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2026 IEL Young Energy Professional Awards Nomination Form

Award Information

Two Young Energy Professional (YEP) Awards will be presented to individuals who have demonstrated achievement and leadership in the energy profession at the 9th National Young Energy Professionals Conference on April 22, 2026, in Austin, TX.

Each year, one recipient will receive the IEL Outstanding Young Energy Professional Award, and at least one and no more than five recipients will receive an Institute for Energy Law Emerging Star Award. The IEL Outstanding Young Energy Professional Award will be given to a more experienced young energy professional, and the Institute for Energy Law Emerging Star Award will be given to a young energy professional with six or fewer years of experience in the energy profession.
In selecting the recipients, the Institute for Energy Law shall consider the nominee’s outstanding and special achievements in the energy profession, including work in the energy sector and contributions to the development of energy law. IEL may also consider the nominee’s:
(1) exceptional or innovative client service in the energy sector;
(2) advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy profession;
(3) advocacy for the energy sector or initiatives to support the advancement of the energy sector;
(4) past and present involvement or leadership in the candidate’s organization and/or professional organizations, including the Institute for Energy Law;
(5) contributions to the development of other energy lawyers or professionals, whether through mentoring or special initiatives; and
(6) involvement in the community to contribute to the positive perception of the energy profession and educate the community about energy careers, including through pro bono legal services.
The awards will be selected by a selection committee that includes the officers of the Young Energy Professionals Committee and additional individuals selected by the Chair of IEL's Advisory Board. Members of the selection committee are not eligible to receive either award while serving on the selection committee. In addition, an award recipient is not eligible to receive the same award more than once.
1.Name and organization of the person you are nominating. Self-nominations are accepted.(Required.)
2.Does the nominee meet the IEL's definition of a Young Energy Professional?

Young energy professionals are attorneys, landmen, engineers, and other industry participants under the age of 40.(Required.)
3.The selection committee will consider nominations for the Outstanding Young Energy Professional Award and the Emerging Star Award. For which award would you like the committee to consider this nomination?(Required.)
4.How many years has the nominee practiced in the energy industry?(Required.)
5.Briefly describe the background of the nominee, including the person's connection with the energy industry.(Required.)
6.Identify the greatest contribution the nominee has made to the energy and/or legal professions.
7.Briefly describe any other items the selection committee should consider. Please refer to the six areas of consideration listed in the award information above.
8.Name of the person submitting this nomination.(Required.)
9.Email address of the person submitting this nomination.(Required.)
10.Phone number of the person submitting this nomination.(Required.)
You may also send supporting information in Word or PDF to iel@cailaw.org. In the subject line, including "YEP Award - [name of nominee] Supplemental Material."