Being a lawyer in Switzerland, most interested in energy and specially petroleum matters, I consider doing a LLM in Houston in energy and natural ressources law. How does it rank in that very special law field? What are the pros and cons about that LLM? Some other suggestions? Can it be a real help a)in a lawyer's carrier, b) to get a good job in an oil companie? Thank you.

Did you check the website of the CEPMLP at University of Dundee, Scotland? They arguaby offer the best LL.M. program(s) in energy, including petroleum law & policy and taxation & finance...

co-ask the question,can anyone tell me:
which is the best energy law program in the US?

thanks in advance.

I work with international energy deals at one of the top US law firms in Houston. In my opinion the best energy law program in the US is from UT (Please note that I didnt study there). Houston should be considered the second. However, if you want to work in the US for while you should consider first Stanford, second Chicago, third UT and fourth Houston. Stanford and Chicado have energy law classes and are considered one of the top schools in the country, which will help you to find a job.

Dear Gloss,

Many thanks for your advice. I am a civil law degree holder and currently working in multinational energy company as in-house lawyer. I always lived and worked in Europe but would like to relocate to US. I need to clarify three things and would highly appreciate your advice, please:

1) Do you think a foreign lawyer with 3 years of in-house experience would be able to get a job in the US after having completed a one-year LLM (not JD) at top places like Stanford and Chicago? (PS: I understand these places are very, very competitive).

2) How do you think my chances would change if I make a JD instead of LLM in one of top 15 schools?

3) Are oil & gas jobs primarily restricted to certain geographic locations in the US? I mean, does it really have to be in the TX/Houston area? I have nothing against these places but cant withstand humidity due to health issues.

Best regards,

Ok, here are your answers:
1) Yes, sure. If I can you can (I have only an LLM). Although, there are a lot of factors involved. I answered a lot of questions about it. Please click in my nickname and check some of my answers. If you have more questions, please let me know.
2) If you go for a JD in a top 15 school, I would be impressed if you could not find a job. Particularly because you already have experience. Please note that there are 2 year JD programs now. Northwestern has one and they are top 15. If you can invest in a JD like that, instead of LLM, and you really wants to stay in the US, do it, it will increase in many times your chances of getting a job after school and will keep all doors open for you in the market.
3) If you really want to work in Oil&Gas, you can only go to Houston in the US. If your interest is broad (energy in general (electricity, alternative, not only O&G) or finance/project finance of energy projects - including representing Banks, not only companies) you could go NY. Some law firms like Milbank and LeBouef are good options in NY for energy lawyers. There are some specific law firms with practices in other cities, but they are not in the top. You should follow the Chambers and Partners US rankings in the website to check the best energy law firms/partners. They are pretty accurate.

Dear Gloss

Many thanks for your responses - they are most helpful. I also read your previous posts and found some additional useful information.

I guess, I will need to be somewhat careful in specialising in oil&gas. On the one hand, my oil&gas experience (both in business and as in-house counsel) may put me in a better position when looking for a job. Besides, I like to work in this industry. On the other hand, I might be limiting my chances of setting up own practice in distant future because oil&gas clients are mainly large companies and they tend not to hire small firms if I ever manage to set up one.

Do you think one can succeed as a solo practioner in oil&gas? Sounds like a rhetorical question, but I'd love to hear your opinion.

Thanks.

In developing countries energy boutiques are becoming very common, because the energy law market is growing faster than never these days. You should keep your focus in energy, it is a great sector, very international and less competitive than capital markets or pure M&A for example. I am sure you will have a great future because the sector needs people with experience. If you want to practice at a law firm, however, you should make your practice broader and include all kinds of energy, particularly electricity and also strong corporate, finance and regulatory background. This should separate you from the pack.

I just gave LLB final year exams and result is awaited can i take admission in LLM Energy? i have done Masters in Energy Management