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Companies across the energy sector rely on Lightfoot's experienced counsel.

From disputes involving oil and gas exploration and production, to lawsuits arising out of transportation, refining and marketing activities, Lightfoot handles the kind of complex matters that are a hallmark of this industry. As staunch allies, we advocate for our clients in state and federal courts around the country, as well as in domestic and international arbitrations.

Lightfoot's clients include leading names in the industry and companies working in all sectors of the market. They are some of the world’s largest oil and gas producing and refining companies, as well as independents in the areas of exploration and production, drilling and transportation. We also represent oilfield services companies, engineering companies and other service companies in the industry.

We frequently handle high-stakes business disputes related to various energy-related agreements, including:

  • Asset purchase and sale agreements
  • Oil and gas leases
  • Joint operating agreements
  • Joint development agreements
  • Drilling contracts
  • Supply and trading agreements
  • Transportation agreements

Lightfoot lawyers have deep experience with JOA disputes; royalty litigation; AMI disputes; force majeure claims; take-or-pay provisions and minimum volume commitments; and claims arising from the sale of upstream and midstream assets. We also handle environmental contamination and indemnification claims, both for active operations — including drilling, transportation and refining — and legacy liabilities.

As a boutique trial firm, Lightfoot focuses on efficiency and results for our clients — and we staff our cases accordingly. We also have the ability to offer flexible arrangements tailored to each client and case, rather than being tied to billable hours. In short, we are a lean trial firm that knows the energy industry. We leverage our experience and understanding of our clients’ businesses to resolve energy disputes efficiently, whether through early settlement, trial or appeal.

Representative Matters

Serving as lead plaintiffs’ counsel in high profile energy performance contract dispute between the firm’s longstanding client, the City of Birmingham, and a Fortune 500 company and nationwide vendor of an energy performance contract promising over 102 million in savings over 18 years to Birmingham. After the close of discovery, the City of Birmingham obtained a 21.3-million-dollar settlement, consisting of cash and free services.

Representing ExxonMobil in the appeal of a jury verdict of more than $3.5 billion involving allegations of breach of contract and fraud relating to natural gas royalties. The Alabama Supreme Court reversed and remanded for a new trial. After another $3.5 billion judgment was entered on remand, we again appealed. In its next ruling, the Alabama Supreme Court reversed the punitive award in its entirety and remanded the case, instructing the lower court to reduce the compensatory award to $51 million.

Representing an international energy company in a crude oil supply and trading dispute related to operations in the D-J Basin. The plaintiff alleged that our client breached a crude supply agreement by failing to deliver agreed-upon volumes to a crude-by-rail facility in Colorado and by failing to pay alleged take-or-pay fees for undelivered volumes. The plaintiff also claimed that our client committed fraud in connection with alleged discussions related to an expansion of the plaintiff’s crude-by-rail facility. After the trial court gave the plaintiff an opportunity to conduct extensive discovery, it granted summary judgment dismissing all claims against our client.

Representing an independent oil and gas company in defending against breach of contract and fraud claims related to the sale of oil and gas properties. The buyer brought breach of contract and fraud claims based on alleged misrepresentations or failures to disclose the environmental condition of properties. The buyer also sought both damages and indemnification related to the properties. After working up the case, including depositions and expert analysis that uncovered the true grounds and scope of the plaintiff’s claims, the parties were able to reach a favorable business resolution.

Representing an independent producer in a lawsuit to prevent a surface owner from interfering with the producer’s right to drill and service wells on a large tract of land. The dispute was resolved favorably after obtaining injunctive relief prohibiting the surface owner’s interference.

Representing several oil companies in significant environmental contamination cases, including groundwater contamination litigation and pipeline spill cases.

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