The John P. Laborde Energy Law Center was established in August 2012 by a historic $2 million endowment by John P. Laborde (’49), a New Orleans civic leader and Louisiana energy sector leader. His gift included a support fund and a double endowed chair for a program that most feel was especially suited for the state’s flagship public law school.
The Energy Law Center offers an energy law and policy certification, as well as joint degree programs that allow students to connect energy law with a relevant, interesting curriculum. The center facilitates internships and field placements for students; field trips to energy production and related facilities; and relationship-building with companies, policymakers, organizations and stakeholders who are focused on legal and policy issues affecting the energy sector. The center’s well-rounded approach produces client-ready law professionals who can tackle the dynamic energy industry.
Many LSU Law alums hold leadership positions in the energy sector and practice law in the complex field.
Lisa and Mark Boudreaux (Law, ’84) were among the early supporters of the John P. Laborde Energy Law Center. “You would think that if there was to be an energy law center anywhere, that it should be here at LSU,” Mark shared. “We thought it was overdue for Louisiana to play its role.”
Mark serves as a special advisor to the Laborde Energy Law Center, sits on the Laborde Energy Law Advisory Council and teaches “Lawyering & the Legislative Process” during LSU Law Apprenticeship Week. He made the most of his LSU law degree in various public and government affairs positions for nearly 30 years. Prior to retiring, he served as the senior director for federal relations in ExxonMobil’s Washington, D.C., office.
“I think we’re in a cautiously optimistic period for the future of oil and gas development in the U.S. and a time of reasonable regulation and growth in our industry,” said Bobby Reeves (Law, ’82), a top executive with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and member of the Laborde Energy Law Advisory Council.
“I hope that students graduating from the law school with an energy law certificate are well-positioned for that time,” said Bobby. Bobby serves as the executive vice president, law and chief administrative officer for Anadarko responsible for legal, government relations, human resources, information technology, administrative and health, safety and environmental Bobby and wife Beth also have an endowed scholarship at the center. “I wanted to make sure that those who have the dream like I did will have that opportunity.”
Learn more about the LSU Law John P. Laborde Energy Law Center here.
Portions of this story originally published by the LSU Foundation in Cornerstone Summer and Fall 2017.
