Drill Down on the Law: An Introduction to Oil and Gas

This program offers a clear and practical foundation in oil and gas law for attorneys seeking to understand the legal principles that govern one of the most significant sectors of the U.S. economy. Attendees will gain insight into property rights, lease structures, and operational obligations across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. Whether advising clients in transactions, disputes, or regulatory matters, lawyers will leave better equipped to spot issues and add value.

Participants will learn the essential terminology, legal frameworks, industry structure, and property law concepts that underpin oil and gas operations. The program covers mineral and surface estate rights, the rule of capture, oil and gas lease clauses, implied covenants, pooling, environmental regulation, and common dispute areas. Real-world examples and hypotheticals will help solidify understanding.

This program is designed for attorneys with little experience practicing real estate, commercial litigation, energy law, environmental law, IP, business transactions, or any area where oil and gas issues may arise. It is also valuable for in-house counsel, government lawyers, and litigators seeking to expand into energy-related matters. No prior oil and gas law experience is required; the course will cover foundational principles and terminology.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and explain the roles and legal frameworks of the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.
2. Analyze the key property law concepts in oil and gas, including mineral vs. surface estate rights, the rule of capture, and the types of oil and gas interests.
3. Evaluate the structure and standard clauses of oil and gas leases, including the granting clause, habendum clause, royalty provisions, pooling clauses, and Pugh clauses.
4. Assess the rights and obligations of lessors and lessees under oil and gas leases, including implied covenants and the accommodation doctrine.
5. Recognize common disputes in oil and gas law, such as royalty underpayment claims, lease termination issues, surface use conflicts, and subsurface trespass allegations.
6. Apply the oil and gas legal concepts to hypothetical scenarios to spot potential issues and propose preliminary solutions for clients.