Steve is a shareholder in the Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Section and is Board Certified in both Oil, Gas and Mineral Law and Farm and Ranch Real Estate Law. Steve serves as a Trustee of The Beal Foundation, and as a Trustee of the John W. and Mae Terry Metcalf Charitable Trust.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

Oil and Gas Title Examination, Banking, and Transactional Work

Steve's practice involves the representation of oil and gas companies of every size in all phases of exploration and production activities; representation of borrowers and lenders in oil and gas, real estate, and commercial lending transactions; and representation of individuals and companies in real estate, oil and gas, and general business matters, as well as tax planning, tax free exchanges, ad valorem tax disputes, and other business organization, planning, transaction, and taxation matters.

Farm and Ranch Real Estate Transactions

Steve represents ranchers, farmers, and mineral owners in connection with farm and ranch acquisitions and divestitures, oil and gas activities, and management of farm and ranch properties.

Probate and Estate Planning

As part of his representation of independent oil operators as well as farmers and ranchers, Steve assists his clients with probate, estate and gift planning, estate administration, and the creation and administration of trusts and family limited partnerships.

Water Law Regulation and Marketing

Due in part to his personal interest in planning for and development of water resources in arid West Texas, Steve is involved in water planning, marketing, and conservation projects and in dealing with water law and regulations.

In law school, Steve received a Leon Jaworski Scholarship and served as Associate Editor of the Baylor Law Review