![](https://law.lsu.edu/news/files/2019/10/1stUps-005-300x214.jpg)
LSU Law Dean Tom Galligan, left, with Robert and Melissa Rabalais, and their son, Garrison, at the 30-year reunion of the Class of 1989 in Baton Rouge on Friday, Oct. 25.
Robert Rabalais (’89), a Partner in the Houston office of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, and his wife, Melissa, have made one of the largest scholarship gifts ever received by the Law Center. The Melissa and Robert Rabalais Energy Law Endowment Fund is among the top five largest scholarship funds held by the Law Center for the benefit of its students.
The historic gift was announced by LSU Law Dean Tom Galligan at 30-year reunion celebration for the Class of 1989, which was held on Friday, Oct. 25. The Rabalais funds will be used to support students needing financial assistance for internships or externships in the energy law and policy areas.
Robert practices in Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s Banking and Credit, and Energy and Infrastructure practices in the Houston office. His work focuses on a range of lending and capital market transactions in the oil and gas exploration and production, midstream and related service sectors. He represents corporate borrowers and issuers, commercial banks and mezzanine lenders, institutional investors and insurance companies. Robert has been identified as “one of the country’s top energy financing lawyers” by Law360.
Prior to earning his JD from LSU Law, Robert earned his BS from LSU. He is admitted to practice in Texas. Prior to joining the firm, Robert practiced at the law firm of Vinson & Elkins for over 20 years.
Melissa—also an attorney—and their son, Garrison, joined in the announcement ceremony.