Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation
Michael Mann, The Land Department, Inc., and Cypress Rock Land Services, LLC, Southern District of Texas
Defended The Land Department and related entities in case arising from the operation of an oilfield prospect in Walker and San Jacinto Counties. R.P. Small, the operator of the prospect, alleged that the defendants, who had provided land services, were actually contract operators responsible for the entire prospect and that they had improperly performed their duties in that role. R.P. Small claimed more than $10 million in damages. Case settled for less than $5,000 to R.P. Small after the Court granted defendants' motion to dismiss most of R.P. Small's claims.
Type of Case: JOA Disputes, Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation
Confidential Arbitration, in the American Arbitration Association
Represented major oil and gas operator in an arbitration against one of its largest oilfield service providers based on disposal services provided in the Permian Basin. Sought more than $5 million for repayment of improper overcharges and defended against counterclaim seeking nearly $1.5 million in damages. Settled case in exchange for seven-figure settlement in operator’s favor.
Type of Case: Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation, Accounting & Audit Disputes, Energy Arbitrations
Confidential Arbitration, in the American Arbitration Association
Represented major oil and gas company in a contract dispute with a significant oilfield services company over the provision of wellheads used on oil and gas wells in major shale plays. Filed arbitration demanding millions of dollars based on overcharges related to the provision of oilfield equipment. Oilfield services company counterclaimed, seeking more than $37 million in damages. Following a six-day final hearing, obtained a unanimous order from panel in favor of client. Subsequently settled case in exchange for payment of nearly 100% of contract damages and interest sought in the arbitration.
Type of Case: Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation, Accounting & Audit Disputes, Energy Arbitrations
Carrizo Oil & Gas, in the 157th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas
Represented Carrizo in a breach-of-contract and fraud lawsuit filed against it by Seitel, a provider of seismic data. Seitel sought seven-figure damages based on an alleged violation of the parties’ seismic-data agreement related to Carrizo’s drilling of wells in the Eagle Ford Shale. After discovery, obtained summary judgment dismissing all claims in the case.
Type of Case: Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation
BHP Billiton Petroleum (Eagle Ford), in the 81st Judicial District Court, Atascosa County, Texas
Represented a variety of BHP Billiton-affiliated entities in a breach of contract case brought by an oilfield services contractor. After limited discovery, moved for summary judgment on all claims in case. On the eve of the summary judgment hearing, resolved case by having contractor release all claims against BHP Billiton-affiliated entities.
Type of Case: Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation
Superior Silica Sands, in the 189th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas
Represented Superior Silica Sands in a breach of contract case against EP Energy. Filed claim for breach of contract based on EP Energy’s failure to take a required amount of sand under the parties’ contract. Case settled following discovery.
Type of Case: Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation
Confidential Arbitration, in the American Arbitration Association
Represented major offshore oil and gas operator in arbitration related to indemnity obligations based on lawsuit brought regarding offshore oil and gas operations. Filed arbitration against oilfield services company seeking indemnity based one earlier lawsuit and defended counterclaim from oilfield services provider. Settled case in exchange for payment to operator client.
Type of Case: Indemnification Disputes, Offshore Disputes, Energy Arbitrations, Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation
Petrohawk Energy, in the 36th Judicial District Court, McMullen County, Texas
Represented Petrohawk in defending against claims that it had failed to pay Overwatch for “gate guard” services provided on leases in the Eagle Ford Shale. Hired several months before trial and discovered arbitration provision that allowed Petrohawk to exit from an unfavorable venue. Sought and secured an emergency stay of the case pending an appellate court ruling on motion to compel arbitration. Immediately following the court’s granting of the stay, secured settlement of all claims.
Type of Case: Oilfield Service & Vendor Litigation