As a Certified Minerals Manager, I have reviewed hundreds of oil & gas leases, including analysis and examination of mineral title, evaluation of lease terms and addenda, and conducting mineral management seminars to educate oil & gas owners. Through self-education and accreditation, I have honed my skillset in order to assist oil & gas owners in southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and eastern Ohio. Reviewing facts and providing a professional opinion as to the economic loss sustained by the plaintiffs in question are deliverables part of my normal repertoire, as I am also a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Previously, I have provided expert witness testimony in civil actions, and I perform valuations of subsurface oil & gas estates for income tax planning, investment, and wealth transfer purposes. Every situation is unique and, although I am not privy to all details in connection with this case, the matter of lease “primary terms”, consideration paid by lessees, and conditions which turn the primary term into the “secondary term” and its validity with respect to the leasehold in question are common areas of complaint of oil & gas owners. It is no secret that landmen can be aggressive toward potential lessors; horror stories exist where the owners were making decisions under one set of assumptions to later find out that the signed documents did not totally reflect said assumptions.
