Houston is the energy capital of the world – and the perfect location to pursue an LL.M. concentration in Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Law. The Law Center has earned an international reputation as a center for research and teaching on the intersection of these laws and related projects, programs and policy.
The UH Law Center’s LL.M. program in Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Law trains lawyers to handle the complex legal and policy issues that surround three areas: energy production, transportation, and use; pollution prevention and biodiversity protection; and natural resources exploitation and conservation. Students can focus on one of the three areas or pursue broader studies of the interrelationship between energy development and policies to protect the environment.
Economic and political forces play a role in all of these areas, and applicable law may be local, national, or international in scope. The Law Center curriculum gives students the opportunity to acquire or deepen their analytical and practice skills for a career in these complex subject areas. Faculty with international reputations in energy law and domestic and international environmental policy teach the courses, and a strong corps of adjunct law professors adds important skills and perspectives.
In addition to their on-campus work, LL.M. students have many opportunities to network and attend programs on “hot topics” offered by the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, the World Affairs Council, the Baker Institute’s Energy Forum, and three sections of the Houston Bar Association: Environmental Law; Oil, Gas and Energy Law; and International Law.
Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in energy, environment, and natural resources courses. Note: Thesis optional with faculty advisor's approval.
Courses include:
Advanced Oil & Gas Contracts
American Indian Law
Clean Air Act
Coastal and Ocean Law
Corporate Compliance
Energy Law and Policy
Energy Law and Policy Seminar
Environmental Law
Land Use Management Seminar
Environmental Law Seminar
Hazardous Waste Law
International Petroleum Transactions
International Environmental Law
International Risk Management
Law of Biodiversity Conservation
Natural Resources Law
Nuclear Law
Oil & Gas
Oil & Gas Tax
Practice of Environmental Law
Project Finance
Regulated Industries Seminar
Regulated Water Law Industries
Toxic Torts
Water Law
* Not all classes are offered every year, and offerings are subject to change. Please check the Law Center website for current course offerings. Lawyers who earned their degree outside of the United States are also required to complete Introduction to American Law and Legal Research and Writing. Courses previously taken at other schools – including the Law Center – may not be credited toward the program requirements.
