Caroline Petersen, rising 3L
June 10, 2025 – Caroline Petersen, a rising 3L at the University of Houston Law Center, has been awarded a 2025–2026 Foundation Scholarship from the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, a U.S.-based educational nonprofit dedicated to the study of natural resources and energy law.
Selected from a pool of 100 applicants from around the nation, Petersen is one of 33 law students chosen this year. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate notable interest in energy law.
Along with a $6,750 scholarship, Petersen will attend an upcoming event hosted by the foundation — either the 2025 Annual Institute in Canada or a U.S.-based special institute. All travel, lodging, and registration costs will be covered by FNREL. While still undecided about which event to attend, Petersen is excited by the learning opportunity offered by both.
She thanked Gina Warren, a professor of Energy Law and Policy at UHLC, for her mentorship, which eventually led to the award. In the spring, Warren challenged students to identify an issue that relates to energy law and develop a legal solution to address it.
“Professor Warren was really involved in our projects,” said Petersen. “She became a mentor in class and helped us develop our interests in our topic and the field itself.”
Petersen, who has a bachelor’s degree in health and society, combined law and the infrastructure of healthcare for her project. “Energy infrastructure in healthcare facilities is pretty outdated,” she said. “It can use a lot of upgrades. The technology now is very smart, and updating it is important to hospital energy efficiency.”
This project helped connect her passion for public health with her growing interest in energy law.
Her interest in the energy sector extends beyond the classroom. Both this summer and last, Petersen has interned at Bracewell LLP, a global law firm specializing in energy law. This experience has further equipped her for both this scholarship and her future career.
“Right now, I'm in the projects group, which is energy-focused,” said Petersen. “And then I'll go to finance, and after that to corporate and securities. So, you kind of get a taste of a lot of different practices.”
This scholarship moves Petersen one step closer to her goal of entering a transactional-focused legal career in the energy sector. With her growing knowledge on the many dimensions of energy law, she hopes to shape the future of sustainable development through deal-making.
Q&A With Caroline Petersen
When and why did you want to become a lawyer?
CP: I was a liberal arts Health and Society major at UT, so reading and writing were always a big part of my undergraduate experience. I got to intern at a public policy think tank and enjoyed the legal side of healthcare. That was my senior year. I also enjoyed talking to lawyers and getting a taste of the different fields that they could [work in].
How has growing up in Houston shaped your legal career?
CP: I’ve been surrounded by [energy] my whole life. My dad also works in the energy space, so it’s been a constant for me. Also, Bracewell, being such an energy-focused firm, has developed my interest in the field.
Why did you choose UHLC?
CP: I knew I wanted to be in Houston and start my legal career here. It gave me the most direct access to the Houston legal field. It’s important to get face time with the firms in Houston if you want to work [here].
How do you balance your personal life with law school?
CP: It’s definitely doable and not as scary as people say. Take time for yourself to do the things that are important to your health. Your mental health is the most important thing, even over school.
What is your favorite part about UHLC?
CP: Definitely my friends. Some of my best friends are people that I would not have met if I went [somewhere] else. Also, the alumni network is amazing. Even at Bracewell, the firm that I'm interning at, there are so many UH law alumni. The network is big and strong. Go Coogs!
