David guides transactions, resolves disputes and navigates regulatory requirements for oil and gas companies, with an easy demeanor born of deep experience.

Overview

David provides legal counsel to oil and gas companies in many phases of their business. His counsel ranges from litigation and transactions to title opinions and regulatory concerns. He defends royalty owner and landowner lawsuits, handles complex regulatory hearings, and counsels oil and gas clients on state regulatory rules and applicable laws pertinent to their operations.

With a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of the oil and gas industry, David represents the interests of oil and gas exploration and production companies, including majors, independents and small independents, and also mid-stream companies. His counsel includes litigation in state and federal courts, state regulatory hearings and compliance, exploration and development agreements, purchase and sale agreements, eminent domain for pipelines, title opinions and advice on the legal aspects of operational decisions.

Experience

David represents the interests of oil and gas companies in litigation, including royalty owner class actions, disputes involving joint exploration agreements, landowner disputes, and title litigation.

Professionally involved in the industries he serves, David was formerly president of the Oil, Gas & Mineral Law section of the Kansas Bar Association and teaches law students about mineral, oil and gas law.

David frequently presents on oil and gas issues at professional and industry seminars and conferences.

He is recognized for commercial and regulatory litigation experience in oil and gas law, energy and natural resources.

News & Insights

Speaking Engagements

"Production in 'Paying Quantities' and Maintaining Oil and Gas Leases Beyond the Primary Term," Wichita Bar Association, Kansas Oil and Gas CLE Seminar, October 29, 2021

Panelist, "Title Opinions and Issues Panel," 43rd Annual KBA/KIOGA Oil & Gas CLE, October 12, 2018

"A Practical Overview of Joint Operating Agreements," 42nd Annual KBA/KIOGA Oil & Gas CLE, October 6, 2017

"Abandoned Well Responsibility-The Risk Meter is on the Move," Kansas Bar Association, 2017 Spring Oil, Gas & Mineral CLE, Hays, KS, March 3, 2017

"Compliance and Regulatory Professionals," Hartrick Symposium: Career Paths for Young Attorneys in the Energy Sector, April 2016

"The Shock of Low Oil Prices: What Can and Should an Operator Do in Response?," Kansas Bar Association, 2016 Spring Oil, Gas & Mineral CLE, Hays, KS; March 4, 2016

Recognitions

Recognitions

David was included in the 2008-2013 and 2020 editions of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business for litigation: general commercial

Named “Lawyer of the Year” for 2015 in Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) and 2017 and 2021 in Oil & Gas Law, Wichita Business Journal

Included in the listing of The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation-Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Oil & Gas Law, 2009 - 2025

Named to the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers top lists for Energy & Natural Resources, 2008 - Present

Professional & Civic Activities

Professional & Civic Activities

Wichita Association of Petroleum Landmen

Kansas Bar Association

Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Section, President, 2011-2013

Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation

Institute for Energy Law Advisory Board, The Center for American and International Law

Instructor, Mineral Title Examination, Washburn University School of Law, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019

Instructor, Oil and Gas Conservation Law & Practice, Washburn University School of Law, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Practices & Industries

Admissions

  • Kansas, 1984
  • North Dakota, 2016
  • United States District Court, District of Kansas
  • United States District Court, District of Arizona
  • United States District Court, District of Montana
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Education

University of Kansas, J.D., 1984

University of Kansas, B.S., with honors, 1981

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