Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on August 7, 2009 at 13:19

Olivia. References from satisfied clients are a good barometer of professional competence. Especially if the referrer is an actual client as opposed to a friend. Or family member of the attorney recommended. The best unbiased information on attorneys comes by way of Martindale-Hubble, IMHO. Click on the link below.

http://www.martindale.com/

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Permalink Reply by Olivia on August 7, 2009 at 13:39

Great link. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by M. Mcwilliams on August 8, 2009 at 4:30

Except that Martindale-Hubbel charges lawyers to list the ratings, so it's not all unbiased. Here's a blog post by a New Orleans attorney explaining this (he also gives some good pointers on choosing an attorney)

http://tinyurl.com/n26yk9

Actually, just from googling his name, I learned that he's one of the attorneys who handled the tobacco litigation class action in Louisiana, the class action against the Corps of Engineers over the levee breaks, and is currently involved in the case concerning sale of toxic drywall in the New Orleans area. Sounds like a heavy hitter of a plaintiff's lawyer.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on August 8, 2009 at 5:19

I find the Martindale-Hubbell peer reviews for attorneys/firms that I have knowledge of to be accurate. It is one tool in finding qualified legal representation and should not be the sole determining factor in a decision to engage legal services. Though Mr. Svenson takes exception with the business practice of M-H, he still pays $59 for his listing. And unlike his website, he forgoes the use of his slick moniker, "Ernie The Attorney". One benefit of the M-H index is determining areas of practice. Ernie isn't an O&G attorney.

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Permalink Reply by J B Nabors on August 8, 2009 at 5:45

The first two questions you should ask (IMHO) a prospective plaintiff's lawyer are:

1. What kind of experience do you have in O&G litigation?
2. Do you or your firm have a conflict representing my interests in litigation against a particular oil company.

If there is a conflict, RUN -- don't walk -- to the exit. How can you expect a lawyer to represent you fairly if he or his firm is being paid millions by your opponent?

I would be interested in knowing what cases the lawyer (or firm) has successfully represented recently and against whom. Ideally, I would want someone who is good and experienced and who specializes in plaintiff suits and claims.

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Permalink Reply by insomniacnla on August 8, 2009 at 5:52

One item that probably should be considered (along with expertise, ability etc.) when employing an attorney is the location of the property and jurisdiction and the location of the attorney. If an attorney out of New Orleans is hired, you will have to pay that attorney's travel time and expenses which are normally the same rate as if the attorney was in court. If the attorney has to travel 6 hours round-trip for a small court appearance, you will pay the same hourly rate as if the attorney was doing research or in the actual courtroom. I don't think it is wrong or in error that the attorney has to bill for those items, just that it adds up for a landowner.

I also remember seeing a case in the last few months where an attorney asked for a class-action status concerning the lease bonus issue and the class-action status was denied because no two landowner's issues were the same.

Would it benefit anyone if someone compiled a summary of local ongoing cases and their current status, including the attorneys involved in these cases? I would not want to include the exact names of the plaintiffs because I would not want to put anyone's legal business on the website, but I could include the information by docket numbers and by court district and the issues involved.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on August 8, 2009 at 6:05

JB. Agreed. And quite a few good O&G attorneys have conflicts. That is usually because much of their practice is in, for this example, O & G. The good ones will inform a prospective client and decline to provide representation. Those that are conscientious in this way can usually be trusted to provide referrals. It is good practice to speak with more than one. It is a usual professional practice for an attorney to provide a limited initial interview at no charge. Go prepared. Look 'em in the eye. And after the meeting, trust your instincts.

insomniacnla. Would you agree that the Shreveport-Bossier legal community includes a good number of capable and experienced O&G attorneys? IMO. It is an area of legal practice where we have qualified local attorneys. I like your idea of a compilation of cases. I would venture that many of the members would find such a report of interest and of value. Please consider it.

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Permalink Reply by insomniacnla on August 8, 2009 at 7:22

I personally believe that there are several qualified attorneys in the Shreveport/Bossier area that could provide services in o/g related issues. A listing of the attorneys and the issues they are currently representing could let members see what is being done and by whom and to show that local attorneys can handle these issues. I'll have to ask Keith about it because I don't want to be advertising services on his site without his approval.

The Shreveport/Bossier area is quite lucky in the way that it has a history of oil and gas and attorneys that have specialized in those issues. Many attorneys made a good living before the bust in the early 80s. After the bust, there were still a handful that continued to specialize in oil and gas but they had to also begin practicing in other areas, now those attorneys are back in demand.

I agree that it is a good idea to find out if an attorney has a conflict of interest but most will be upfront about it. Some won't even return a call from a new client if such a conflict exists because they don't want to get involved in any conflict and they don't want to lose the existing clients over it.

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Permalink Reply by E & E on August 8, 2009 at 7:27

Skip,
I have to agree a compilation of cases would be of interest and value.

insomniacnla,
I second the please consider :-D

Earlene the barefooted UMO

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Permalink Reply by sesport on August 8, 2009 at 15:19

IMO, one should also check with the Sec. of State's database for business registry (this gives appropriate business addresses, too). Also check LABA for registry to practice in the state. There is also a website for the disciplinary arm of the LA Bar Assoc. that can be checked for hearings and/or findings.

best of luck - :0)

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