Land Operations Attorney

Cnx; Canonsburg (Washington County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CNX is seeking a Land Operations Attorney who will conduct independent legal review of title opinions and related documents for surface and subsurface development in Canonsburg, PA. The role will coordinate curative measures, support acquisitions, and assist with title litigation.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of oil and gas title experience, a JD from an accredited law school, and is admitted to the PA or WV bar in good standing. On-site work in Canonsburg is required.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission in PA or WV in good standing.
• 5–7 years oil and gas title experience, including abstracting, title opinion reviewing and/or drafting, and title curative resolution.
• In-house experience at an oil and gas operator preferred, with some management responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of oil and gas title laws in PA & WV and of descent and distribution laws in PA and WV.
• Ability to work autonomously in a collegial team environment.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and mapping concepts.

Responsibilities

• Independently analyze title opinions and related documents to determine ownership and risks.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation recommendations; coordinate resolutions with relevant departments.
• Support Land Acquisitions by interpreting language and drafting leases, deeds, amendments and other instruments.
• Review and approve title for payment for lease and fee acquisitions.
• Review heirship documents to confirm current ownership.
• Calculate Net Revenue Interest and Working Interest for ownership units.
• Support Division Orders and assist with royalty distributions.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and vendors; draft legal memoranda; assist with title litigation.

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school

Bar admission in PA or WV (in good standing)

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

This Land Operations Attorney is responsible for the independent legal review of title opinions and other documents associated w/ subsurface and surface development, confirming the ownership, identifying associated operational risks, and coordinating the resolution/mitigation of risks to approve title for development. In addition, this role may work with departments like Division Orders, Acquisitions and Land Records to manage deliverables and full life-cycle title issues like suspense and litigation. This role is 5 days on-site in Canonsburg, PA.

Target Responsibilities

• Independently analyze title opinions, abstracts, exploration agreements (e.g. Farm-Outs, Farm-Ins, JOAs, AMIs, etc.) and other documents related to surface and subsurface development to determine ownership and any risks associated with title.
• Must be able to identify risks, develop curative/mitigation recommendations, advise the appropriate departments and coordinate the resolution of the curative/mitigation recommendations.
• Support Land Acquisitions by interpreting language and drafting various agreements (e.g. leases, deeds, amendments and ratifications, pooling declarations).
• Support Land Acquisitions by approving title for payment for lease and fee acquisitions.
• Review heirship documents to confirm current ownership.
• Calculate Net Revenue Interest, Working Interest and other related calculations associated with ownership in the oil and gas unit.
• Provide support to Division Orders to assist w/ royalty distribution.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and other vendors/brokers.
• Draft legal memoranda to assist with resolution of title issues.
• Work with Legal and outside counsel to support and resolve title litigation.
• Occasionally support third party transactions by managing and performing due diligence for land transactions.
• Provide support to Business Development and Legal for special projects, as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality in the handling of all business activities.
• Additional duties as directed or assigned.
• Serve as a steward of the CNX Mission and Core Values (Responsibility, Ownership and Excellence).

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania or West Virginia state bar. (Candidate must not have been disbarred from any jurisdiction or allowed to voluntarily surrender a bar membership while under investigation or in the face of public allegations alleging improper, criminal or unethical behavior.)
• At least 5-7 years oil and gas title experience including but not limited to: abstracting, title opinion reviewing and/or drafting and title curative resolution. In-house experience at an oil and gas operator preferred with some experience with management responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of laws relating to oil and gas title in Pennsylvania & West Virginia.
• Strong understanding of Pennsylvania and West Virginia laws of descent and distribution.
• Ability to successfully function in a collegial team environment.
• Must possess the ability to manage the review and curative progress of numerous units at a time with a high degree of autonomy.
• Must possess fine attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess effective math skills and ability to calculate Net Revenue Interest andWorking Interest on a tract, lease and production unit basis.
• Must possess basic computer skills – Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Must possess a basic understanding of geographic, surveying and mapping skills.