“Enthusiasm for a cause sometimes warps judgement.”
         - William Howard Taft

Biography

William J. Houser most recently served as an in-house advisor for a publicly traded independent global energy company specializing in exploration and production. Prior to his experience with this global independent, Will led Energy law firms in Denver and Houston. He began his career as an oil and gas attorney at one of Oklahoma’s preeminent law firms in Tulsa. Will’s industry experience has allowed him to become a powerful and persuasive attorney, specializing in the intersection of environment and economics – people, profits, and planet.

He works to promote environmental protection, social responsibility, and profitability, supporting operators in conserving resources (from energy to water to dollars) and improving efficiency. He possesses a genuine interest in corporate governance, professionalism, has high energy, and the flexibility to adapt to often dynamic priorities.

William J. Houser has the ability to anticipate business needs and legal developments and advise business management on the legal implications of activity and transactions. Will brings significant and substantive experience in renewable energy and/or infrastructure project development, project finance, and/or M&A for energy projects and businesses. Will also has demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a network among state and local officials to serve as a trusted resource for both formal and informal input on industry issues. He has a history of influence on the design and application of new legislation and regulations both through Industry Associations and working directly with State agencies, State legislative bodies, as well as local, county or city officials as needed.

Will spearheaded energy solutions as Chairperson of the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association’s Long Lateral Committee – Recognized as the 2017 OKOGA member of the year for leading efforts to negotiate, author and lobby for passage of the 2017 Oklahoma Energy Jobs Act- the first time in the 100-year history of the organization that a member was honored with such an award and he currently serves as the Co-Chair of The Inter-Well Communication Committee for The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma.

Will has vast experience in oil and gas title examinations, transactions, due diligence, conservation and regulatory matters, litigation as well as document review and preparation.

Education

Oklahoma City University School of Law  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Juris Doctor

Merit Scholar

Faculty Honor Roll (signifies top 10% of class)

Phi Delta Phi Honors Fraternity

Washburn University  Topeka, Kansas

B.A. Political Science

Cum laude with departmental honors

Outstanding College Students of America

Outstanding Senior Men

President's Honor Roll

Dean's Honor Roll

Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society; Chapter President

Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society

Phi Kappa Theta National Honor Society

Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Oklahoma Bar Association Energy and Natural Resources
  • Oklahoma Bar Association Environmental Law 
  • Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen
  • Tulsa Association of Professional Landmen
  • American Association of Professional Landmen
  • Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association
  • Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association
  • The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma

Industry Presentations and Awards

  • 2017 Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association Member of the Year
  • Panel Speaker, Oklahoma Corporation Commission
    • 2017 Oil and Gas Institute
    • "SB 867 From Legislation to Law to Rules"
  • Panel Speaker, The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma 
    • 2019 Fall Conference Presentation
    • "Legally Speaking - What's Going On In Oklahoma?"

Contact Will