Shanisha Smith focuses her litigation practice in the energy and natural resources industry. She represents clients in oil and gas litigation and environmental disputes governed by the Mineral Leasing Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the False Claims Act, the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act, and numerous other environmental statutes and related regulations. Shanisha holds an LL.M. in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law from the University of Houston Law Center. While earning her LL.M., she worked at the Texas Railroad Commission, as well as at the Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos during the Mexico Energy Reform.
Shanisha also has a wealth of experience working in courts. She had the opportunity to work with a Texas state civil court judge, a federal magistrate judge, two federal district court judges and a federal appellate circuit judge. Prior to joining BakerHostetler's Energy Team, Shanisha clerked for the Honorable Judge George C. Hanks, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Drawing on her knowledge of the energy industry and her well-honed skills developed during her clerkship, Shanisha is a dedicated advocate who confidently adapts to unique situations.