Areas of PRactice

ENERGY LITIGATION AND APPELLATE PRACTICE

Litigating disputes in federal, state and tribal courts in Colorado, New Mexico involving joint operating agreements, contract disputes with vendors, disputes with surface owners, title, easements, condemnation, payment of royalties and other matters related to oil and gas development and operations.  The firm also acts as appellate counsel for clients in Colorado and New Mexico state appellate courts as well in the Tenth Circuit, the D.C. Circuit and the Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals

OIL AND GAS TITLE OPINIONS

Preparation and analysis of complex acquisition, drilling and division order title opinions on fee, federal, state and tribal lands utilizing comprehensive spreadsheet design which facilitates title examination and data management, allowing us to provide the client with easily customizable reports and client specific division order summaries.  In addition, we are familiar with the various BLM offices, state realty offices and BIA land offices throughout the Rocky Mountain Region.

OIL AND GAS TRANSACTIONS

Negotiation, drafting and interpretation of joint operating agreements, farmout and exploration agreements, joint venture agreements, purchase and sale agreements and various other legal documents in support of our clients’ acquisition, divestiture or development of oil and gas properties.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Our firm represents clients before both federal and state administrative agencies, commissions and boards relating to groundwater, hazardous waste, and air permitting, rulemaking and enforcement proceedings.  We also counsel clients on issues relating to contaminated properties and compliance with federal laws including the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Clean Water Act (CWA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and similar state laws.  

FEDERAL INDIAN LAW

In addition to litigation and preparation of title opinions on Indian lands, we provided general legal counsel and advice on the development and operations of oil and gas properties within Indian country, while navigating the complex Constitutional legal framework of Federal Indian Law.  We have extensive experience working with Tribal governments, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management on the Fort Berthold, Navajo, Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apache and Osage Reservations.

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Representing oil and gas companies before the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, local land use bodies in Colorado and New Mexico, the BLM, the BIA and the EPA respecting all matters affecting oil and gas development and operations.   

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Domestic and international transactions and business development involving solar, bio-diesel, wind and associated power purchase agreements.