Current law firm or association: San Jacinto Minerals, LLC, a parent company of Three Rivers Royalty, LLC 

Past associations: EQT Production Company 

Law School: Western New England University School of Law and an MBA from Waynesburg University   

Undergraduate: University of Connecticut 

Spouse: Joseph Culp 

Children: Christian Culp (age 3 1/2) 

Current hometown: Canonsburg, PA   

Favorite bar or restaurant in current home city? Why? Arlecchino in McMurray – the absolute best Italian food outside of Italy or my mother’s family that I’ve ever had.  

EMLF Involvement: I’m interested in getting more involved. I’ve attended the annual institutes for years.  

Do you have a favorite anecdote or war story regarding your time as a lawyer? I have a favorite saying that proves true time and time again – it’s better to be lucky than good!   

Where did you grow up? I moved around often when I was growing up, but mainly Boston, Massachusetts and Richmond, Virginia.  

What is your area of practice? Oil and Gas Law, Title, Corporate Law, and Private Equity.  

How did you get involved in that area of law? Graduating from law school in 2009 right after the financial crisis of 2008 did not leave many booming areas of law. After doing some patent work and clerking for a judge, I was given an opportunity to learn abstracting/title, and I’ve loved it ever since.  

How much of your time is spent representing clients in the coal, oil and gas, or other energy industries? 100% since I’ve been in-house almost during my entire career.  

You have spoken at a couple of EMLF events and have been involved in EMLF committees. Has that involvement benefited you? If so, how? I have not yet, but I am looking forward to in the future.   

Now that the COVID-related restrictions on restaurants, gatherings, and travel are ending, is there anything that you have done or look forward to doing for the holidays? Absolutely. I went to Tulum in November for a week-long yoga retreat with my best friend, another lawyer, an Assistant United States Attorney from Connecticut. We both needed a break and enjoyed taking it together!  

You are still a young lawyer but have been practicing for a few years. Looking back, what two or three things have been most helpful to you in developing as a lawyer and as an attorney at your firm? Figure out what matters the most at your firm or office and the best way for you to succeed. Often, what really matters is not mentioned in performance reviews and requires establishing relationships with sponsors, mentors, and allies. It also often requires in-person interactions. Don’t be afraid to be transactional with your time. Your time is valuable, and you need to make sure you’re getting a benefit when volunteering, networking, etc.  

Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? You will have to put in your time initially, but it is possible to enjoy your job and have a life and even some time for hobbies, trips, and a family. Also, parenthood makes studying for the bar seem somewhat like a vacation.