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LLM (Master of Laws) in Energy Law
LLMs in Energy Law examine the legal and policy issues surrounding energy production, transportation and use, it is therefore an ideal route of study for those (either lawyers or non-lawyers) who want to gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and processes in the international energy and resources industries. Energy laws govern the use and taxation of both renewable and non-renewable energy. Energy laws are the primary authorities related to energy, whereas energy policy refers to the policy and politics of energy. Units of study on an LLM in Energy Law will probably include the legal provision for oil, gasoline, extraction taxes, peaceful uses and political issues surrounding nuclear energy, business law, international trade law, mineral and petroleum taxation, climate change, water regulation, The practice of energy law includes contracts for siting, extraction, licenses for the acquisition and ownership rights in oil and gas both under the soil before discovery and after its capture, and adjudication regarding those rights.
An LLM in Energy Law will look at the law and policy issues surrounding the energy sector - both renewable and non-renewable. Environmental Law can be studied within this context, but it is also possible to specialise and do an LLM in Environmental Law. This will concentrate on laws concerning various principles of environmentalism, including eco-awareness, sustainability and conservation. Click here to find out more about doing an LLM in Environmental Law.
Find LLM programs in Energy LawLLM in Energy Law – who is it for?
The LLM in Energy Law is a degree program that is suited for students who have already attained a law degree, and would wish to further their studies in the field of energy law. It is particularly suitable for individuals who hold corporate positions in the energy sector.
Where can you study an LLM in Energy Law?
Numerous top universities offer the LLM in Energy Law degree. In the UK this includes the University of Aberdeen and the University of Wolverhampton. The LLM in Energy Law at the University of Aberdeen focuses on the policy and problem-solving perspectives in the energy sector. In this way, the program educates students on the relationships and examination of the energy sector from an interdisciplinary, international, and comparative perspective. Students also learn transactional and regulatory matters related to energy and get an opportunity to interact with the leading experts in the energy sector who help them know how to make an accurate assessment of the crucial persistent and emerging issues in the sector. Meanwhile the University of Wolverhampton offers a program called the International Commercial and Financial Law (Oil and Gases). This seeks to provide the students with the conceptual understanding of a global, institutional, organisational and legal perspective of the energy industry. Students are provided with a framework through which they can analyse the legal structures that are used in the energy sector and the structure of the energy projects’ financial vehicles. More importantly, the program prepares the students to conduct research in legal issues and enable them to understand complex legal formulation in the energy sector.
In the United States there are plenty of options for those wishing to study Energy Law including the University of Connecticut with an LLM in Energy and Environmental Law, George Washington University Law School (GU Law) which also offers an LLM in Energy and Envorionaml Law, and the University of Texas School of Law (Texas Law) which offers Global Energy, International Arbitration and Environmental Law as an option.
In Canada the Osgoode Hall School of Law at York University has an LLM in Energy and Infrastructure Law
What qualifications do you need to study an LLM in Energy Law?
To study an LLM in Energy Law most universities will require the student to hold a bachelors of law or of a law-related topic to a level of grade 2.1. In some circumstances – especially if the student has relevant work experience – the university may consider a candidate with a grade 2.2.
Non-native English speaking applicants will need to provide proof of a certain level of English language proficiency.
Student case study
“The course provided me with unique and wonderful networking opportunities in the industry.”
LLM in Energy Law Student 2015
An LLM in Energy Law advances careers in…
Government agencies and regulatory bodies
International environmental bodies
Environmental pressure groups
NGOs and charities
5 fascinating facts about energy
1. The largest exporter of crude oil is Saudi Aramco, boasting of the largest offshore and onshore oil fields.
2. Even though oil prices are declining, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) produced 32 million barrels daily in June 2016, which was an increase of 700 000 a day compared to the previous month.
3. Though the United States holds 4% of the world’s population, it consumes 25% of the crude oil the world produces.
4. Gasoline accounts for 45% of crude oil.
5. Petrochemicals derived from oils are used in producing electronics.
Recommended reading
Property and the Law in Energy and Natural Resources by Aileen McHarg, Barry Barton, Adrian Bradbrook, Lee Godden
Energy Law and the Environment by Rosemary Lyster
Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources by Usman Ahmed & D Nathan Meehan
Fossil Fuels, Oil Companies, and Indigenous Peoples by Tobias Haller
The Law of Energy for Sustainable Development by Donat-Peter Häder, Adrian J Bradbrook, Ruth Hemmersbach, IUCN Academy of Environmental Law & Michael Lebert
The Law of Energy Underground by Donald N Zillman, Aileen McHarg, Lila Katz Barrera-Hernandez, Adrian J Bradbrook
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