Energy: State Regulatory & Litigation (Oil & Gas)

SDM is one of the top oil and gas, natural resources and energy firms in the nation. The firm’s foundation is built on representing generations of clients in cases before the courts, the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas General Land Office, and University Lands. We litigate issues regarding royalties, ownership, leases, operations, exploration, production, regulatory issues, processing, transportation and taxation of natural resources. Our cases have set important legal precedents that govern today. Our clients include individuals, independent oil companies and large public companies.

We also provide legal advice to many of our oil and gas clients regarding key contracts from the wellhead through to the sale of oil and gas.

Renewable Energy

SDM attorneys advise clients concerning a range of matters in the field of renewable energy. Our experience includes negotiating solar and wind leases, as well as navigating the complicated relationship between owners of surface rights and owners of mineral rights. SDM lawyers are at the leading edge of the legal issues arising out of new green energy, renewable, and sequestration technologies that are seeing increased investment after the Inflation Reduction Act. SDM lawyers led the effort for a major lithium developer in working with the Railroad Commission to draft and adopt new rules with regards to lithium mining in Texas.