Ohio has been experiencing an oil and gas boom in recent years. This “boom” has been fueled by discoveries of natural gas reserves in the Marcellus and Utica shales (potentially resource-rich rock formations) covering the eastern part of the state. Oil and gas companies have worked to gain control of property with access to these formations. All too often, however, an oil company may pressure a landowner into signing a lease for mineral rights, without the landowner understanding what they have signed. Any landowner should contact an attorney before signing any type of lease.

Having served as general counsel to an oil & gas exploration, drilling and production company, I have gained in-depth knowledge and experience in a wide range of oil & gas matters. I have reviewed countless oil & gas leases and can assist landowners in lease negotiations and understanding the risks and benefits of entering into such leases.

I have negotiated and drafted leases and related addenda to numerous oil & gas leases on behalf of landowners, including negotiating bonus payments, spud fees and royalty provisions, while also ensuring landowners understand the risks and are protected from environmental damages and other risks inherent in oil & gas drilling and production. I have also negotiated easements and related agreements in connection with pipeline right of ways. I generally charge a reasonable hourly fee for my services, opposed to other law firms which may charge exorbitant percentages of negotiated compensation for these types of matters.

I can also assist clients who are interested in obtaining the mineral rights from a landowner. Since I have worked on both sides of these types of deals, I can identify the most commonly negotiated points and work with the opposing party to obtain a fair and mutually beneficial result.

Representative Matters

• Represented numerous landowners in negotiating oil & gas leases and bonus payments with large oil & gas companies and related entities.
• Represented numerous landowners in negotiating pipeline right of ways and easements, negotiated bonus money and related compensation.
• Represented oil & gas investment, exploration, drilling and production company in the purchase of mineral rights in over 6,200 acres of land in Tennessee.
• Negotiated and drafted operating agreements for operators and investors involving numerous oil & gas wells.
• Negotiated and drafted numerous oil and gas leases, assignments of working interests and related documents.