Brian Wells Receives 2026 John L. McClaugherty Award, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation's Highest Honor

Bricker Graydon Wyatt is pleased to announce that partner Brian Wells has received the 2026 John L. McClaugherty Award from the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF), the organization's highest honor recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of energy and mineral law and to the foundation itself. The award was presented during EMLF's 47th Annual Institute in Charleston, South Carolina.

Brian has been an active member of EMLF for more than two decades and has served the organization in numerous leadership capacities, including as president in 2015-2016. Throughout his career, he has been recognized not only for his deep knowledge of the energy and mineral industries, but also for his professionalism, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the legal profession.

During the award presentation, 2025 recipient Sandra K. Fraley praised Brian’s leadership, collegiality, and longstanding contributions to the industry and the organization. In accepting the award, Brian reflected on the mentors who shaped his career and the important role EMLF has played in fostering professional relationships and advancing legal knowledge throughout the energy sector. To view the full award ceremony and hear Brian’s speech, please visit the following link.

A partner in the firm's Lexington office, Brian Wells focuses his practice on general business law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate lending transactions, commercial leasing, and contract drafting and negotiation.

The John L. McClaugherty Award is named in honor of one of EMLF's founding leaders and is reserved for individuals whose careers reflect exceptional service, leadership, and contributions to the energy and mineral law profession. For more information on the foundation, please visit their homepage.

Please join us in congratulating Brian on this well-earned honor.