Oil, Gas & Minerals
The firm has a number of attorneys experienced in the area of oil, gas and mineral law. We represent oil, gas and coal producers and operators, as well as mineral and surface owners, in all facets of oil, gas and mineral production and exploration, including the negotiation of oil and gas and coal leases, surface use agreements and joint operating and participation agreements. We have represented both plaintiffs and defendants in litigation brought under Wyoming's Royalty Payment Act. We continue to represent oil and gas operators in proceedings before the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. We have represented both purchasers and sellers in a number of major oil and gas purchase and sale transactions in Wyoming. The firm is also increasingly involved in wind energy and wind lease transactions.
In addition, the firm has a very active practice of conducting title examinations and preparing title opinions for the oil and gas industry on properties located throughout the state of Wyoming. We are available to prepare drilling title opinions, division order title opinions or limited purpose title opinions (security title opinions for oil and gas lenders, acquisition/due diligence title opinions, etc.). Our title opinions can be 'stand-up' opinions (where we travel to the county clerk's office to examine the land records in person), or based upon abstracts provided by an independent landman or firm, or a licensed and bonded abstracting firm. We will work with you on the form of the title opinion to ensure we provide you with all the information needed for your specific purposes, and, if desired, we will work closely with your land department to discuss title defects prior to issuing a final opinion.