Posts Categorized: Blog

We All Need Somebody to Lien On: Liens Against Mineral Property

We All Need Somebody to Lien On: Liens Against Mineral Property written by Tannon Symm Published May 7, 2025 In the oil and gas industry, ensuring payment for work performed and materials furnished is critical to maintaining a successful operation. While Joint Operating Agreements (“JOAs”) offer lien rights among participating parties, the Texas Property Code… Read more »

Creditor Rights Under Joint Operating Agreements

Creditor Rights Under Joint Operating Agreements Published May 7, 2025 Periods of downturn in the oil and gas industry often bring with them a host of legal complexities. From questions surrounding ownership rights—such as shut-in lease provisions, production in paying quantities, and operational clauses—to the renegotiation of midstream contracts and the enforcement of creditor rights,… Read more »

Force Majeure in 2025: Texas Courts Demand Clarity in Oil & Gas Contracts

Force Majeure in 2025: Texas Courts Demand Clarity in Oil & Gas Contracts written by Miguel Otero Published May 7, 2025 Generally speaking, a force majeure clause is a contractual provision allocating the risk of loss if performance becomes impossible or impracticable, especially as a result of an event or effect that the parties could… Read more »

We Need a Contract…But What Type of Contract?

We Need a Contract…But What Type of Contract? written by Matt Reynolds Published April 10, 2025 Negotiating and entering into contracts is an inevitable part of every business.  As almost anyone who has gone through the process can attest, starting with the right type of contract is one of the most important first steps. Different… Read more »

The Pain Points of NDAs: Understanding the Challenges

The Pain Points of NDAs: Understanding the Challenges Published April 10, 2025 Non-Disclosure Agreements (“NDAs”) are a staple in the business world, providing protection for confidential information and ensuring sensitive data stays secure. NDAs aim to keep information safe from falling into the wrong hands, whether you are an employee, contractor, or business partner. However,… Read more »

More Tiers for Less Tears: Tiered Insurance Programs in MSAs

More Tiers for Less Tears: Tiered Insurance Programs in MSAs Published April 10, 2025 The oil and gas industry is an industry of high risk and high reward, and where there is risk, insurance follows. These risks  exist for upstream, midstream, and downstream companies alike. To offset this risk, oil and gas companies require various… Read more »

Common Red Flags in Shared Development Between Oil Companies and Landowners: And How to Resolve Them

Common Red Flags in Shared Development Between Oil Companies and Landowners: And How to Resolve Them Published March 6, 2025 When oil companies partner with landowners for shared development, the relationship can be incredibly productive and beneficial for both parties. While oil companies aim to responsibly develop valuable resources, landowners seek to protect their land’s… Read more »

Produced Brine Ownership: Worth the Salt, But Who Owns it?

Produced Brine Ownership: Worth the Salt, But Who Owns it? Published March 6, 2025 As the demand for valuable minerals sourced from produced water increases, the question of ownership surrounding brine and its components becomes increasingly pertinent. Understanding who retains rights to these minerals is essential for those involved in oil and gas production. Brine,… Read more »

Accommodating the Co-Development of Traditional and Renewable Energy

Accommodating the Co-Development of Traditional and Renewable Energy written by Miguel Otero Published March 6, 2025 In the ever-evolving energy landscape, oil pump jacks, towering wind turbines, and solar farms are becoming unlikely neighbors. Across Texas and other states, drilling operations are increasingly coexisting with renewable energy projects. But with these new neighbors come new… Read more »

The Life Cycle of Investment Funds: Evergreen vs. Annualized

The Life Cycle of Investment Funds: Evergreen vs. Annualized Published February 2, 2025 When it comes to money management, funds are an indispensable tool for the smart investor, but knowing which type of fund best suits your needs is a difficult task for even the most experienced professionals. Annualized and Evergreen Funds are two of… Read more »