectors in Louisiana and Texas.

Dr. Upton holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Louisiana State University where he also received both an M.A. in economics and a B.S. in economics with a concentration in empirical analysis. He is a member of professional organizations including the American Economic Association (AEA), International Association of Energy Economics (IAEE), and the Southern Economic Association (SEA). He has taught courses the Department of Environmental Sciences and Department of Economics at LSU and is a program faculty member at Michigan State University’s Institute of Public Utilities.

Mr. Court C. VanTassell
Shareholder
Liskow & Lewis, APLC
Court VanTassell’s practice focuses on environmental regulation and energy litigation. Court represents clients ranging from global energy corporations to start-up companies and he advises on all aspects of the use and management of natural resources, including environmental compliance, conservation, remediation, and litigation.

Court has particular experience advising oil and gas operators in matters related to upstream environmental compliance and the management or restoration of oilfield properties. He also frequently handles matters concerning wetlands, coastal land loss, NORM, waste disposal, and industrial facility permitting.

Prior to his law practice, Court was a field biologist for an environmental non-profit and he managed an endangered species program for the U.S. National Park Service. With his science background and years of government experience, Court provides clients with a diverse and efficient approach to environmental issues. “I believe a broad combination of scientific, governmental, and legal experience provides a unique toolset for tackling complex environmental issues and working in tandem with experts and agencies to efficiently achieve a client’s goals.”

Dr. Mark E. Zappi
Executive Director /BORSF Chair in Bioprocesses
Energy Institute of Louisiana /University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Dr. Mark E. Zappi, PE has over 25 years working with energy and/or waste management technologies ranging from basic research to full-scale commercialization. Dr. Zappi serves as the Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana at UL and the Director of the UL Center for Environmental Protection. Dr. Zappi holds the BORSF Chair in Bioprocesses and is a chemical engineering professor. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisiana and a MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Mississippi State University. Dr. Zappi has over 250 technical publications, given over 300 technical presentations, holds six patents, and is a professional engineer within the State of Louisiana. He has secured over $120M in R&D funding and has managed numerous multi-million, multi-partner projects. Dr. Zappi has been very active with assisting Louisiana municipal and government entities with recruiting, evaluating, and assisting new industries into their regions.