Travis Henson is a law student and recipient of an EMLF scholarship whose passion for natural resources law is deeply rooted in both his upbringing and professional experience.

Growing up in rural northeast Texas, Henson was surrounded by the land, livestock, construction, and oil and gas industries that help drive the region’s economy. What began as a familiarity with the industry evolved into a strong interest in the legal issues surrounding natural resource development and the impact those laws have on landowners, businesses, and local communities.

Before law school, Henson gained firsthand industry experience through an internship with a boutique oil and gas firm and later worked as a landman, where he was introduced to title examination, leasing, and the complexities of balancing competing interests in resource development. Those experiences provided a practical foundation that continues to shape his legal studies and career goals.

Since entering law school, Henson has remained actively involved in the energy law community through coursework, internships, research, and leadership opportunities. He currently serves as a 2L Representative for the Oil and Gas, Natural Resources and Energy Law Society and has participated in numerous industry events, including NAPE, Mineral Lawyers’ Luncheons, and both the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law and EMLF Annual Institutes.

“The laws governing land and natural resources impact families like mine every day,” Henson said in his personal statement. “The more I have learned, the more certain I have become that this is the area in which I will practice.”

Henson plans to build a career in natural resources law and hopes to remain actively involved in the energy industry throughout his professional life while serving as a thoughtful advocate, steward of the land, and contributor to the future of the field.

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