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International Energy Law Program

University of Houston Law Center and University of Calgary launch joint program in International Energy Law

Law students will learn to analyze complex emerging issues in energy and environmental sectors and earn degrees in U.S. and Canada.

Ian Holloway, dean of The University of Calgary Law School, and Sondra Tennessee, University of Houston Law Center associate dean for student affairs, ready their "brands" to seal the agreement between the two schools for a joint international energy program. The "branding" ceremony was fittingly held at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which along with the Calgary Stampede are two of the world's biggest and best known rodeos.

University of Calgary

March 2, 2012 – The University of Houston Law Center and The University of Calgary today announced formation of the International Energy Lawyers Program. The initiative will allow students to earn both Canadian and American law degrees in four years.  Students will spend two years at each school and take courses that will enable them to apply for admission to bars in the United States and Canada.

"Our two countries' futures are intertwined economically, and one of the most important issues facing both countries is energy security," said Ian Holloway, dean of The University of Calgary Law School.

"Training the next generation of lawyers who are leaders in energy and natural resources law will help us in our quest for sustainable, rational, continental energy policy."

The driving force behind the International Energy Lawyers Program is a shared commitment to natural resource, energy and environmental law. UH Law Center and University of Calgary each enjoy international reputations as leading law schools in these areas and Houston and Calgary are leading energy centers.

"This is just the beginning of a collaboration that will extend beyond this program between two of the best law schools and two energy capitals in North America," said Raymond T. Nimmer, dean of the University of Houston Law Center.

UH Law Center's energy curriculum is one of the broadest in the nation and its Environment, Energy & Natural Resource Center is highly regarded worldwide. The new International Energy Lawyers Program will start in the fall.

The official kick off of the program will take place tonight during a signing ceremony at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Canadian Consul General, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, will be in attendance as will a number of executives from the energy industry and University of Calgary alumni from the Houston area.

Media contacts: Carrie Criado, 713-743-2184, cacriado@central.uh.edu; John T. Kling, 713-743-8298, jtkling@central.uh.edu; Karen E. Hill-Cow 403-220-4637, hillk@ucalgary.ca.

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About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center is the leading law school in the nation's fifth-largest legal market. Founded in 1947, it is a top-tier institution awarding Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees. The Law Center is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools.