In September 2011 Russia attracted global headlines following the signing of a historic deal between ExxonMobil and Rosneft for exploration of the Kara Sea on Russia's Arctic shelf.

There are several topics I'd like to cover in this month's column. But first I wanted to thank our loyal readers for the many letters and e-mail messages we received in response the Californian who accused me of "glossing over" what he called the "real reason" the old and gas industry has a problem attracting college students and professionals with engineering and geoscience backgrounds (see Jan. 2012 OGFJ).

Rising global energy demand has prompted oil and gas companies to uncover new reserves and gain access to resources previously considered unreachable.

Echoing last month's large deals, the largest deal of the 30-day period from mid-January to mid-February involves an Asian company and a North American unconventional play.

International legal practice SNR Denton is focused on its clients in key business and financial centers from more than 60 locations in 43 countries through offices, associate firms and special alliances across the US, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS, Asia Pacific and Africa.