Oil & Gas Law

The recent emphasis on energy issues is not only global in scope, but impacts the local economy in Texas as well. Our state has historically been a major player in the production of oil and gas. The recent development of the Barnett Shale in Denton, Wise and Tarrant counties  has generated significant leasing activity in the metropolitan counties. This activity has raised issues associated with urban exploration and production.  

Hammerle Finley's Oil & Gas section is prepared to address the various legal issues regarding oil and gas law. Whether it's the original lease terms, renewal options, surface operations, lease termination, royalty, conveyance issues or operational disputes, Hammerle Finley is prepared to help. The firm's oil and gas experience includes the following.

• Negotiation of oil and gas leases on behalf of landowners and Lessees
• Examination of abstracts & recorded instruments, including probate records to construct chain of title
• Preparation of title curative documentation
• Preparation of title opinions
• Counseled landowners and companies regarding rights and remedies granted by an oil and gas lease
• Receivership leases for unknown mineral owners
• Royalty Interests
• Sale,  purchase, and assignment of rights
• Sale and purchase of land
• Litigation involving contractual responsibilities
• Operating agreements
• Farmer and rancher rights regarding leased land
• Surface rights
• General business law
• Eminent Domain
• Lease contract preparation and review
• Trespass and conversion
• Nuisance
• Employment agreements for oil and gas companies
• Vendor contracts for oil and gas companies
• State and Federal compliance for oil and gas companies

Oil and gas law is a unique area. Many issues involving oil and gas leasing are based on standard practice, not statutory law. For example, unlike real estate contracts that tend to be standard documents, oil and gas leases can vary considerably from one property to the next.

We understand both the legal and practical issues involved. In protecting the rights and interests of our clients, we take a hands-on approach.