How to Choose an Energy, Oil, and Gas Attorney in Texas
If you live in Texas and are considering signing any type of energy, oil, or gas agreement, then you should hire an experienced Texas attorney for legal guidance. However, with so many attorneys to choose from, it can be difficult to determine who to choose. Below are some guidelines on choosing an energy, oil, and gas attorney in Texas.
Ask Questions
During your initial consultation with a prospective attorney, not only is it important for the attorney to ask you questions about your case, but it’s imperative that you also ask the attorney questions. The following questions will help you determine whether a prospective attorney is a good fit for you.
What is your primary practice area?
How much are your services, and what is your fee arrangement?
How long have you been an attorney?
How long have you been practicing energy, oil, and gas law?
Have you ever dealt with a situation similar to mine?
Go with Experience
In the area of energy, oil, and gas law, experience is key. An experienced Texas energy, oil, and gas attorney will have a comprehensive understanding of these industries, and he or she will likely have encountered situations similar to yours in the past. In addition, due to the complicated nature of energy, oil, and gas law, it’s imperative to hire an attorney who devotes a substantial portion of his or her practice to these areas.
Go with an Attorney who is Detail-Oriented
As noted above, energy, oil, and gas contracts are complicated. Therefore, it’s important that the attorney you choose be detail-oriented, as even a small error in an agreement can have major consequences. A detailed-oriented Texas attorney will be able to assist you with a number of matters, including the drafting of joint operative agreements, farm-out agreements, master service agreements, drilling contracts, and more.
Texas Energy, Oil, and Gas Attorney
Energy, oil, and gas laws are always changing. Therefore, it’s imperative that those involved in the energy industry have reliable, experienced, and knowledgeable legal representation to help guide them through the ever-changing Texas legal landscape. In the areas of energy, oil, and gas, it’s particularly important to ensure that all contracts are properly drafted. Energy, oil, and gas contracts are highly sophisticated documents, and it’s important that they be drafted in a manner that protects the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. At the Law Office of C. William Smalling, P.C., we are highly experienced in the drafting and review of energy, oil, and gas contracts, including surface use agreements, joint operating agreements, farm-out agreements, master service agreements, drilling contracts, licensing agreements for use of seismic or technical data, and nondisclosure agreements. If you are in need of expert energy, oil, and gas legal representation in Texas, contact us today for a consultation.