Texas Oil & Gas Attorneys
Texas is at the heart of America’s energy economy. If you are a part of that economy, you know that your livelihood is affected by the state’s extensive energy, oil, and gas laws. You also know that these laws are incredibly complicated, which is why you shouldn’t try to handle disputes alone.
At Mahendru, P.C., our Texas oil and gas attorneys provide strategic legal counsel tailored to the energy sector. From mineral rights to pipeline disputes, we protect your interests in one of the state’s most dynamic industries.
Oil and Gas Legal Issues We Handle
The development of natural resources involves layered contracts and evolving regulations. Misunderstandings or breaches can disrupt your operations, reduce profits, and expose stakeholders to liability.
Fortunately, resolving these issues is where we excel. Our oil and gas law firm assists clients with the following:
- Royalty payment disputes
- Breach of lease agreements
- Title and mineral rights conflicts
- Joint operating agreement (JOA) disputes
- Surface use and access issues
- Pooling and unitization disputes
- Pipeline easement and condemnation matters
- Environmental and regulatory compliance
- Severance tax disputes
- Force majeure and production clause issues
When a legal dispute affects your property, finances, or operations, our oil and gas law firm can step in to help.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Oil and Gas
Partnering with our oil and gas attorneys is the next step in protecting your interests during a dispute. Here are some benefits of choosing our team:
- We will work toward a prompt, cost-effective resolution
- We prioritize salvaging business relationships and limiting the impact on your bottom line
- You will understand your resolution options and can make an informed decision regarding the best path forward
Dealing with an oil and gas law dispute alone can result in an ugly, drawn-out, and expensive legal battle. Why go through all of that when help is available?
The Complexity of Oil and Gas Law in Texas
Texas oil and gas law is a highly specialized and ever-changing field. Overlaps between state and federal regulations make understanding and enforcing your rights even more challenging. What may appear to be a simple lease or royalty arrangement can quickly turn into a multiparty conflict that involves multiple jurisdictions.
These key factors tend to complicate oil and gas law disputes in Texas:
- Split Estates: Surface rights and mineral rights are sometimes owned separately, which can lead to conflicts over land use
- Title Defects: Decades-old conveyances and missing records can cloud ownership
- Regulatory Compliance: Operations must comply with a shifting state and federal legal framework
- Market Volatility: Price fluctuations and production timelines may trigger disputes
Our oil and gas attorneys have the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to help you through legal challenges without losing focus on what matters most.
Why Choose Mahendru, P.C.?
Mahendru, P.C. is not a generalist firm that dabbles in energy law. Our team includes oil and gas attorneys with deep familiarity in both transactional work and complex litigation. Here’s what sets us apart:
- We speak the language of landmen, operators, and mineral owners, allowing us to resolve disputes efficiently
- When negotiation fails, we don’t hesitate to go to court
- Our trial-tested team has won victories in state and federal courts
- We understand you have unique priorities and tailor our approach accordingly
- Our attorneys provide full-spectrum representation and assist all sides in oil and gas law disputes
When you work with our team, you gain a legal partner who is focused, responsive, and driven to deliver results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look For in an Oil and Gas Lease?
In any oil and gas lease, pay close attention to royalty clauses and bonus terms. You should also discuss shut-in payments and ensure the contract includes fair termination provisions.
If you bring a copy of the lease to a qualified attorney for oil and gas at Mahendru, P.C., we can clarify the provisions and negotiate fair terms.
Can a Surface Owner Block Drilling on Their Land?
Not necessarily. In Texas, land ownership is grouped into two sets of rights, which are referred to as the “mineral estate” and the “surface estate.” Typically, a person who buys land will retain both sets of rights. However, separating these estates is common in Texas, especially in areas with a history of gas and oil development.
If the mineral rights have been severed, the mineral estate owner generally has the dominant estate. However, their use of the surface must be reasonable.
How Are Royalties Calculated in Texas?
Royalties are typically calculated as a percentage of gross or net production revenue. However, lease terms vary. Disputes often arise over post-production costs, market value fluctuations, and volume accuracy. Therefore, it’s important to include clear dispute resolution terms in your royalty agreement.
Can I Sue for Unpaid Royalties?
Yes. If you believe you’ve been underpaid or wrongfully excluded from royalty distributions, you may have a claim for breach of contract or fiduciary duty. You may also be eligible to receive interest or penalties against the party that violated your royalty agreement.
What Is Pooling, and Can I Refuse It?
Pooling is an arrangement in which multiple tracts of land are combined for production efficiency. You may or may not be able to refuse pooling, depending on the terms of your lease agreement.
Talk to Our Texas Oil and Gas Attorneys Today
When oil, gas, and mineral rights are at stake, you need a law firm that understands both the industry and the law.
We provide trusted guidance and develop smart strategies to protect your rights. Our team will work toward a fast and cost-effective resolution. However, we will not hesitate to take your matter before a judge if the other party doesn’t sit down at the negotiating table in good faith.
Contact us to schedule a consultation.