INDUCTED 2024

LAWRENCE BENDER

Lawrence Bender was inducted as the 19th member of the North Dakota Petroleum Council Hall of Fame at the Petroleum Council’s 43rd Annual Meeting in September in Watford City, North Dakota.

HALL OF FAME

BIOGRAPHY

LAWRENCE BENDER

Lawrence Bender is a Shareholder at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. law firm. He is a nationally recognized expert in oil and gas law, public utility law, and other regulatory matters.

Lawrence represents oil and gas exploration companies, drilling companies, oil field service companies, pipeline companies, and other businesses in state and federal litigation and contested proceedings before various state and federal agencies. He represents and advises a wide variety of natural resources and energy related companies regarding contractual matters and compliance with state and federal regulations. Lawrence’s extensive experience in real estate law allows him to offer professional assistance with the sale and purchase of oil and gas properties, as well as title examination and complex financing transactions.

Prior to joining the firm, Lawrence served as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of North Dakota and as Counsel for the North Dakota Industrial Commission, Oil and Gas Division, and the North Dakota Board of University and School Lands, giving him first-hand knowledge of the regulation of oil and gas companies in the state.

Lawrence’s work transcends oil and gas to other energy sectors including coal, wind, ethanol, and carbon sequestration. In the past few years, Lawrence has provided the legal expertise and permitting for nearly all the carbon and other valued-added projects in North Dakota.

In addition to his professional duties, Lawrence has has served on the North Dakota Petroleum Council Board of Directors since 1999, where he served on the Executive Committee, Legislative Committee and Regulatory Committee and was the Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023. He also recently served as the Board Chairman from 2021-2023. In these roles, Lawrence has been a key leader in addressing nearly every major challenge and project within North Dakota’s petroleum industry. His expertise and dedication have been invaluable in legislative efforts, and his relentless work ethic combined with exceptional intelligence has proven to be a formula for success. Lawrence’s excellence, dedication, and remarkable contributions will leave a lasting impact on the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

NDPC

HALL OF FAME

The North Dakota Petroleum Council Hall of Fame was initiated in 2003 to recognize and honor those who have demonstrated dedication to the industry and who have made a significant impact on the development and growth of our industry.