Alex Aidaghese, Current LLM Student, is Selected as 2011 Winner of the AIPN Scholarship; Will Travel to San Antonio for AIPN Spring Conference

Alex Aidaghese, a University of Denver Sturm College of Law student, has won a highly sought after scholarship from the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators to attend the group's 2011 Spring Conference in San Antonio.

Mr. Aidaghese obtained his Bachelor of Law from Edo State University in Nigeria and is currently pursuing an LLM in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy. Mr. Aidaghese is also one of the spring 2011 winners of the prestigious Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation Scholarship. Mr. Aidaghese has worked for the Office of the Edo State Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources as well as several New Jersey and New York law firms.

In his application to the AIPN scholarship, Mr. Aidaghese noted that, “An update on recent development in West Africa deep-water oil and gas exploration is one of the major papers at the conference. Winning the scholarship would provide me a huge opportunity to have firsthand knowledge of the latest developments in the region. I would be able to meet, network and interact with the major players in the petroleum industry who are presently engaged in exploration activities in Sub Sahara Africa, as well as those who might be willing to invest in the region, but need further education with respect to existing investment climate."

Lucy Daberkow, Associate Administrative Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate Programs, said, “Alex is an accomplished attorney who is a true asset to our LLM program. His commitment to energy issues in Africa and his choice of course work in his LLM program made him the ideal candidate for this AIPN scholarship opportunity.”

Editor's note: In the above picture, Don Smith, director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy program is on the left, Mr. Aidaghese is in the middle, and Ms. Daberkow is on the right.

Bienvenidos a la Sturm Facultad de Derecho: Latino LLM Students Featured in Monday Event Speaking About Practicing Law in Chile and Peru

One element that makes the University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) LLM Program so strong is the geographic diversity of our students. In recent years, up to 40 percent of the students in the program have come from outside the United States, according to Lucy Daberkow, Associate Administrative Director for the ENRL graduate program.

This level of diversity benefits all students at the College of Law, irrespective of what degree they are seeking (JD, LLM, Masters in Resource Law Studies, Certificate in ENRL). Having this level of diversity enriches many courses as well as life at the College of Law in general, Ms. Daberkow says.

On Monday, February 21, part of this diversity will be featured as three LLM students from Latin America -- Carla Araya Pizarro from Chile and Luis Antonio La Rosa and Rocio Urbina, both from Peru, speak in Spanish to the Spanish Students Law Association as part of Latin America Week at the College of Law.

The event will be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in room 170.

Ms. Daberkow, a native of Mexico herself and bi-lingual and bi-cultural, said, "The ENRL graduate program has always focused on recruiting international students. One geographical area that we have focused on is Latin America, since students there are often interested in the broad range of natural resources and environmental courses we offer.

"At the College of Law we believe the future for many natural resources and environmental professionals will include work in a person's home country as well as internationally. That is why we remain committed to recruiting students from all over the world. This commitment is part of the College of Law's Strategic Plan, which was approved by the faculty last year," Ms. Daberkow said.

The College of Law has LLM graduates working across the entire Latin American continent including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, as well as the North American countries of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

Students Hear DU LLM Graduates Discuss Natural Resources-Related Opportunities in Latin America: Opportunities Need Careful Analysis, Students Told

Two Latin American-based natural resources attorneys -- Diego Parravicini and Leonardo Rodriguez -- who earned LLM degrees at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law spoke to more than 30 current students last week in a teleconference originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The two gentlemen presented on the opportunities and risks that should be managed as part of mining investment.

Mr. Rodriguez, a 2008 LLM graduate who practices at Marval O'Farrell & Mairal, began by noting the significant growth Argentina has experienced in recent years in the mining sector. He pointed out that Wang Xuelong, General Director at the China Geological Survey, has said, "We believe Argentina is the most appropriate destination for mining investments due to its huge geological potential." Mr. Rodriquez also noted that while Chile and Peru have been extensively explored for natural resources potential, less than half of Argentina has been similarly explored. As a result, in 2009 about $1.9 billion (US) was invested in the Argentina mining industry, a more than 1,000 percent growth rate since 2003. He also pointed to the rapid rise in minerals-related exports during the last decade. Mr. Rodriguez finished his presentation by describing a "favorable legal framework," which has resulted in large foreign investments in Argentina.

Mr. Parravicini, a 2009 LLM graduate who now practices law at Estudio Beccar Varela, spoke about the relative risks of investing in mining in Argentina. He began by noting that some provinces have banned the use of cyanide for mining. He also discussed the taxation on companies with fiscal stability benefits and zoning regulations that need to be taken into account of before investing. He emphasized that some risks need to be evaluated and managed by potential investors.

Looked at as a whole, the joint presentation provided students an excellent view of how these two Latin American lawyers analyze potential mining projects on behalf of their clients.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy (ENRL) program, said, "What made the session so valuable was for students to hear what it is like to operate 'on the ground,' to speak, in a Latin American country that has attracted considerable outside investment interest. Few U.S. law schools can boast that they have graduates who are working on a daily basis in Latin America on resources issues that must be undertaken in a considered and careful way by investors."

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director for the ENRL Graduate Program said, "DU is very fortunate to have among our graduates Leo and Diego, who are establishing themselves as mining law experts in Argentina and Latin America more broadly. Our current students benefited from hearing Leo and Diego talk about the realities of investing in Argentina, both in terms of the upside and in terms of risks to be managed."

DU has a long history of attracting some of Latin America's best lawyers to the LLM program. These students enrich the overall diversity of the ENRL program as well as contribute to the global nature of how natural resources are taught at DU.

Mr. Rodriguez' presentation can be accessed by clicking here. Mr. Parrivicini's presentation can be accessed by clicking here.

December LLM and MRLS Graduates: Celebrations and Official Recognition

Without question, one of the most satisfying times of the academic year is when graduating students are recognized and their accomplishments celebrated.

December 2010 was certainly no different for the University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program. Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director for the ENRL Graduate Program and I, were delighted to wish all of our graduates well and extend to them best wishes as they begin their professional futures.

These pictures represent two of the key events during December. The first picture depicts the scene at the December graduation ceremony. The picture illustrates the diversity of our program as well as the fact that our graduates are a very impressive group! Beginning on the far left is Alex Aidaghese, originally from Nigeria and currently an LLM student; me; Juliet Briggs, LLM graduate from Nigeria; Payal Sathe, LLM graduate from India; Lucy; Eva Kuoni, LLM graduate originally from Mexico who now lives and works in Denver; Kris Ellis, MRLS graduate from the U.S.; Tonye Oki, 2005 graduate who is originally from Nigeria but now lives and works in Denver and teaches "Negotiating Natural Resources Law Agreements," in the ENRL program. The two very young ladies in front -- many of you will recognize them right away -- are Emma (left) and Amelie (right) Daberkow from the classes of 2025 and 2027 respectively.

One of the aspects of the graduation ceremony that Lucy and I very much enjoy is meeting the families of our graduates. Everyone at the ceremony -- the proud parents, spouses, children, significant others, friends -- each enjoys the event and has their own personal pride in the graduate they have come (many times long distances) to recognize. Lucy and I salute all of these individuals as well since they have often made significant sacrifices and have provided enormous encouragement along the way to support their graduate.

The second picture was taken after a graduation lunch where Lucy and I celebrated with three of our graduates, Ms. Briggs next to me, Ms. Sathe, Lucy, and Ms. Kuoni on the far right-hand side of the picture.

Some of the graduates were not able to attend either event, but we also wish them well.

We experience these occasions with mixed emotions. On one hand, it is difficult to realize that we may not see these graduates again for a very long time. But on the other hand, it is exciting and satisfying to watch them go forth and put to use what they have learned.

In biding these students goodbye and good luck, Lucy and I are reminded of the words of the famous British historian Edward Gibbon: "The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators."

Don C. Smith
Director
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

Happy Holidays From Denver! Feliz Navidad Desde Denver!

All of us in the University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law program wish our friends from across the world -- from Argentina and Chile in the south to Canada and Russia in the north and every country in between -- a very happy holiday season and warm wishes for the coming year.

Special times of the year may be different for each individual, but what brings us together is a shared commitment to a clean and safe environment that provides all of us the resources to live healthy and productive lives. In reaching this goal the world needs engaged, dedicated, and hard-working professionals who will remain steadfast even when success seems so difficult to achieve.

All of us in Denver are enriched by our students, our graduates, and our global community of friends. May 2011 be a wonderful year for all of you!

Don C. Smith
Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

Lucy Daberkow
Assistant Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Graduate Program

Hiring News: Kelli Schulte, 2010 Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduate, Begins Work as Program Analyst for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Kelli Schulte, a 2010 Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, has been hired by the Bureau of Reclamation, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior.

According to Ms. Schulte:

"As a Program Analyst in the Policy and Administration Office I participate with senior analysts in the preparation of policies, directives and standards, and provide guidance for Reclamation programs. In doing so, I research laws, precedents, and program procedures to develop new policy for Reclamation programs. I also review program-related reports to ensure proper implementation of such programs is occurring at the regional and local level.

"At the present time I am engaged in the development of revised funding criteria for mature Reclamation programs and I am assisting in the development of program criteria and funding announcements for projects that are in their early stages. I work with my team members to develop program budgets and to respond to Congressional and Department (Department of the Interior) level budget inquiries and I suspect I will have the opportunity to engage with many inter-governmental and non-federal entities during my time with Reclamation.

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is a contemporary water management agency, with a history in dam building. Today it has shifted its focus from construction to operation and maintenance. It is the largest wholesaler of water in the nation providing drinking water to more than 31 million Americans and irrigating more than 10 million acres of farmland. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States providing more than 40 billion kilowatt hours annually.

Reclamation places a heavy emphasis on fulfilling its water delivery obligations in an efficient and environmentally sound manner. Nevertheless, with today’s increasing water resource challenges, Reclamation must look beyond its obligation to deliver water, in order to meet the competing needs, of an increasing population, with limited water resources. It does this through a variety of programs that address various needs and concerns throughout the west.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) program, said, "We are delighted with the news that Ms. Schulte has begun working for the Bureau of Reclamation. While studying at DU, Kelli established herself as an individual committed to the proper oversight of the country's resources. She will now carry out this commitment in her new role with the Bureau."

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director of the ENRL Graduate Program from which Ms. Schulte earned her degree, said, "From the day Kelli began our program in August 2009 through May 2010 when she graduated, Kelli was an enthusiastic and engaged student who learned from everyone she met and every course she took. We wish her great success in her new position."

Nigerian Attorney and DU LLM Graduate Tonye Oki Passes Colorado Bar Examination; Prepares to Join the Colorado Bar

Tonye Tony Oki, a Nigerian Barrister, Solicitor, and Advocate, and a 2006 University of Denver Sturm College of Law LLM graduate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy, passed the July 2010 Colorado Bar Examination.

Mr. Oki, who is a chartered arbitrator as well as an Adjunct Professor of Law who co-teaches (along with Denver attorney James King) Negotiating Natural Resource Agreements at DU, has worked on Africa-China affairs for Divine Oil and Gas of Denver. He has also practiced law in Nigeria.

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director for the Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) graduate program, said, "Tonye Oki has been a wonderful member of our graduate program community since the day he began studying here in August 2005. Since his graduation, Tonye has been tireless in his efforts to help other graduates and in his support of our program. This is a wonderful achievement for Tonye."

Don C. Smith, Director of the ENRL, said, "Adjunct Professor Oki and I first met in the spring of 2006 when he was a student in a course I taught called 'Comparative Environmental Law.' From the day we met, I knew Tonye was going to make major contributions in this field. Two years ago I approached him about co-teaching Negotiating Natural Resource Agreements, and he has done an excellent job in that regard too. Our program has no greater supporter than Adjunct Professor Oki and he has no greater fans than Ms. Daberkow, the faculty he studied under, and me. We are thrilled at his professional achievement."

Mr. Oki is a member of numerous professional bodies including the International Mining Professionals Society USA, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK. and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Editor's Note: In the picture above, Don Smith is on the left, Lucy Daberkow is in the middle, and Tonye Oki is on the right.

Adios a Nuestro Amigo Diego Parravicini/Goodbye to Our Friend

One of the great attributes -- and joys -- of the environmental and natural resources graduate program is the opportunity it provides to expand our own horizons, both in personal and community terms. Last night is a good example of how we all benefit personally and in a communal sense.

Diego Parravicini (LLM graduate 2008) will soon be returning to his home country, Argentina, to join one of South America's leading law firms, Estudio Beccar Varela. Diego has been a wonderful member of our community since first coming to Denver in August 2007, and I wanted to wish him well on his return home. So what better reason for a mid-summer (in the northern hemisphere at least!) cook out.

Joining me in saying goodbye -- at least for now -- were other members of "our community:" Fred Cheever, DU Professor of Law and newly appointed Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Pedro Camacho (LLM 2009, who hails from Spain) and his wife Olga; Cesar Conde (LLM 2008, Mexico); Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Program Director, her husband Eric, and los angeles Amelie and Emma); Kevin Van Dyke (LLM 2008, U.S.) and his wife Meaghan; Denver attorney and nationally known environmental lawyer Lori Potter (whose law firm Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP employed Diego for the year following Diego's graduation) and her husband Eric; and Ines Vergara (LLM 2002, Argentina).

These occasions are bittersweet in many ways. On one hand, those of us who live in Denver are sad to see a friend and colleague leave. But on the other hand, the community that the graduate program represents is a vibrant and energetic one and just because one is not physically here does not mean that they are not here in spirit. Moreover, as all of us in the program work to establish an even more dynamic community, we are reminded about how our lives will likely intersect again in the future based on our shared interests in the environment, in the careful development of natural resources, and in the health of the planet more broadly.

Those who study in the program will never really be "gone" in the sense our community is a global one. Obviously, for some months or years we may reside in one place -- Denver in this case -- and then move to another place. But the ties that bind us as members of this community are strong and enduring.

And so we say to our friend Diego, "Buen suerte en Buenos Aires y hasta muy pronto!" (Good luck in Argentina and see you very soon!)