Services Upstream & Midstream Transactional

Kean Miller works with energy sector leaders in all phases of energy exploration and production. We regularly represent energy operators and producers of all sizes, from global energy companies to independents, as well as oil field service companies, drilling contractors, oil and gas investors, and financial firms. We offer deep upstream industry knowledge and a proactive mindset in connection with complex upstream commercial transactions, including title examination, negotiating and drafting of various oil and gas related contracts, conveyances, and agreements, due diligence projects, and regulatory matters.  We partner with in-house counsel and landmen to develop and deploy preventive measures and strategies designed to maintain compliance and keep operations and transactions moving forward.

We routinely represent clients before administrative and regulatory bodies, including the Louisiana Office of Conservation, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board, and the Department of Environmental Quality. We also represent oil and gas operators and service companies in all manner of personal injury and property damage claims arising from seismic operations, drilling operations, production activities, workover operations, pipeline installation and repair, and platform construction and demolition.

Areas of Expertise

• Boundary disputes
• Division order title opinions
• Drillsite title opinions
• Due diligence
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Environmental and permitting counsel
• Farm-out agreements
• Joint operating agreements
• Leasehold acquisition title opinions
• Limited title letter opinions
• Master service agreements
• Negotiation and drafting of contracts
• Oil, gas, and mineral leases
• Opinions covering onshore and offshore state and federal lands
• Pooling and unitization agreements
• Purchase and sale agreements
• Ratification agreements
• Rendering stand-up title opinions
• Saltwater disposal agreements
• Supplemental title opinions
• Surface ownership letter opinions
• Surface use and surface damage agreements

Representative Experience

• Representation of energy companies in exploration, production and operational matters, including all phases of oil and gas title, due diligence and curative, purchase and sale agreements, exploration and letter agreements, joint operating agreements, farmout agreements, mineral leases, regulatory compliance, and surface use related agreements involving well pads, roads, pipelines, powerlines, frac ponds, and saltwater disposal.
• Representation of energy companies and owners of mineral rights in demands, disputes, and litigation related to energy related contracts, rights, and legal compliance, including under La. R.S. 30:10, La. R.S. 31:137, La. R.S. 30:103.1, concursus/interpleader, surface use, royalty payments, unleased mineral owners, unitization, continuous operations, shut-in payments, production in paying quantities, and the public records doctrine.
• Representation of companies, landowners, and banks in acquisitions and property management, including acquisitions of both land and minerals/royalty, title matters, curative, leasing, oil, and gas matters, predial servitudes, mineral title, surface use, disputes involving competing surface use (La. R.S. 31:11), farming and hunting leases, and trespass and boundary issues.
• Obtaining judgments in favor of mineral purchasers under the Louisiana public records doctrine against claims of a potential heirs.
• Title and property disputes, including ownership of royalties, minerals, and surface rights.