Oil & Gas
Strategic Counsel for Energy Development, Land Use, and Property Rights
Energy Leasing, Land Use, and Development Matters Involving Oil and Gas Assets
WH Burkley advises landowners, businesses, developers, and investors on oil and gas leasing, land use, and energy-related development matters. We provide practical, business-focused counsel to help clients structure agreements, protect property rights, manage operational impacts, and maximize the value of their assets.
Oil and gas development often involves complex ownership, regulatory, and operational considerations. We work closely with clients to align leasing and land use strategies with broader business, investment, and property objectives while protecting long-term interests.
Oil & Gas Leasing
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating oil and gas leases
• Evaluating royalty structures and financial terms
• Lease amendments, extensions, and modifications
• Advising landowners on development rights and obligations
• Representation of individual and multi-party landowner interests
Land Use & Development
• Surface use and development agreements
• Access road, easement, and right-of-way agreements
• Infrastructure and utility-related matters
• Coordination of energy development with existing land uses
• Support for long-term property and development planning
Operational & Regulatory Matters
• Regulatory and permitting considerations
• Zoning and land use compliance issues
• Water use, resource management, and related agreements
• Seismic testing and gas storage matters
• Coordination with governmental and regulatory agencies
Transactions & Asset Management
• Acquisition and disposition of oil and gas interests
• Due diligence and title review
• Transfer and conveyance documentation
• Portfolio and asset management strategies
• Integration of energy assets into broader real estate holdings
Disputes & Enforcement
• Lease interpretation and enforcement matters
• Surface and subsurface rights disputes
• Contract disputes involving operators and third parties
• Ownership and royalty-related conflicts
• Coordination with litigation and dispute resolution strategies
Our Approach
• Align leasing and land use strategies with each client’s operational and investment objectives
• Move matters forward efficiently from negotiation through implementation
• Coordinate across real estate, regulatory, and operational considerations
• Focus on protecting property rights while maximizing asset value
• Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and practical execution
Why WH Burkley
• Experience representing landowners, businesses, developers, and investors in oil and gas matters
• Strong understanding of energy development, property rights, land use, and operational considerations
• Ability to negotiate and structure leases, easements, rights-of-way, and related agreements
• Integration with real estate, regulatory, environmental, and litigation capabilities
• Responsive, partner-level service focused on protecting assets and maximizing long-term value
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Energy Law
- Band 2 – Oil & Gas Law
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.