Led internal investigation and served as national counsel for international drilling fluids company during joint investigations and hearings by the U.S. Coast Guard/Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement in the immediate aftermath of the blowout and explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig and the subsequent largest oil spill in history.
Represented E&P company against entity of famed wildcatter T. Boone Pickens involving allegations of misappropriation and breach of contract arising out of a Participation/Area of Mutual Interest Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement involving Delaware Basin properties. Plaintiff’s damage allegations exceeding $1 billion. After a three-week jury trial, plaintiff was awarded approximately $12 million against client, but that amount was subsequently taken away by the judge upon JNOV filings, resulting in a take-nothing judgment being entered and awarding my client costs and fees.
Represented limited partner of one of the nation’s largest franchisees for quick service restaurants after his expulsion by his partners. Case settled with client receiving a favorable division of the enterprise’s assets and stores.
Represented oilfield service company against allegations by E&P company of defective cementing services, seeking to recover redrill costs exceeding $12 million. A unanimous arbitration panel issued a take-nothing judgment in client’s favor and awarded attorneys’ fees and costs.
Represented international seismic company against claims of tortious interference and an $8.5 billion USD damage model arising out of an offshore oil and gas concession in West Africa. The trial court dismissed the case on forum non conveniens grounds in favor of the Republic of Togo.
Represented entities in shareholder derivative litigation accused of misappropriation of confidential information related to Mississippian acreage in Oklahoma and Kansas involving damage claims exceeding $1 billion. Clients settled for $500,000, significantly less than projected defense costs.
Represented oilfield service company in blowout-related litigation and damages demand exceeding $90 million. After the first week of trial, the case settled for a favorable, confidential amount.
Represented Norwegian maritime company in federal litigation and parallel arbitration brought by Mexican affiliate and allegations of theft of trade secrets and breach of agency agreement. Case settled for favorable amount on the eve of trial.
Represented seismic company against international E&P company in multi-national litigation arising out of West African data shoots and licensing agreements. After securing dismissal of the opposing party’s $450 million counterclaim, the case settled favorably the day before trial, with the client receiving a recovery exceeding $10 million.
Represented coiled tubing company against E&P company’s claims of negligence involving multimillion-dollar damage model for fishing costs and lost production. Client netted $2.35 million by way of settlement.
Represented oilfield service provider against offshore E&P company claims alleging negligent provision of cementing services caused the need for a $12 million sidetrack well. A unanimous arbitration panel rejected the operator’s claims, limiting the award to less than 5 percent of damages alleged, with each side bearing its own fees and costs.
Representing oilfield service company against proppant supplier’s multimillion-dollar claims related to canceled purchase orders.
Representing equipment supplier against manufacturer’s unused inventory and related claims exceeding $10 million.
Defended drilling fluids company in lawsuit by operator alleging that deficient fluids program resulted in loss of well.
Defended equipment manufacturer in lawsuit alleging that defectively designed and installed liner top packer caused operator to incur fishing/workover costs and reservoir damages.
Defended engineering services firm against allegations that deficient supervision and implementation of drilling program caused loss of productive well.
Defended equipment rental company in wrongful death case alleging defective design and installation of blowout preventer.
Defended supplier of tubular goods in various lawsuits alleging defective products.
Defended driller in lawsuit claiming loss of well.
Defended driller against claims of operational deficiencies resulting in stuck pipe and lost well.
Defended drilling fluids provider in blowout case against personal injury and property damage claims.
Defended wellsite consultant in personal injury case against allegations of deficient supervision.
Defended equipment rental company against operator in blowout case alleging deficient goods and services related to rental of blowout preventer.
Prosecuted more than 100 mineral lien claims for drillers and other providers of oilfield goods and services against operators and other stakeholders.
Prosecuted several significant collection actions arising out of improper transfer of seismic data and breaches of licensing agreements.
Litigated IADC contracts and indemnities for numerous clients.
Prosecuted claims of tubular distributor against seller for nondelivery of product.
Prosecuted claims of fishing company for unpaid invoices and defended against counterclaims alleging deficient goods and services.
Defended numerous personal injury matters arising out of oil and gas operations.
Negotiated hundreds of domestic, offshore, and international master service agreements between operators and a variety of service companies.
Managed internal investigations into employee wrongdoing for several publicly traded companies, arising out of activities in the U.S. and internationally.
Represented former plant manager in national False Claims Act litigation.
Prosecuted indemnity claims on behalf of former manager for brokerage for amounts expended during governmental investigation.
Prosecuted investor claims in civil court against company and related individuals related to "pump and dump" scheme. Defendant subsequently convicted and incarcerated.
Prosecuted civil claims against oil and gas operator pertaining to alleged Ponzi scheme. Defendants subsequently convicted and incarcerated.
Prosecuted investors’ civil claims related to fraudulent non-profit lending activities. Defendant subsequently convicted and incarcerated.
Prosecuted civil claims against former employee for fraudulent warranty programs sold to client's customers.
Prosecuted civil claims against subcontractor for fraudulent invoicing.
Prosecuted civil claims in dummy invoicing scheme against former employee.
Represented equipment finance company in actions against borrowers.
Prosecuted bank loan defaults against real estate developers and guarantors.
Prosecuted claims for lender pertaining to defaults of small business loans.
Represented numerous judgment creditors in actions involving extraordinary remedies such as receivership, turnover, garnishment, sequestration, and attachment, as well as veil piercing theories.
Enforced all types of security interests and liens against real and personal property through remedies of foreclosure, sequestration, and attachment.
Represented manufacturer of reflective sheeting used in highway signs against breach of warranty claims.
Prosecuted claims against buyer of specialty manufactured goods for failure to accept delivery.
Represented centrifuge rental company against breach of warranty claims and allegations of lost profits.
Drafted rental and sale terms and conditions for several providers of goods.
Defended national seller of hardwood flooring against consumer complaints and litigation.