Energy Litigation

• Representing non-operator in an UNCITRAL arbitration seated in London against foreign operator relating to claims for US$49 million sole risk premium on drilling operations and out-of-period adjustments to joint interest billings under joint operating agreement.
• Obtained multimillion-dollar award in an ICC arbitration seated in Houston on behalf of independent non-operator against foreign operator on claims for improper charges to the joint account and delayed determination of payout, and various other accounting abuses, in connection with onshore gas project in Africa.
• Represented non-operator in an UNCITRAL arbitration against foreign operator on claims related to JOA and participation agreement voting procedure violations and other breaches in connection with onshore gas project in Africa.
• Obtained full recovery in award, including all attorneys’ fees, for large oil company in AAA arbitration against turnaround contractor arising from fraudulent invoices.
• Represented large independent operator in claims against electric cooperative relating to electrification of oilfield assets.
• Bonded off improperly filed mineral liens and compelled arbitration of six lawsuits filed by service contractor in various Texas state courts over alleged breaches of master service agreement and tortious interference with business relations; successfully defended the resulting arbitrations.
• Successfully pursued claims for unpaid JIBs on behalf of operator against working interest owners under multiple agreements, including joint exploration and development agreement and joint operating agreement.
• Defended operator in US$100+ million CPR arbitration over proper interpretation of area of mutual interest provision joint development agreement covering thousands of acres of Permian Basin oil and gas leases.
• Obtained complete summary judgment in favor of large wind farm developer against negligence claim by radio station alleging signal interference.
• Represented operator in US$80+ million post-judgment challenges and appeal of trial court judgment (handled by different counsel) involving alleged breaches of joint operating agreement covering large lease in the Eagle Ford Shale play.
• Obtained complete summary judgment in favor of operator in lawsuit filed by lessor for alleged breaches of offset well provision in oil and gas lease.
• Represented offshore oil and gas operator in suit to recover decommissioning expenses arising from Gulf of Mexico assets.
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of major oil company and large petrochemical processor in conversion of hydrocarbons lawsuit filed by Pemex.
• Defended large, investor-owned electric utility in numerous high-exposure personal injury and property damage claims, including multiple defense verdicts following jury trials.
• Successfully defended multiple surface and lease disputes with landowners and mineral rights owners in the Eagle Ford Shale play.
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of operator in nuisance action filed by lessors claiming nearby oil and gas activities caused health problems and damage to their homestead.
• Obtained complete summary judgment in favor of large wind farm operator and turbine manufacturer in “aesthetic nuisance” lawsuit filed by neighboring ranch owner; judgment subsequently affirmed by Texas Supreme Court.
• Member of trial team in patent infringement action involving downhole tools that resulted in a favorable outcome for the client of a US$35 million verdict in Dallas federal court.
• Member of trial team that defended wrongful termination/FCPA whistleblower action resulting in a favorable outcome for the client with a defense verdict of zero damages.

Energy Regulatory

• Defended rate complaints filed by several shippers before Railroad Commission of Texas.
• Represented investor-owned utility in multiple disputed rate cases before the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Obtained certificate of convenience and necessity from Public Utility Commission of Texas for new transmission line project worth approximately $400 million over opposition by large power generators and dozens of landowners and other interest groups.
• Successfully overturned municipal ordinance purporting to regulate location of substation by electric cooperative within city limits before Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Defended cooperative in litigation involving dispute over joint venture for lignite-fired electrical generating unit.
• Defended company in rate and other regulatory agency disputes before TCEQ and TLLRWDC concerning the disposal of radioactive waste.

Construction

• Prosecuted construction defect claims in AAA arbitration against various contractors and design professionals arising out of defects in refrigeration system for industrial dessert manufacturing facility.
• Defended various commercial contract, construction disputes, and lien matters on behalf of nationwide restaurant chain.

Other

• Obtained complete defense award in breach of lease dispute in AAA arbitration involving alleged preferential rights to multiple floors of downtown office space in Class A office building.
• Obtained complete summary judgment in nuisance lawsuit brought by adjoining landowner against owner of boutique office building located off major Houston thoroughfare.
• Prosecuted breach of commercial lease dispute in arbitration against large corporate tenant of Downtown Houston office space.