Oil, Gas, Minerals & Natural Resources
Oil, Gas, Minerals & Natural Resources Law Resources and Publications
Title Review, Contract Preparation and Property Acquisition
In addition to extensive expertise concerning the relevant legal issues, our lawyers have acquired a thorough understanding of the industry’s business aspects. We advise clients on all aspects of drilling, field development and operations, royalty and severance tax computation, acquisition of interest, contract drafting and negotiation, title review and opinions, pipeline right-of-way acquisition, and underground gas storage. Our attorneys have played a key role in drafting a number of Alabama’s oil and gas statutes and Rules and Regulations of the State Oil and Gas Board. Our attorneys are also licensed in Florida and regularly advise clients on oil, gas and mineral operations and title matters in that State.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in reviewing title to mineral rights, oil, gas, coal, timber and other natural resources in Alabama and Florida, and we have negotiated and prepared numerous industry agreements, including leases, lease assignments, deeds, farmout agreements, seismic agreements, and operating agreements. We also have extensive experience in acquiring rights-of-way for pipelines and, when necessary, pursuing condemnation proceedings to acquire the necessary rights.
Administrative Guidance and Litigation
We frequently represent clients in proceedings before the State Oil and Gas Board of Alabama, including proceedings to establish special field rules, to force pool drilling units, to authorize fieldwide unitization, and to establish special gas storage rules. Our attorneys have also litigated complex and landmark cases involving oil, gas, and other natural resources, such as:
- Ownership of coal bed methane in Alabama
- Unitization of oil and gas fields
- Location of the Alabama state/federal boundary in offshore waters
- Breach of obligations in coal leases and oil and gas leases
- Class action royalty owner lawsuits
- Alabama severance tax computations
- Use tax exemptions for the oil and gas industry
- Entry to conduct seismic operations
- Drainage claims
- Operator and working interest owner defaults
Financial Matters
Our attorneys regularly advise clients in the financial aspects of oil and gas exploration as well. This includes the calculation and payment of royalties, the computation of severance tax payments, acquisition and sale of mineral properties, securities issues, and financing transactions, including mortgages of offshore interests.
Recognition
Team Members:
Oil, Gas, Minerals & Natural Resources Law Resources and Publications
Collaboration Between Our Practice Area Teams
As a full-service law firm, we are able to devote resources to fit clients’ needs.
Our clients rely on counsel from related practice areas such as: