2L Will Silvia discusses his internship with the second largest producer of natural gas in the U.S., Chesapeake Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a legal internship at Chesapeake Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City.   My team focused primarily on Chesapeake’s oil and gas related activities in the eastern part of the country.   Because of the large amount of activity occurring in the region, I had the chance to work on several projects spanning from disputes over contract and lease provisions to questions concerning ambiguous statutes.  I took on an active role with my team developing Chesapeake’s position on these matters and in some cases drafted our response to the party making the claim.  I was also fortunate to have the chance to gain experience drafting contract provisions, general warranty deeds, and agreement amendments.

One of the things that stood out the most to me during my time with Chesapeake was its unique community and culture.  From the steady stream of corporate activities to the structure of its campus headquarters, it is clear Chesapeake wants to foster an environment where employees feel a connection with the company that goes beyond simply seeing it as a place of work.  This creates a feeling of pride knowing that the work being done is having a legitimate and present impact on the state of energy in this country.  Being a part of the community at Chesapeake gave me the chance to interact with a diverse and enthusiastic group of individuals who were more than willing to provide insight into the legal side of the industry.

I am very passionate about becoming a part of the oil and gas industry and my time at Chesapeake assured me that this is the industry in which I want to pursue my career.  My studies at Tulsa Law gave me the legal foundation to contribute effectively to my team and afforded me the opportunity to experience my internship at Chesapeake.  I feel certain that the knowledge and skills I gained during my internship coupled with my continued coursework, specifically through Tulsa’s Sustainable Energy and Resources Law program, will help in preparing me for a successful future in the industry.