Harry W. Sullivan, Jr.

Executive Professor of Law

Harry Sullivan

Get to Know Harry W. Sullivan, Jr.

What drew you to the law?

Although I grew up in a law-political family, I initially was drawn into the sciences.  Later in law school I was drawn to the logic, order and enabling characteristics of the law. As a transactional lawyer, I employ the law to accomplish my client’s business objectives.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Teaching for me is about sharing and preparing. Sharing knowledge and experiences with students to prepare them for their future practice and their lifetime of learning and applying the law for their clients.

What do you hope students gain from your courses?

My hope, in all of my courses, is that my students leave the course with a technical understanding of the legal topics as well as some practical hands-on understanding of how the legal issues apply to the real-world situations the students may experience in their future practices.

What did you do prior to entering academia?

I have been and continue to be a practicing international and domestic oil and gas attorney handling transactional matters worldwide.

What are you passionate about outside the law?

Outside of the law, I enjoy exploring new cultures and locations, through frequent travels. Additionally I grow orchids and other unusual plants in a home greenhouse.

What are your research interests?

My research interest focuses on the following:  oil and gas; international oil and gas, especially natural gas and LNG issues; contracts; and transactional negotiations.

Expertise

  • Oil​, gas and mineral law
  • International oil and gas, especially natural gas and LNG issues
  • Contracts
  • Transactional negotiations

Courses

  • Oil and Gas Law
  • International Petroleum Transactions
  • Oil and Gas Drafting

Experience

  • Kosmos Energy Ltd., Dallas, Texas
    Assistant General Counsel (2014 – present)
  • ConocoPhillips Company, Houston, Texas
    Senior Counsel (2001 – 2014)
  • Thompson & Knight, LLP, Dallas, Texas
    Of Counsel (2000 – 2001)
  • Atlantic Richfield Company, Dallas, Texas; Lafayette, Louisiana
    Chief Counsel (1985 – 2000)
  • Sun Exploration and Production Company, Dallas, Texas
    Senior Attorney (1980 – 1985)
  • Muller & Jumonville, Mandeville, Louisiana
    Associate (1979 – 1980)
  • Judge Wallace A. Edwards, Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeals
    Judicial Law Clerk (1977 – 1979)

Academic Experience

  • Executive Professor of Law
    Texas A&M University School of Law (2017 -present)
  • Adjunct Professor
    Texas A&M University School of Law (2015-present)
  • Adjunct Professor
    Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (2013-present)
  • Adjunct Professor
    South Texas College of Law in Houston (2013-2014)
  • Adjunct Professor
    Texas Wesleyan School of Law (1996)
  • Instructor
    University of Texas at Arlington (1984-1985)
  • Instructor
    Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business (1983)
  • Lecturer
    El Centro College, Dallas, Texas (1982-1984)

Education

  • LL.M., Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law (1984)
  • J.D., Louisiana State University, Paul Herbert School of Law (1976)
  • B.A. in Biological Studies, University of New Orleans (1974)

Awards / Honors

  • Louisiana State Bar Association, admitted 1977
  • State Bar of Texas, admitted 1981
  • Board Certified in Texas in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law since 1987
  • Member – College of the State Bar of Texas
  • Bar of the United States Supreme Court, admitted 1982
  • Solicitor of England and Wales, admitted December 2011

Other Professional Activities

  • EditorEnergy Law Advisor newsletter of Institute for Energy Law of the Center for American and International Law (CAIL); 2014 to present
  • Lecturer and Co-Chair – Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation – Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) Core Course on International Oil and Gas – Cape Town, Singapore, Istanbul, Lima, Bangkok and Amsterdam; annually 2009 – present
  • Lecturer and Co-Chair – Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation – Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) – Center for American and International Law (CAIL) Short Course on International Oil & Gas, Law, Contracts and Negotiations; annually 1994 - present
  • Lecturer and Co-Chair – Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) Negotiations Skills Workshop – London, Doha, Houston, Singapore, Miami, Perth, Istanbul and Jakarta; annually 2005 – present