Natural Resource Law

The Firm has a rich history as one of the preeminent oil and gas firms in Louisiana. Our lawyers represent clients involved in all aspects of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, transportation, marketing, blending and refining of oil and gas products, and the mining of hard minerals. Members of the oil and gas practice group also represent large land-owning clients in their mineral leasing and related contractual issues, and routinely render title opinions to oil and gas operators. They are thoroughly conversant with state and federal regulation of natural resources and the environment. Attorneys also advise clients regarding credit issues relating to the natural resource business in general and oil and gas operations in particular, and handle acquisitions and divestitures of oil and gas companies and their producing properties.

Our attorneys handle energy litigation of all kinds, including suits on joint operating agreements, marketing contracts, oil and gas leases and other contracts. They also handle title disputes, including representation of landowners or lessees in litigation with Indian tribes and the State over ownership of minerals in areas purported to be water bottoms, navigable waters and lands reclaimed from coastal erosion; suits relating to the use of minerals and timber; take-or-pay claims, oyster damage claims and environmental litigation. Firm lawyers are also involved in litigation and transactions involving federal and state environmental laws.

Experience includes litigation involving: federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Louisiana mini-Superfund law and environmental cleanups; lender liability issues arising from contaminated material; environmental liability for oil and gas exploration and wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Firm attorneys also practice before agencies and courts hearing cases involving governmental regulation of the oil and gas industry.