Expert Guidance When You Need It.
You Implement. You Get the Credit.
Hourly consultation with Texas oil & gas specialists for attorneys handling matters themselves. Get expert analysis and recommendations, no client contact from us, no complicated arrangements.
Confidential
Your client never knows we were involved
Quick Turnaround
Phone consults scheduled within 24-48 hours
Simple Billing
Hourly to you ($500/hr), you bill your client
Insider Knowledge
Attorney who worked 10 years inside oil companies + 40 years landman
HOW ATTORNEY CONSULTATION WORKS
You might be thinking: “If I need help, shouldn’t I just refer the client?”
Not always. Sometimes you want to maintain complete control and handle the matter yourself, you just need expert input on specific issues.
That’s exactly what attorney consultation is designed for.
You Stay in Complete Control
Your client never knows we exist (unless you choose to mention it or ethics rules requires it)
You receive expert analysis and recommendations from an attorney who worked inside oil companies + 40-year landman specialist
You implement recommendations in your own style and approach
You take full credit for the successful outcome
If you later tell your client: “I consulted with a Texas oil & gas specialist to make sure we had this right” you look thorough and meticulous, not unsure of yourself.
Common Consultation Scenarios
I need help understanding these lease terms
30-60 minute phone call walking through lease provisions, explaining implications, discussing negotiation leverage
Can you review this document and tell me what I'm missing?
Document review with written analysis identifying issues and recommendations
Does this division order calculation look right?
Quick verification of math and contract terms, explanation of any errors
Should I refer this matter to a specialist, or can I handle it?
Assessment call discussing complexity and whether your expertise plus our guidance is sufficient
What's this mineral title defect, and how complicated is it to fix?
Explanation of the issue, severity assessment, curative options and their complexity
I'm about to advise my client on their O&G situation am I missing anything?
Second opinion review of your proposed strategy and recommendations before client meeting
CONSULTATION DELIVERY FORMATS
Phone Consultation
How it works: • You schedule call at mutual convenient time
- You describe situation and specific questions
- We provide verbal guidance, answer
- Call billed in 6-minute increments
Best for: Quick questions, strategy discussions, verbal guidance sufficient
Typical duration: 1-2 hours depending on matter complexity
You receive: Notes from call (if requested), follow-up email summarizing key points
Document Review with Written Memo
How it works: • You send document (lease, deed, title commitment, survey, etc.)
- We review and prepare written analysis
- Memo delivered to you with findings and recommendations
Best for: Situations where written analysis helps you advise client or document file
Typical duration: 1-3 hours depending on document complexity
You receive: Written memorandum (typically 3-8 pages) analyzing document and providing recommendations
Email Response to Specific Questions
How it works: • You email specific question(s)
- We research and respond with detailed written answer
- Response includes analysis, relevant law/practice, recommendations
Best for: Narrow, specific questions where written response helpful
Typical duration: 0.5-1.5 hours depending on question complexity
You receive: Email response with thorough analysis (typically 500-1,500 words)
Second-Opinion Review
How it works: • You describe your proposed strategy or advice
- We review your approach and provide feedback
- Identify any risks, gaps, or alternative considerations
Best for: Before major client advisories or strategy implementation
Typical duration: 0.5-1.0 hours (depending on complexity)
You receive: Verbal or written assessment of your approach
WHAT WE PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON
Oil & Gas Lease Questions
- Interpretation of specific lease provisions
- Negotiation leverage assessment
- Market-standard vs. problematic terms
- Royalty and payment structure analysis
- Extension and expiration provisions
- Surface use and damages protections
Example questions we answer:
- “Does this post-production cost language hurt my client?”
- “Is 3/16 royalty acceptable in this area?”
- “What’s the leverage to negotiate this lease?”
- “Should my client sign this or negotiate?”
Mineral Title Issues
- Severity assessment of title defects
- Curative options and their complexity
- Heirship and probate complications
- Reservation vs. exception language
- Severed mineral interests
- Recording issues and gaps
Example questions we answer:
- “How serious is this title defect?”
- “What’s required to clear this for leasing?”
- “Can this be handled with affidavit, or does it need lawsuit?”
- “Is this title marketable for sale?
Division Order and Royalty Payment
- Calculation verification
- Contract term compliance
- Operator error identification
- Suspension and escrow issues
- Payment timing and accuracy
Example questions we answer:
- “Does this decimal look right based on the lease?”
- “Why would payments be suspended?”
- “What’s the correct royalty on this well?”
- “Should my client sign this division order?”
Surface Use and Property Rights
- Surface vs. mineral rights conflicts
- Access and use limitations
- Damages and compensation
- Agricultural operation protections
- Accommodation doctrine
Example questions we answer:
- “Can the operator do this on my client’s property?”
- “What surface use protections should we negotiate?”
- “Is my client entitled to surface damages?”
- “Can we restrict where they drill?”
Transaction Due Diligence
- Active lease impact on property value
- Operator obligations and performance
- Mineral reservation interpretation
- Title and survey review for O&G implications
- Purchase agreement provisions for minerals
Example questions we answer:
- “How does this active lease affect the sale?”
- “What O&G issues should buyer be concerned about?”
- “Is this mineral reservation problematic?”
- “What title exceptions relate to minerals?”
Estate Administration with Minerals
- Mineral asset valuation approaches
- Production coordination with operators
- Heirship and distribution strategies
- Tax considerations for mineral interests
- When specialist referral makes sense
Example questions we answer:
- “How do I value these mineral interests for estate?”
- “What’s involved in distributing minerals to heirs?”
- “Should this estate engage Oil & Gas specialist?”
- “What tax issues arise with producing minerals?”
NO CLIENT CONTACT FROM US
Even when providing consultation to you, we actively protect your client relationship.
If Your Client Discovers Us and Contacts Directly:
Client: “I saw on the invoice that you consulted with The Daughtrey Law Firm. Can I talk to them?”
Our Response: “Your current Attorney engaged us for consultation on specific technical questions. Your matter is being handled by them, and any questions about your situation should go through them. We provided guidance to your attorney they’re managing your representation.”
We immediately redirect to you.
We Don't Expand Consultation into Representation
If during consultation we identify issues requiring more substantial work:
Our approach:
- Flag the issue and explain its significance
- Provide recommendations for addressing it
- Let YOU decide whether to:
- Handle it yourself with our guidance
- Refer to us for project-based work
- Refer the matter entirely
- Take another approach
You control the client relationship and strategic decisions.
BUILDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE OVER TIME
Some attorneys use consultation services to build their own expertise in Texas oil & gas and property matters.
The educational benefit: After 5-10 consultations on similar issues, you’ve developed substantial knowledge yourself.
Long-term value: You become more confident handling Texas property matters independently, using us only for complex situations.
We’re okay with this. If our consultation helps you better serve your clients, that’s a win. And when you do encounter complexity beyond your growing expertise, you’ll know exactly who to call.
BILLING AND FEES
How It Works:
We bill you: Invoice sent to your firm for consultation time
You bill your client: Include in your fees as you see fit
No ethics issues: You’re purchasing expert consultation, common and accepted practice
Rates:
Attorney consultation: $500/hour
Billed in: 6-minute increments (0.1 hour minimum)
Quick questions: Often answered in 0.3-0.5 hours
Document review: Typically 1-3 hours
Complex strategy: May require 2-4 hours
You Receive:
- Detailed invoice showing time breakdown
- Description of consultation topics covered
- Any written work product (memos, analyses)
No Surprises:
If consultation will exceed estimated time, we notify you before continuing.
GETTING STARTED
Schedule a Consultation
The process is simple:
Step 1: Contact us with brief description of question/issue
Step 2: We provide time estimate and schedule call or begin review
Step 3: Consultation delivered (phone, memo, or email)
Step 4: You receive invoice
Step 5: You implement recommendations with your client
Simple. Confidential. Fast.