Mr. Jonathan D Baughman
McGinnis Lochridge
Jonathan D. Baughman is a seasoned commercial trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes civil litigation across the energy, oil and gas, commercial, real estate, construction, and insurance sectors. He serves as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Houston office and chairs the Oil & Gas Practice Group. He is licensed in both Texas and Louisiana. He also serves as the Chair of the Mineral Law Institute Advisory Council.
McGinnis Lochridge
Jonathan D. Baughman is a seasoned commercial trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes civil litigation across the energy, oil and gas, commercial, real estate, construction, and insurance sectors. He serves as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Houston office and chairs the Oil & Gas Practice Group. He is licensed in both Texas and Louisiana. He also serves as the Chair of the Mineral Law Institute Advisory Council.
Mr. Andre P. Bellefontaine
Kean Miller, LLP
Andre Bellefontaine primarily works with the firm’s Energy and Environmental Litigation practice groups. He provides legal advice on issues associated with environmental regulatory compliance, oil and gas legacy litigation, coastal zone litigation, and groundwater contamination. Andre also assists the firm’s Tax group in providing counsel in corporate income and franchise tax litigation.
Andre serves on legal teams that represent, defend, and advocate for a selection of the largest energy companies doing business today. In this capacity, he conducts legal research on issues arising from environmental regulation and litigation, insurance and indemnity disputes, toxic tort defense, and regulatory compliance and enforcement. With the nuanced claims associated with coastal litigation, Andre also has extensive experience in motion practice relating to statutory interpretation and the constitutionality of regulatory enforcement. Andre is experienced in administrative litigation and has handled appeals of agency orders and rulings by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources under the APA.
Moreover, Andre has experience in contract litigation relating to mineral leases, solar farm testing agreements, surface leases, property sales and exchanges, right of way agreements, and commercial lease agreements. Andre’s litigation experience also extends to the federal forum where he’s defended numerous lawsuits for land and groundwater contamination.
As an environmental litigator, Andre has experience in dealing with expert witness on complicated issues such as induced subsidence, hydrology, vapor intrusion, toxicology, reservoir compaction, fault reactivation, and other experts on subjects relating to the causes of land loss and environmental contamination. In addition, Andre is involved in issues that range from mineral rights, coastal use permitting, and wastewater discharges to Louisiana RECAP, Statewide Order 29-B and other state oilfield remediation rules.
In everything he does, Andre is committed to providing the best quality legal services to energy industry clients, whose work, he believes, will ultimately improve the Louisiana economy and bolster the regional energy industry as a whole. A team player who excels at fostering collaboration and building strong relationships with others, Andre has a unique ability to bring people together, creating a positive and cooperative environment.
Prior to joining the firm, Andre served as a research and writing assistant for Resources for the Future, a nonprofit research institution in Washington DC which publishes impartial economic policy studies on federal environmental regulation to assist and improve US decision making relating to the energy industry.
Andre also served as a Law Clerk in the Executive Division at the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. This experience is a value add to the clients he serves today – as many of their litigation claims involve the Attorney General’s Office. As a result, Andre is better prepared to understand and leverage the AG’s procedural mechanisms and the office’s decision-making processes to the client’s advantage.
Kean Miller, LLP
Andre Bellefontaine primarily works with the firm’s Energy and Environmental Litigation practice groups. He provides legal advice on issues associated with environmental regulatory compliance, oil and gas legacy litigation, coastal zone litigation, and groundwater contamination. Andre also assists the firm’s Tax group in providing counsel in corporate income and franchise tax litigation.
Andre serves on legal teams that represent, defend, and advocate for a selection of the largest energy companies doing business today. In this capacity, he conducts legal research on issues arising from environmental regulation and litigation, insurance and indemnity disputes, toxic tort defense, and regulatory compliance and enforcement. With the nuanced claims associated with coastal litigation, Andre also has extensive experience in motion practice relating to statutory interpretation and the constitutionality of regulatory enforcement. Andre is experienced in administrative litigation and has handled appeals of agency orders and rulings by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources under the APA.
Moreover, Andre has experience in contract litigation relating to mineral leases, solar farm testing agreements, surface leases, property sales and exchanges, right of way agreements, and commercial lease agreements. Andre’s litigation experience also extends to the federal forum where he’s defended numerous lawsuits for land and groundwater contamination.
As an environmental litigator, Andre has experience in dealing with expert witness on complicated issues such as induced subsidence, hydrology, vapor intrusion, toxicology, reservoir compaction, fault reactivation, and other experts on subjects relating to the causes of land loss and environmental contamination. In addition, Andre is involved in issues that range from mineral rights, coastal use permitting, and wastewater discharges to Louisiana RECAP, Statewide Order 29-B and other state oilfield remediation rules.
In everything he does, Andre is committed to providing the best quality legal services to energy industry clients, whose work, he believes, will ultimately improve the Louisiana economy and bolster the regional energy industry as a whole. A team player who excels at fostering collaboration and building strong relationships with others, Andre has a unique ability to bring people together, creating a positive and cooperative environment.
Prior to joining the firm, Andre served as a research and writing assistant for Resources for the Future, a nonprofit research institution in Washington DC which publishes impartial economic policy studies on federal environmental regulation to assist and improve US decision making relating to the energy industry.
Andre also served as a Law Clerk in the Executive Division at the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. This experience is a value add to the clients he serves today – as many of their litigation claims involve the Attorney General’s Office. As a result, Andre is better prepared to understand and leverage the AG’s procedural mechanisms and the office’s decision-making processes to the client’s advantage.
Mr. Jason P Bergeron
Exxon Mobil Corporation
• 1999 graduate of Paul M. Hebert Law Center
• Law Clerk to US District Court Judge Tucker L. Melancon, Western District of Louisiana (1999-2000)
• Former partner at Liskow & Lewise (2000-2010)
• Senior Counsel Exxon Mobil Corporation (2010-present) – responsible for upstream environmental litigation
Exxon Mobil Corporation
• 1999 graduate of Paul M. Hebert Law Center
• Law Clerk to US District Court Judge Tucker L. Melancon, Western District of Louisiana (1999-2000)
• Former partner at Liskow & Lewise (2000-2010)
• Senior Counsel Exxon Mobil Corporation (2010-present) – responsible for upstream environmental litigation
Mr. Michael R. Brassett II
Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC
Michael has a transactional oil and gas practice serving producers and others engaged in onshore and offshore operations, as well as mineral servitude owners throughout the ARK-LA-TEX. In his practice, he represents companies in their acquisition, development, and divestment of assets. This includes title review including the drafting of drill site and division order title opinions, operating agreements, lease negotiations, and surface use and ROW Agreements, in addition to representation in regulatory proceedings with the Louisiana Office of Conservation.
Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC
Michael has a transactional oil and gas practice serving producers and others engaged in onshore and offshore operations, as well as mineral servitude owners throughout the ARK-LA-TEX. In his practice, he represents companies in their acquisition, development, and divestment of assets. This includes title review including the drafting of drill site and division order title opinions, operating agreements, lease negotiations, and surface use and ROW Agreements, in addition to representation in regulatory proceedings with the Louisiana Office of Conservation.
Mr. James Blake Canfield
La Dept Of Conservation and Energy
Blake Canfield is Executive Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR). In this role Mr. Canfield manages LDENR’s Legal Division, is responsible for certain legislative matters involving the agency, and advises LDENR’s Secretary and staff on the administrative and operational functions of the Department, as well as LDENR’s regulation of Louisiana’s abundant natural resources, including but not limited to regulation of activities which impact the state’s coastal resources, management of the State’s property for energy development, water resources, and promotion of energy conservation. Prior to becoming Executive Counsel in 2013, Mr. Canfield was Senior Attorney for the Louisiana Office of Conservation, where he represented the agency in litigation and administrative matters and provided legal counsel to the Commissioner of Conservation regarding his office’s regulation of the development of oil, gas, lignite, and other mineral resources. Mr. Canfield is a lifelong resident of Louisiana and a graduate of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Blake currently serves on US DOE’s CCUS Permitting Task Force, is a member of the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute’s Advisory Council, and is past chair of Louisiana’s Public Recreational Access Task Force.
La Dept Of Conservation and Energy
Blake Canfield is Executive Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR). In this role Mr. Canfield manages LDENR’s Legal Division, is responsible for certain legislative matters involving the agency, and advises LDENR’s Secretary and staff on the administrative and operational functions of the Department, as well as LDENR’s regulation of Louisiana’s abundant natural resources, including but not limited to regulation of activities which impact the state’s coastal resources, management of the State’s property for energy development, water resources, and promotion of energy conservation. Prior to becoming Executive Counsel in 2013, Mr. Canfield was Senior Attorney for the Louisiana Office of Conservation, where he represented the agency in litigation and administrative matters and provided legal counsel to the Commissioner of Conservation regarding his office’s regulation of the development of oil, gas, lignite, and other mineral resources. Mr. Canfield is a lifelong resident of Louisiana and a graduate of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Blake currently serves on US DOE’s CCUS Permitting Task Force, is a member of the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute’s Advisory Council, and is past chair of Louisiana’s Public Recreational Access Task Force.
Mr. James M Carroll
Azul Resources II LLC
Mr. Carroll was previously Senior Staff Landman at Indigo Natural Resources where he was a landman responsible for a major grass roots leasing program, royalty and mineral acquisitions and land operations in Indigo’s most active development area. He was also the lead on many acreage trades and assisted the A&D group on due diligence, title research and defense. James has a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics and a J.D., both from Louisiana State University. He has also been admitted to the Bar Associations of both Texas and Louisiana.
Azul Resources II LLC
Mr. Carroll was previously Senior Staff Landman at Indigo Natural Resources where he was a landman responsible for a major grass roots leasing program, royalty and mineral acquisitions and land operations in Indigo’s most active development area. He was also the lead on many acreage trades and assisted the A&D group on due diligence, title research and defense. James has a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics and a J.D., both from Louisiana State University. He has also been admitted to the Bar Associations of both Texas and Louisiana.
Mr. Jean-Paul P. Coussan
Louisiana Public Service Commission
Born in Jefferson Parish and raised in Lafayette, Jean-Paul is a partner at Andrus Boudreaux-Complete Title, a real estate law firm and title company. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Finance in 2000, having completed the LSU Center for Internal Audit program, and received his J.D. and Bachelor of Civil Law from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 2004.
Jean-Paul was elected to the Louisiana Legislature in 2015 where he served two terms in the House of Representatives, serving as chairman of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, and was elected in 2023 to the State Senate, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs Committee.
Jean-Paul was elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission in November of 2024 and his current term ends December 31, 2030. He is married to Jennifer Joy Coussan and has three children.
Louisiana Public Service Commission
Born in Jefferson Parish and raised in Lafayette, Jean-Paul is a partner at Andrus Boudreaux-Complete Title, a real estate law firm and title company. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Finance in 2000, having completed the LSU Center for Internal Audit program, and received his J.D. and Bachelor of Civil Law from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 2004.
Jean-Paul was elected to the Louisiana Legislature in 2015 where he served two terms in the House of Representatives, serving as chairman of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, and was elected in 2023 to the State Senate, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs Committee.
Jean-Paul was elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission in November of 2024 and his current term ends December 31, 2030. He is married to Jennifer Joy Coussan and has three children.
Ms. Katherine A. Leaber
LSU Law Center
Katherine A. Leaber is a second-year law student at LSU. She is enrolled in the Energy Law and Policy Certificate program, and she is a member of LSU's Energy and Environmental Law Society. She earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology at LSU, with a minor in Criminology.
LSU Law Center
Katherine A. Leaber is a second-year law student at LSU. She is enrolled in the Energy Law and Policy Certificate program, and she is a member of LSU's Energy and Environmental Law Society. She earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology at LSU, with a minor in Criminology.
Mrs. Amy Allums Lee
Liskow & Lewis, APLC
Amy Allums Lee is a shareholder in the Lafayette office of Liskow & Lewis. Her practice focuses on energy and environmental litigation and regulatory matters. For the past 25 years, she has been involved in E&P legacy litigation and oilfield site remediation work, with representative clients being Shell, BP, Exxon, and others. She is a member of the Louisiana State Law Institute Council and Mineral Law Committee, former judicial clerk to Justice Catherine D. Kimball, and 2001 Order of the Coif graduate of Tulane Law School.
Liskow & Lewis, APLC
Amy Allums Lee is a shareholder in the Lafayette office of Liskow & Lewis. Her practice focuses on energy and environmental litigation and regulatory matters. For the past 25 years, she has been involved in E&P legacy litigation and oilfield site remediation work, with representative clients being Shell, BP, Exxon, and others. She is a member of the Louisiana State Law Institute Council and Mineral Law Committee, former judicial clerk to Justice Catherine D. Kimball, and 2001 Order of the Coif graduate of Tulane Law School.
Mr. Andrew D. Martin
Davidson Summers Hearne Martin & Powell, LLC
Andrew focuses largely on oil and gas litigation, with a wide range of trial court and appellate experience in complex mineral law cases. In these lawsuits, he has primarily represented landowners and independent oil companies. Andrew also has extensive practice in drafting and negotiating mineral leases and reviewing title to ascertain the ownership of mineral rights.
He also has significant litigation experience in non-mineral law matters ranging from contract disputes to real estate actions. Further, he has participated in collection efforts for a variety of creditors, facilitated timber and real estate transactions, and assisted in business formation and dissolution.
He has published three articles with LSU's Journal of Energy Law and Resources, most recently a 2020 submission entitled "What is the Appropriate Time Period for a Paying Quantities Analysis." He has also presented at numerous mineral law conferences in the past few years.
He and his wife Heidi Kemple Martin are married with one daughter, Anayansi Martin.
Davidson Summers Hearne Martin & Powell, LLC
Andrew focuses largely on oil and gas litigation, with a wide range of trial court and appellate experience in complex mineral law cases. In these lawsuits, he has primarily represented landowners and independent oil companies. Andrew also has extensive practice in drafting and negotiating mineral leases and reviewing title to ascertain the ownership of mineral rights.
He also has significant litigation experience in non-mineral law matters ranging from contract disputes to real estate actions. Further, he has participated in collection efforts for a variety of creditors, facilitated timber and real estate transactions, and assisted in business formation and dissolution.
He has published three articles with LSU's Journal of Energy Law and Resources, most recently a 2020 submission entitled "What is the Appropriate Time Period for a Paying Quantities Analysis." He has also presented at numerous mineral law conferences in the past few years.
He and his wife Heidi Kemple Martin are married with one daughter, Anayansi Martin.
Mr. Patrick S. Ottinger
Ottinger Hebert, LLC
PATRICK S. OTTINGER is of counsel in the Lafayette law firm of Ottinger Hebert, L.L.C. He has been in private practice in Lafayette since December 1973, with his practice being concentrated in the area of oil and gas, with emphasis on corporate and commercial matters, financial transactions, real estate, regulatory matters, eminent domain, mediation and arbitration, and banking matters, as well as litigation in these areas. He is an experienced arbitrator and mediator in oil and gas matters, rendering such services through The Patterson Resolution Group. He received his Juris Doctorate degree in December 1973 from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. Mr. Ottinger is an Adjunct Professor of Law at LSU, teaching the course on Mineral Rights from 1996-2012, and currently teaches an Oil & Gas Seminar.
He is the author of the course materials entitled Ottinger, A Course Book on Louisiana Mineral Rights (12th Rev. Ed., August 2011), and Louisiana Mineral Leases: A Treatise (Claitor’s 2016). He has published numerous articles in the Louisiana Law Review, Louisiana Mineral Law Institute, and the LSU Journal of Energy Law and Resources.
He is the Past Chair of the Advisory Council for the Institute on Mineral Law at LSU Law Center. He serves on the Advisory Board for the John P. Laborde Energy Law Center at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University.
Mr. Ottinger serves as the Reporter of the Mineral Law Committee, of the Local Government Committee and of the Louisiana Risk Fee Act Committee of the Louisiana State Law Institute, and is a member of the Institute’s Mineral Law – Unsolicited Offers Committee, the Counterletter Committee, the Prescription Committee, and the Tax Sales Committee. He served as City-Parish Attorney for the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government from January 2004-February 2011.
Mr. Ottinger served as the President of the Louisiana State Bar Association during the years 1998-99. Mr. Ottinger was recognized as a 2014 Distinguished Achievement Honoree by the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center on September 21, 2014, for “professional achievement and career distinction, service to and support of LSU Law, and service to the community.”
On September 7, 2017, Mr. Ottinger was inducted into the Lafayette Bar Association’s Hall of Fame.
On June 7, 2018, he received the 2018 Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, awarded for “long-standing devotion to and excellence in trial practice,” and “upholding the standards of ethics and consideration for the courts, litigants and all counsel.”
On March 31, 2022, Mr. Ottinger received the Distinguished Service Award from the Mineral Law Institute in recognition of his “dedication in teaching oil and gas law courses, his years of invaluable service to the Mineral Law Institute, and his wise counsel to LSU’s John P. Laborde Energy Law Center.” In presenting this award, it was stated “No practicing lawyer has contributed more to mineral law education in Louisiana than Pat Ottinger.”
Ottinger Hebert, LLC
PATRICK S. OTTINGER is of counsel in the Lafayette law firm of Ottinger Hebert, L.L.C. He has been in private practice in Lafayette since December 1973, with his practice being concentrated in the area of oil and gas, with emphasis on corporate and commercial matters, financial transactions, real estate, regulatory matters, eminent domain, mediation and arbitration, and banking matters, as well as litigation in these areas. He is an experienced arbitrator and mediator in oil and gas matters, rendering such services through The Patterson Resolution Group. He received his Juris Doctorate degree in December 1973 from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. Mr. Ottinger is an Adjunct Professor of Law at LSU, teaching the course on Mineral Rights from 1996-2012, and currently teaches an Oil & Gas Seminar.
He is the author of the course materials entitled Ottinger, A Course Book on Louisiana Mineral Rights (12th Rev. Ed., August 2011), and Louisiana Mineral Leases: A Treatise (Claitor’s 2016). He has published numerous articles in the Louisiana Law Review, Louisiana Mineral Law Institute, and the LSU Journal of Energy Law and Resources.
He is the Past Chair of the Advisory Council for the Institute on Mineral Law at LSU Law Center. He serves on the Advisory Board for the John P. Laborde Energy Law Center at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University.
Mr. Ottinger serves as the Reporter of the Mineral Law Committee, of the Local Government Committee and of the Louisiana Risk Fee Act Committee of the Louisiana State Law Institute, and is a member of the Institute’s Mineral Law – Unsolicited Offers Committee, the Counterletter Committee, the Prescription Committee, and the Tax Sales Committee. He served as City-Parish Attorney for the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government from January 2004-February 2011.
Mr. Ottinger served as the President of the Louisiana State Bar Association during the years 1998-99. Mr. Ottinger was recognized as a 2014 Distinguished Achievement Honoree by the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center on September 21, 2014, for “professional achievement and career distinction, service to and support of LSU Law, and service to the community.”
On September 7, 2017, Mr. Ottinger was inducted into the Lafayette Bar Association’s Hall of Fame.
On June 7, 2018, he received the 2018 Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, awarded for “long-standing devotion to and excellence in trial practice,” and “upholding the standards of ethics and consideration for the courts, litigants and all counsel.”
On March 31, 2022, Mr. Ottinger received the Distinguished Service Award from the Mineral Law Institute in recognition of his “dedication in teaching oil and gas law courses, his years of invaluable service to the Mineral Law Institute, and his wise counsel to LSU’s John P. Laborde Energy Law Center.” In presenting this award, it was stated “No practicing lawyer has contributed more to mineral law education in Louisiana than Pat Ottinger.”
Ms. Kelly Perrier
Cantium, LLC
Kelly Perrier is General Counsel for Cantium, LLC, the largest oil producer headquartered in Louisiana. Before joining Cantium, LLC, Ms. Perrier was a member of Gordon Arata’s New Orleans office, where she practiced in the areas of oil, gas and energy litigation and commercial litigation. Ms. Perrier has served as president of the South Louisiana Chapter of Women’s Energy Network and as president of the Professional Landman’s Association of New Orleans. She is also a member of the Mineral Law Institute’s Advisory Board.
Cantium, LLC
Kelly Perrier is General Counsel for Cantium, LLC, the largest oil producer headquartered in Louisiana. Before joining Cantium, LLC, Ms. Perrier was a member of Gordon Arata’s New Orleans office, where she practiced in the areas of oil, gas and energy litigation and commercial litigation. Ms. Perrier has served as president of the South Louisiana Chapter of Women’s Energy Network and as president of the Professional Landman’s Association of New Orleans. She is also a member of the Mineral Law Institute’s Advisory Board.
Mr. Leslie J. Schiff
Schiff Manning LLP
Leslie J. Schiff graduated from Louisiana State University Law School in 1960. Thereafter he practiced in Opelousas, Louisiana as an associate and then as a partner in Sandoz, Sandoz and Schiff, and in Sandoz, Schiff, Keating and Watson, its successor. He continued his practice as a solo practitioner for eighteen (18) years before joining Schiff, Scheckman and White LLP on November 1, 2010. Mr. Schiff engaged in a general practice of law until the early 1990s. He then began to concentrate his practice on matters related to attorney discipline before the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and representation of judges before the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. He also focuses on representation of lawyers and law firms concerning law related issues not connected with the disciplinary system. He has rendered expert opinions and given testimony as an expert witness in matters relating to a variety of subjects including conflict of interest, fee disputes, and reasonable and unreasonable fee issues.
Schiff Manning LLP
Leslie J. Schiff graduated from Louisiana State University Law School in 1960. Thereafter he practiced in Opelousas, Louisiana as an associate and then as a partner in Sandoz, Sandoz and Schiff, and in Sandoz, Schiff, Keating and Watson, its successor. He continued his practice as a solo practitioner for eighteen (18) years before joining Schiff, Scheckman and White LLP on November 1, 2010. Mr. Schiff engaged in a general practice of law until the early 1990s. He then began to concentrate his practice on matters related to attorney discipline before the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and representation of judges before the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. He also focuses on representation of lawyers and law firms concerning law related issues not connected with the disciplinary system. He has rendered expert opinions and given testimony as an expert witness in matters relating to a variety of subjects including conflict of interest, fee disputes, and reasonable and unreasonable fee issues.
Mr. Dylan T. Scully
Kean Miller, LLP
Dylan Scully is a litigator in the firm’s Energy and Environmental Litigation practice group. He supports the firm’s major energy clients in defending and successfully resolving claims alleging contamination and wetlands loss associated with historical oil, gas, and pipeline operations across Louisiana, and consults with energy clients on orphan wellsite liability issues. Dylan is dedicated to thorough legal research, analysis, fact development and case preparation that furthers complex defense strategy that must be tailored to procedural nuances under state and federal regulatory schemes. Dylan employs keen analytical skills and attention to detail, partially attributable to his accounting background, to defend against claims with exposure of millions and sometimes billions of dollars in damages. In addition to his litigation practice, Dylan actively advises firm clients on regulatory compliance matters and related preemptive measures to minimize potential liability exposure under stringent state and federal regulatory schemes in the energy and environmental sectors. In his practice, Dylan is committed to building a relationship with clients that goes beyond the context of imminent litigation. While every client’s needs differ, he believes that effective legal representation requires a better understanding.
Kean Miller, LLP
Dylan Scully is a litigator in the firm’s Energy and Environmental Litigation practice group. He supports the firm’s major energy clients in defending and successfully resolving claims alleging contamination and wetlands loss associated with historical oil, gas, and pipeline operations across Louisiana, and consults with energy clients on orphan wellsite liability issues. Dylan is dedicated to thorough legal research, analysis, fact development and case preparation that furthers complex defense strategy that must be tailored to procedural nuances under state and federal regulatory schemes. Dylan employs keen analytical skills and attention to detail, partially attributable to his accounting background, to defend against claims with exposure of millions and sometimes billions of dollars in damages. In addition to his litigation practice, Dylan actively advises firm clients on regulatory compliance matters and related preemptive measures to minimize potential liability exposure under stringent state and federal regulatory schemes in the energy and environmental sectors. In his practice, Dylan is committed to building a relationship with clients that goes beyond the context of imminent litigation. While every client’s needs differ, he believes that effective legal representation requires a better understanding.
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.
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.
Mr. Katriel Statman
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Kat Statman is a shareholder in Baker Donelson's Houston office with a litigation practiced focused on commercial disputes, toxic torts, and products liability. He counsels clients on maritime claims and defenses, including maritime liens, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, and related enforcement matters. Kat has experience responding to industrial incidents often involving workplace fatalities and environmental risk exposure. He also defends regulatory claims involving industrial failure and clean-up, risk assessments, and water safety.
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Kat Statman is a shareholder in Baker Donelson's Houston office with a litigation practiced focused on commercial disputes, toxic torts, and products liability. He counsels clients on maritime claims and defenses, including maritime liens, the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, and related enforcement matters. Kat has experience responding to industrial incidents often involving workplace fatalities and environmental risk exposure. He also defends regulatory claims involving industrial failure and clean-up, risk assessments, and water safety.
Mr. Paul A. Strickland
Kean Miller, LLP
PAUL A. STRICKLAND is a partner in the Shreveport law office of Kean Miller LLP. He has over forty years of experience in oil and gas title examination and oil and gas contract matters. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana State University and a Law Degree from the LSU Law Center. He is a member of the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute Advisory Council and the Ark-La-Tex Association for Professional Landmen, where he served as Education Chairman. He is a frequent lecturer on oil and gas topics and presented several papers to the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute, the National Association of Division Order Analysts, and various landman associations in the State of Louisiana and in the State of Texas.
Kean Miller, LLP
PAUL A. STRICKLAND is a partner in the Shreveport law office of Kean Miller LLP. He has over forty years of experience in oil and gas title examination and oil and gas contract matters. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana State University and a Law Degree from the LSU Law Center. He is a member of the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute Advisory Council and the Ark-La-Tex Association for Professional Landmen, where he served as Education Chairman. He is a frequent lecturer on oil and gas topics and presented several papers to the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute, the National Association of Division Order Analysts, and various landman associations in the State of Louisiana and in the State of Texas.
Mr. Owen D Thibodeaux
Ottinger Hebert, LLC
Owen Thibodeaux concentrates his practice in civil litigation across a wide variety of matters. His work includes the defense of tort and contract claims, with particular emphasis on oil and gas, energy, and environmental disputes. He also handles offshore matters arising under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and admiralty law. In addition to his litigation practice, Owen assists clients with successions, as well as transactional and commercial matters.
Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, Owen pursued his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Thereafter, he went on to attend the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he received his Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law, graduating cum laude in 2025.
During law school, Owen was recognized as a Dean’s Scholar (top 25%) and received CALI Excellence Awards for the highest grades in Legal Writing and Obligations. He completed a six-week summer externship with the Honorable Carol B. Whitehurst, United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, and participated in LSU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program, Energy Law & Regulation Apprenticeship Week, and the Oil & Gas Seminar taught by Adjunct Professor of Law Patrick S. Ottinger.
Owen is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the state of Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Ottinger Hebert, LLC
Owen Thibodeaux concentrates his practice in civil litigation across a wide variety of matters. His work includes the defense of tort and contract claims, with particular emphasis on oil and gas, energy, and environmental disputes. He also handles offshore matters arising under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and admiralty law. In addition to his litigation practice, Owen assists clients with successions, as well as transactional and commercial matters.
Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, Owen pursued his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Thereafter, he went on to attend the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he received his Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law, graduating cum laude in 2025.
During law school, Owen was recognized as a Dean’s Scholar (top 25%) and received CALI Excellence Awards for the highest grades in Legal Writing and Obligations. He completed a six-week summer externship with the Honorable Carol B. Whitehurst, United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, and participated in LSU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program, Energy Law & Regulation Apprenticeship Week, and the Oil & Gas Seminar taught by Adjunct Professor of Law Patrick S. Ottinger.
Owen is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the state of Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Mr. Peter A Vermillion
Expand Energy Corporation
Pete Vermillion started his career as a petroleum geologist for Marathon Oil before attending SMU law school. A former partner at Thompson Knight and Kelly Hart & Hallman focusing on oil and gas litigation, Pete joined Chesapeake Energy (now Expand Energy) in 2010 as in-house counsel. He currently helps manage litigation for the company.
Expand Energy Corporation
Pete Vermillion started his career as a petroleum geologist for Marathon Oil before attending SMU law school. A former partner at Thompson Knight and Kelly Hart & Hallman focusing on oil and gas litigation, Pete joined Chesapeake Energy (now Expand Energy) in 2010 as in-house counsel. He currently helps manage litigation for the company.
