Production in Paying Quantities Litigation (Texas State Courts)
Litigated a series of oil and gas lease termination cases centered on the issue of production in paying quantities (PPQ) in courts across Texas. Provided briefing, case strategy, and oral argument support. These matters involved interpreting whether oil and gas leases continued in effect during marginal production periods, a frequent source of high-stakes litigation in mature fields. Advised both operators and mineral owners through the litigation process and contributed to outcomes that shaped emerging case law on the PPQ standard in Texas.

Confidential E&P Company v. Counterparty (Weld County, Colo.)
Lead associate in a high-stakes dispute over the reversion of leasehold interests governed by farmout agreements in Weld County, Colorado. The case turned on the interpretation of conditional assignment clauses and drilling obligations. Developed legal theories and coordinated discovery related to development timelines, unit designations, and well performance. The dispute implicated significant producing acreage in the DJ Basin and was resolved through a favorable pretrial settlement. Shape

Confidential Parties – Royalty Interest Deed Interpretation (La Salle County, Tex.)
Served as lead associate in a deed construction case concerning the classification of royalty interests as fixed or floating. The litigation required detailed historical title analysis and application of the Texas Supreme Court’s “four corners” deed interpretation doctrine. Developed key briefing and research on the effect of varying royalty reservation language and helped secure a favorable outcome for the client in early motion practice.

Leasehold Advisory (Texas and New Mexico)
Reviewed and analyzed a wide array of oil and gas leases for clients operating in Texas and New Mexico. Advised mineral owners and operators on lease termination risks, continuous development obligations, cessation of production issues, and curative strategies. Helped clients avoid litigation exposure and maintain compliance with both primary and secondary term requirements under complex lease instruments.

Division Environmental Enforcement Proceedings (NMOCD)
Represented an oil and gas saltwater disposal facility in regulatory enforcement proceedings before the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division. Assisted in defending alleged violations related to injection well operations and site remediation. Prepared responsive filings, coordinated technical expert testimony, and negotiated a favorable resolution, ensuring the client’s continued regulatory standing and operations.

Operator v. Vendor – Commercial Dispute (Dallas County, Tex.)
Lead associate in a commercial litigation matter involving breach of warranty and lien claims between an oilfield operator and a vendor of surface equipment. The case centered on equipment failure, non-payment allegations, and lien foreclosure actions under Chapter 56 of the Texas Property Code. Managed discovery, prepared dispositive motions, and guided the case through key settlement negotiations that minimized client exposure while preserving operational continuity.

Permian Basin Surface Curative Program (Texas)
Acted as lead associate in developing and executing a surface curative strategy for one of the largest operators in the Permian Basin. Coordinated title review, drafted surface waivers, and resolved legacy title and access issues across the operator’s acreage footprint. Helped streamline permitting and development timelines, reducing costly surface use conflicts and ensuring legal clarity across hundreds of affected parcels.

Transactional Counsel – Lease and Interest Assignments (Texas)
Lead associate in numerous oil and gas transactional matters, including negotiating and drafting leases, surface use agreements, mineral conveyances, and working interest assignments. Routinely advised clients on structuring acquisitions and divestitures with clear title, compliance with statutory recording requirements, and tailored indemnity provisions to minimize risk exposure in Texas oil and gas deals.

Statewide Commercial Litigation – Fraud-Based Energy Disputes (Texas)
Defended and prosecuted a range of fraud-related litigation matters for energy clients across Texas. Worked on cases involving fraudulent transfers, tortious interference with mineral rights, and claims of fraudulent inducement arising from sale and lease negotiations. The litigation strategies included early dismissal motions, aggressive discovery tactics, and favorable settlements protecting the client’s business continuity and reputational interests.

Admissions

• Texas

Clerkships/Judicial Internships

• Judicial intern for the Supreme Court of Texas, Office of Justice Green

Education

• Texas Tech University School of Law (J.D., 2022) 
  • summa cum laude
  • Order of the Coif
  • Articles Editor, Texas Tech Law Review, Vol. 54

• Texas Tech University (B.S., 2019)
  • magna cum laude

Publications:

• Punt AND Pass: Why Congress Should Punt on an Antitrust Exemption and Pass on Express Preemption, When Regulating Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness, Texas Tech Law Review Volume 53, Spring 2021.