The Energy & Mineral Law Foundation is a national nonprofit that fosters the study of natural resource development and energy use laws and regulations.
What’s New At EMLF
Member Spotlight On: Whitney Kerns
Current association: Bowles Rice LLP Law School: WVU Undergraduate: WVU Spouse: Robert (“JR”) Kerns Children: Elle (13) and Kellan (7) Hometown: Charleston, WV Favorite restaurant: Murad’s in Charleston – will always be my favorite even though it’s been closed down for awhile. EMLF Involvement: Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and Scholarship Committee. I’ve attended several Annual Conference, along with workshops in the Charleston, Morgantown, and Pittsburgh areas, and have had wonderful opportunities to present on two occasions at the Annual Conference as well as programs in Charleston and at the WVU College of Law. Community Involvement: I’m a member of St. Francis Central...
Programs & Events
Member Spotlight On: Whitney Kerns
Current association: Bowles Rice LLP Law School: WVU Undergraduate: WVU Spouse: Robert (“JR”) Kerns Children: Elle (13) and Kellan (7) Hometown: Charleston, WV Favorite restaurant: Murad’s in...
Fall Symposium A Smashing Success
More than 140 energy professionals attended this year’s edition of the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation’s annual Fall Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky. The attendees included forty students from...
East Kentucky Power Cooperative Accepting Applications for Corporate Counsel Position
Job Title: Corporate Counsel - Winchester, KY (Open Until Filled) Job ID: 5364 Location: Headquarters - Winchester, KY Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Regular EKPC Company Information:...
Cybersecurity for Attorneys: Ethically Avoiding Fraud and Scams
dries@clarkhill.com Executive Summary White Paper Originally Prepared for EMLF Fall Symposium 2026 Unfortunately, attorneys and law firms, along with other businesses and organizations, are...
Member Spotlight On: Karsten Ritter
Current association: Dentons Law School: Salmon P. Chase College of Law; Northern Kentucky University Undergraduate: University of Colorado, Boulder (Go Buffs!) Spouse: Brian <3 ...
Member Spotlight On: Stephanie Noble
Current association: Trial Partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP Law School: Georgetown University Law Center Undergraduate: University of Texas Spouse: Ryan Noble Children: Jack & Lee Hometown:...
Fun in Lexington Outside of EMLF’s Fall Symposium
EMLF’s Fall Symposium will be held October 13-15, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Symposium will include a fantastic line-up of topics and speakers, as well as opportunities for attendees to...
West Virginia City’s Application of Zoning Laws to Oil and Gas Drilling is Not Preempted
The City of Weirton, West Virginia adopted a zoning ordinance that prohibits oil and gas drilling within the City, except in areas zoned as “industrial,” unless the person who wishes to drill...
Member Spotlight On: Brandy Rapp
Current association: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP Law School: University of Richmond School of Law, magna cum laude, 2005 Undergraduate: West Virginia Wesleyan College, summa cum laude, 2002...
2026 John L. McClaugherty Award Presented to Brian Wells
The Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF) is proud to announce it has presented its 2026 John L. McClaugherty Award to Brian Wells. The McClaugherty Award is the Foundation’s highest honor, and...
Ohio Supreme Court Holds Temporary Suspension of Injection Disposal Operations Not a Taking
After two earthquakes were recorded near saltwater injection wells operated by AWMS Water Solutions, L.L.C. (“AWMS”), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (“ODNR”) issued an order that required...
Member Spotlight On: Ilya Batikov
Current association: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Past association: Hameline & Eccleston, LLP Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2011;...
About EMLF
The Energy & Mineral Law Foundation is a national nonprofit educational organization which fosters the study of the laws and regulations related to natural resource development and energy use. The Foundation is an Accredited Provider of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education programs, AAPL and other professional recertification credits. Our goals:
- Achieve continued excellence in natural resources and energy law education;
- Expand the field of individuals and corporations who identify the Foundation as a primary focus for their participation in natural resources and energy education, dialogue and dissemination of information;
- Support the scholarly development of natural resources and energy law through grants, awards, and scholarships for law students, law teaching, and scholarly writing; and
- Promote high standards of integrity and professionalism and encourage collegial relations among legal practitioners and professionals in the natural resources and energy sectors.
Our Sponsors
