Michael W. Dobbs Explores the History of Texas Pacific Land at Grantham Lecture

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW | MAY 1, 2026

Texas Tech University School of Law welcomed Michael W. Dobbs as the featured speaker for the Terry Lee Grantham Memorial Energy Law Lecture on Monday, April 13.

Dobbs, who serves as the Senior Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of Texas Pacific Land Corporation, presented “History of the Texas Pacific Land Trust.” His presentation offered attendees an insightful look into the origins, evolution, and modern transformation of one of Texas’s most significant land and resource entities. Tracing its roots from 19th-century railroad land grants to its present-day role in energy development, Dobbs highlighted the legal structures and strategic decisions that have shaped the organization over time.
 
The Terry Lee Grantham Memorial Lecture is a distinguished annual installment of the Energy Law Lecture Series, made possible through dedicated support and held in honor of Terry Grantham, a Texas Tech Law alumnus and longtime supporter of the legal and West Texas communities.
 
The Energy Law Lecture Series is organized by Bill Keffer, Director of Energy Law Programs and the Janet Scivally and David Copeland Endowed Professor of Energy Law, whose leadership continues to bring leading voices in energy law to campus.
 
The series will continue this fall. Each lecture is approved for one hour of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit in Texas and through the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), and all programs are livestreamed to ensure broad accessibility.

---