Oil and Gas Law
Rhine Ernest LLP is located in the heart of the Illinois Basin. Our attorneys have nearly a century of combined experience in handling the various agreements and legal issues attendant to oil and gas transactions. From analysis, negotiation and documentation of transactions related to exploration, development and operation of oil and gas properties, to performance of due diligence and preparation of agreements for the acquisition or disposition of oil and gas properties, Rhine Ernest LLP provides its energy clients with efficient, effective and professional legal counsel.
Industry Experience
Members of the firm have the knowledge and experience of direct involvement in oil and gas exploration and production. We understand how the industry works. There is no substitute for a strong background in the oil and gas industry and we have it.
Project Leasing
Boom or boomlet, we have helped many companies acquire exploration rights over large areas in the Illinois Basin and elsewhere. When it happens, it happens fast and we are prepared to work quietly and quickly on sensitive acquisition projects.
Complex Oil and Gas Litigation
Litigation regarding oil and gas production involves a legal landscape unique to the industry and it often presents factual scenarios which are best understood by counsel who know this complex business. Multiple parties, suspended funds, highly technical engineering and geological questions mean that speed, flexibility and comprehension are invaluable attributes for counsel handling the difficult lawsuits that arise from the oilfields. Rhine Ernest LLP has decades of experience in this area of law.
Title Opinions
We have decades of experience in examining title and issuing Pre-drill Opinions for oil company clients, Division Order Opinions for crude oil purchasers and Financing Opinions for banks and commercial lenders. We do so with three things in mind: absolute accuracy, promptness, and cost. We understand that delays are costly to producers.
Documentation of Transactions
Whether drafting a simple oil and gas lease, gas storage agreements, assignments, financing documents or a complex unit participation agreement, we work quickly and efficiently with knowledge of the intricacies of the Illinois Basin oil industry. Decades of experience have taught us the importance of being able to respond quickly to the client's needs with sufficient resources to accomplish the task in a timely manner. "Get it done now" is extremely important to the oil and gas operator and we are sensitive to this goal.