Jim is a shareholder in the Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Section. He is Board Certified in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New Mexico. Jim is a member of the Midland County Bar Association, the Permian Basin Landmen's Association, and the American Association of Professional Landmen.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

Title Examination and Transactional Work

Jim spends much of his time examining oil and gas titles, rendering title opinions and preparing documents for use in the oil and gas industry. Title opinions may be based on abstract examination or done by "stand-up" examination in the county clerk's office. Document preparation includes deeds, leases, joint operating agreements, purchase and sale agreements, seismic option agreements, gas processing agreements, gas purchase contracts, easements, and many other hybrid documents a client may need.

Oil and Gas Litigation

Jim spends a significant amount of his time assisting the Litigation Section with research and drafting pleadings when oil and gas issues are involved in a lawsuit. Jim has written motions and trial and appellate briefs in oil and gas litigation.

EDUCATION

• B.A., Agricultural Economics, Texas Tech University, 1989
• M.B.A., Texas Tech University, 1990
• J.D., Texas Tech University, 1997

While at the Texas Tech University School of Law, Jim served as an Associate Editor of the Texas Tech Law Review.