Prior Experience: Mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appellate proceedings related to oil and gas issues and general commercial disputes in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Texas, and Alaska. Briefing to the Colorado Court of Appeals, Colorado Supreme Court, Wyoming Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of Wyoming and Utah, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. 

As lead trial and appellate counsel, secured a zero jury verdict in defense against a claim for more than $90 million in purported contract damages in Wyoming state district court in 2013, affirmed on appeal by the Wyoming Supreme Court in May 2014. As lead trial counsel in 2011, obtained breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty judgments against a federal unit operator in Utah state district court. As lead trial counsel in 2009, participated in defeating a speculative railroad condemnation action in Wyoming federal district court. Served as arbitration co-counsel in the successful defense of a $45 million claim regarding midstream issues in Texas. Served as trial and appellate co-counsel in obtaining a $3 million jury verdict regarding the purchase of an Alaskan fishing lodge (verdict upheld in its entirety by the Wyoming Supreme Court). 

Frequently advise clients regarding surface access agreements and the Wyoming Surface Entry Act and represent clients in a wide variety of business transactions, including acquisition and divestiture of multi-million dollar oil and gas assets and other commercial properties. 

In my free time, I am a private pilot who loves to explore backcountry airstrips throughout the western United States. 

Martindale Hubble Rating: AV

Specialties: 
Civil Litigation
Surface Use Agreements
Transactions
Entity Formation and Advising
Mediation