Current association: Diversified Gas & Oil Corporation, Associate General Counsel

Law School: Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University

Undergraduate: Transylvania University; BA, Computer Science with Business Emphasis

Children: Karys Conley, Environmental Scientist with Kentucky Division of Natural Resources; Olivia Conley, Junior at Morehead State University, Business Marketing; Jaxon Conley, Freshman at Eastern Kentucky University, Business Finance.

Current hometown: Hindman, KY

Favorite bar or restaurant in current home city? Dining options in rural Hindman, KY, have always been limited, and my favorite restaurant there, a local dairy bar, was destroyed by historic flood waters in 2022. When I travel, I enjoy finding good barbecue.

EMLF Involvement: Various “Careers in Energy” panels at Appalachian School of Law and University of Kentucky College of Law. EMLF Corporate Counsel Panel at the 2022 EMLF Fall conference in Lexington.

Do you have a favorite anecdote or war story regarding your time as a lawyer? This is nothing that I personally observed.  However, as the story goes, someone visiting a local courthouse from out of state got excited looking through the plat cabinets for mineral maps covering the vicinity of his family’s old farm.  Apparently, one of his ancestors had the name “Fee.” Also, I’m hoping someday for the opportunity to purchase a small watershed and name it “Said Hollow” in the local 911 system.

Where did you grow up? Hindman, KY

What is your area of practice? Contracts, title, litigation, regulatory, human resources, EHS, and general land department support, all in the context of an oil and gas production company.

How did you get involved in that area of law? My first job involving the practice of law was with a law firm in Prestonsburg, KY, with a niche in mineral title examinations.

You have spoken at a couple of EMLF events and have been involved in EMLF committees. Has that involvement benefited you? Participation helps me feel better connected with the mineral law community.

Looking back, what two or three things have been most helpful to you in developing as a lawyer and as an attorney at your company? I’ve been very fortunate to work surrounded by attorneys (and other professionals) of the highest caliber for most of my career. Pressure that leaves no alternative to development.

Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? Direct communication and compassion when possible – no one can read your mind, everyone is a fixer-upper, and a lot of people are struggling on levels you can’t see.