Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by TillisTorme on September 1, 2010 at 6:11am

WG alum? Cool, me, too! '84. Had to ask since the WC Curtis spelled his name the same. How is your leasing situation going?

Permalink Reply by Martha Ann Murray on February 20, 2010 at 1:14pm

I would love to have a recommendation. Other family members are using Dave Hook in Waynesburg. I don't mind paying for advice, but not on a percentage basis.

Permalink Reply by Thomas P. Hartzfeld on February 15, 2010 at 12:54pm

I work with landowners in Clearfield, Jefferson and Centre counties regarding leases but have no experiance in your area, I have been helped by Dave Hook on other matters and was very happy with the results. I don't know what he charges but he was very knowledgable and helpful.

Permalink Reply by Patrick VanO on February 1, 2010 at 2:56am

@Ruby_99 I would recommend you only pay attorneys on an hourly basis, not based on a percentage of the bonus, and never in a million years would I pay an attorney using a percentage of the royalty if I owned over 5 net acres. A lease shouldn't take more than a couple hours to draft / alter (probably all they'll do is add a page of addendums), so I wouldn't think you'd be looking at more than $1,000 in legal fees in a normal situation (assuming about a $350 hourly rate), particularly in a place like Greene County right now where the land owner has a lot of negotiating power. I'd also only work with an attorney that has worked *exclusively* in oil and gas for at least a decade. It's hard to find but it's worth it.

Permalink Reply by TillisTorme on February 10, 2010 at 6:28pm

When I was first contacted about an offer on my property, I contacted 2 different attorneys in Greene, one that I knew personally. Both tried to do the percentage of everything deal on me. Wouldn't even talk to me w/out at least $500 in their hand first. Have known the one guy since my parents were clients of his dad's and, dontcha know, he was the worst of the 2-wanted $500 dn. and $600/hr or 10% of all. Frankly, from what I've heard, Greene lawyers never really did much of the gas thing except for storage leases, just coal mainly. NG is a whole different ball game. I went out of county and I'll gladly refer you my lawyer in Canonsburg. Call Smith-Butz Law 745-5121. Ask for John Smith and tell him your situation. He'll talk to you no charge and tell you what's up. They do a bonus-only percentage or hourly. I had to go on a percentage because I had no money to do the hourly. And I'm out-of-state! I can't say enough about the work they did for me. Started w/ a $1000/12.5/5+5 and ended w/ $5000/20/5 w/ROFR. They kept me updated daily and in the loop. I worked mainly w/ Melissa Robb, who has a long history and lots of experience in O&G. Maybe, I gave up a little more from the bonus, but that 20% will MORE than make up for it. And I'm coming out about $400,000 ahead w/ a great lease than if I would've tried to go it alone. I feel we did the best thing by contacting them. Tell 'em that Melissa in FL sent you. Any ?s, you can PM me.
Mel

Permalink Reply by Crystal on March 17, 2010 at 9:46am

Thank you so so so much. I am back to the drawing board on the lease side and I wanted an attorney and one definetly not from Greene,I don't want an attorney to learn abut O & G leasing on my dime. I had no idea who to call.

Permalink Reply by TillisTorme on September 1, 2010 at 6:12am

Crystal, how have things worked out for you?

Permalink Reply by Martha Ann Murray on February 14, 2010 at 8:42pm

Is anyone familiar with David Hook, atty, in Waynesburg?

Permalink Reply by Curtis Huffman on February 15, 2010 at 7:55am

the Hook family in waynesburg have been in law a long time; judge hook was the sitting county judge for many years back in the 60's....the law firm is considered reputable by locals i have talked about, but i am not sure as to their Gas/Oil lease experience....good luck and always, if/when i make a choice or get some good intel on who is good/bad, I will share it in the forum....

Permalink Reply by Martha Ann Murray on February 17, 2010 at 4:03pm

Thanks so much. I want to be fair in paying for knowledge and help, but I don't care to have anyone getting a percentage for the duration.

Permalink Reply by Lease Expert on February 15, 2010 at 10:57am

Not recommended, ask locals they can explain way..

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