In a compelling episode of The Attorney Post, Lauren Varnado, a highly accomplished attorney, shared invaluable insights into her legal career, particularly in the field of energy litigation. Since the podcast recording, Lauren has made a significant professional move, now serving as a partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group at Brown Rudnick, LLP, where she continues her work on high-stakes energy litigation, among other complex legal matters. You can find her profile on the Brown Rudnick website here.
At the time of the podcast recording, Lauren was the Managing Partner of Michelman & Robinson's Houston office, where she led the firm's energy sector litigation practice. Specializing in both upstream and midstream oil and gas law, Lauren handled cases involving contracts, disputes over royalties, and business disputes between operators. Her expertise also extended into climate change litigation and renewable energy, making her a trusted leader in the evolving energy landscape. In 2023, her stellar work earned her recognition as one of LawDragon’s "500 Leading Energy Lawyers."
During the interview, Lauren discussed the niche areas of her practice within the energy sector. Her work primarily focuses on upstream and midstream operations, which encompass everything from oil and gas production to transportation. She has handled cases involving complex oil and gas leases, often representing operators in disputes over royalties and the distribution of profits between stakeholders. Lauren has established herself as an "industry lawyer first and a trial lawyer second," emphasizing her deep understanding of the technical and legal complexities of the energy world.
Lauren highlighted the unique challenges that come with representing major players in the oil and gas industry. Whether navigating intricate contracts or managing disputes over gas deliveries and purchases, her experience has positioned her as a sought-after legal strategist in petrochemical litigation. She has represented clients in major shale regions, and her practice spans multiple states, where she has provided guidance on oil and gas disputes.
Interestingly, Lauren initially pursued a career in criminal law, drawn to the idea of becoming a district attorney and handling criminal investigations. Inspired by shows like Law and Order, she once envisioned a future as a criminal lawyer. However, after being exposed to complex legal areas such as tax law during law school, her interests shifted toward the intricacies of energy litigation. This transition led to her rotation through various groups in the legal world, eventually cementing her place in the energy sector.
Lauren’s journey into energy litigation has proved to be a perfect match for her analytical and strategic mindset. Her ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of oil and gas law, particularly in light of recent shifts toward renewable energy and climate change litigation, has made her a formidable presence in the field.
Throughout her career, Lauren has faced numerous challenges, including a particularly memorable trial that left a lasting impact on her. In one case, she felt that the company she was representing had no liability, but the case ultimately settled midway through the trial. Initially feeling like a personal failure, Lauren reflected on the experience, recognizing that success in the legal profession isn’t always about winning a case outright—it’s about doing what’s best for the client. This realization has driven her to be braver and take necessary risks for her clients, even when it’s unpopular.
One particularly striking story from Lauren’s career involved a judge pulling a firearm on her during a private hearing. The judge’s actions created an atmosphere of tension and intimidation, yet Lauren courageously stood her ground. Her response to the situation helped expose the judge’s unethical behavior, leading to his resignation and loss of his law license. This experience underscored her belief in using her legal platform not only for victories in the courtroom but for meaningful, long-lasting justice outside of it.
Lauren also touched on the importance of personal well-being in the legal field, acknowledging the emotional toll that high-stakes litigation can take on attorneys. She emphasized the value of self-care, especially when navigating stressful situations like unfair trials and corrupt judges. Her strength in overcoming these hurdles has made her a role model for attorneys everywhere.
The conversation also explored emerging trends in energy litigation, particularly climate change lawsuits. Lauren discussed the rise of cases where youth organizations file constitutional claims against fossil fuel companies or local governments. With the SEC recently implementing new climate disclosure rules, she anticipates a growing number of lawsuits related to weather risks and climate disclosures in the energy sector. These "test balloon" cases have the potential to set significant legal precedents, as courts continue to grapple with how to address environmental concerns within the traditional framework of energy law.
Lauren has positioned herself at the forefront of these legal battles, ready to take on new challenges in energy litigation as the landscape shifts toward greener energy solutions and increased accountability for climate-related damages.
Since the podcast episode aired, Lauren Varnado has transitioned to Brown Rudnick's Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group, where she continues to focus on energy litigation, as well as other complex disputes. This new chapter in her career further cements her reputation as one of the leading attorneys in the energy sector. At Brown Rudnick, Lauren will undoubtedly continue to advocate for her clients with the same passion, strategic insight, and resilience that have defined her career so far.
Lauren Varnado's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and leadership. Her expertise in energy litigation, coupled with her commitment to justice and client advocacy, make her a trailblazer in the legal world. For those interested in the intersection of law and the energy sector, Lauren’s journey offers valuable lessons on resilience, professional growth, and the importance of standing up for what’s right—both inside and outside the courtroom.
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