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 statewide royalty owner class action lawsuits, handles complex multi-party field rules hearings, and counsels oil and gas clients on state regulatory and case law 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 matters, exploration and development agreements, purchase and sale agreements, due diligence, title opinions and advice on the legal aspects of operational decisions.
Experience
David protects the interests of oil and gas companies in business litigation, including royalty owner class actions, disputes involving joint exploration agreements, 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
News
Speaking Engagements
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
Publications
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
Landman's Association of North Dakota
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
