Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote covers the Appalachian region where we are seeing a boom in the oil and gas industry. Companies focusing on gas and oil found in the Marcellus and Utica Shale Formations are leasing and drilling wells at a rapid rate. The DMC Oil & Gas Team is helping companies across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia face legal challenges in all aspects of oil and gas activity.

The Dickie McCamey team is focused on the representation of various companies in the oil and gas industry including operators, drillers, service companies, insurers, hauling and transportation companies, storage and distribution providers, purchasers, pipeline companies, and banks and financial institutions lending money to companies in this industry. Our team is poised to help in matters such as lease right issues, environmental compliance (in particular, issues surrounding waste water), well site catastrophes, construction zoning regulations, pipeline and storage area development and operation, and contracts and service agreements between companies as well as all employment matters. Our attorneys are very familiar with the ins and outs of litigation in the Appalachian region. Each member of our team has a unique background and can focus on specific matters in the areas of construction and engineering; energy and utilities; environmental regulation; water rights and water management; land use, planning and zoning; real estate; and transportation.

The dramatic increase in oil and gas activity also brings leasing issues, title issues, personal liability issues, accidents such as explosions and vehicle collisions, and property damage. The use of horizontal drilling is new in this region, and many of the issues surrounding it are unique. Law and regulations are being developed as the process continues.

 

Oil, Gas and Mineral Title Services Group

Title analysis, transactional practice, and litigation experience are brought to bear when the DMC Oil, Gas and Mineral Title Services Group drafts a certified opinion as to oil and gas interests or mineral interests.

 

Construction

Conflict is inevitable due to the complexities of today's projects, both public and private. Conflicts can result from any number of factors, including problems with materials, delivery delays, cost overruns, design flaws, inefficiencies of other contractors, or budget disputes. Our construction lawyers represent owners, contractors, vendors, subcontractors, and sureties throughout the country. Because we understand the challenges our clients face, we can provide enormous value in the areas of project analysis and legal strategy.

 

Environmental

The environmental issues in this industry are numerous and varied. There are many issues associated with the water used during the fracking process that may require special attention. These involve withdrawal issues, disposal issues, and transportation issues. Additional issues arise with pipeline construction, and the use of rural roadway systems not created for such heavy traffic. There are also many land-use challenges involving municipal authorities and their regulation of gas well development.

 

Leases and Purchase Acquisitions

There are many negotiations that take place between companies when reviewing land for development. Our team has been working in the oil and gas industry for many years and has handled matters involving all phases for the drilling of gas wells and the new horizontal drilling technology used in Marcellus and Utica Shale wells.

 

Liability – Well Site Catastrophes

When dealing with volatile hydrocarbons and unique safety issues, companies and insurers need to anticipate liability issues before they arise and stand ready to limit exposure when accidents occur. The well site presents unique issues that need to be understood and handled by experienced counsel. Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote understands the needs of our oil field clients and has the expertise to help anticipate and eliminate liability concerns before they occur and to protect companies that are faced with injury and damage cases in the oil patch. Our team of lawyers is ready 24/7 to respond to catastrophes throughout the Marcellus and Utica Shales.

 

Personal Injury Litigation

The drilling site for the exploration of natural gas can be a dangerous area for workers. The firm has been handling personal injury defense matters for over 100 years and is well positioned to address any incident that may occur on the site from injuries to catastrophic loss. Members of the firm have handled these types of cases in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, and Illinois.

 

Real Estate

We have attorneys in our Real Estate Group who work with companies on the various property issues, including title opinions necessary for property acquisitions.

In addition, our real estate team works with local municipalities on zoning issues and local regulations.

 

Transportation

Unfortunately, there is the potential for accidents in all phases of oil and gas operations, including the transportation of equipment and materials. Our team has in-depth experience in all types of vehicle accidents including vehicles used in the natural gas industry, Marcellus Shale industry, and others. The unique factual and legal issues involving these matters are common place for Dickie McCamey.

 

To learn more about the capabilities of the Energy Practice Group, contact Rodger L. Puz at 412-392-5527 or via e-mail at rpuz@dmclaw.com.