Staff Counsel - Surface Land

Diamondback Energy; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Diamondback Energy, located in Midland, Texas, is seeking a Staff Counsel to provide legal support for its Surface Land and Operations group. The role involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various surface-related agreements and advising on property-related matters within the organization.

This position requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and at least five years of legal experience in the oil and gas sector. Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Five (5+) years of legal experience in law firm, government, or in-house.
• Active admission to a state bar with ability to practice in Texas.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support for surface development related to oil and gas operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate surface-related agreements.
• Advise on property-related transactional and commercial matters.

Skills

Legal support for surface development

Drafting and negotiating agreements

Advisory on property and commercial matters

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Overview

The Staff Counsel will provide legal support to the Company’s Surface Land and Operations group on matters related to surface issues in connection with mineral development and operations. This role will focus on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating surface-related agreements, infrastructure development, midstream operations, and asset acquisitions, divestitures and exchanges, while also advising business units on a broad range of property, operational, and commercial matters across the Company. Title and level will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities Include but are not limited to

• Provide legal support to the Surface Land and Operations teams on matters related to surface development for oil and gas operations, joint operations, pipelines, infrastructure, midstream operations, and surface use and other property rights and obligations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate surface-related agreements, including:
• Surface Use Agreements
• Rights-of-Way and Easements (surface and subsurface)
• Water purchase, takeaway, and offload agreements
• Saltwater disposal agreements
• Advise departments and business units on property-related transactional and commercial matters
• Deliver timely, practical legal guidance across land, operations, and commercial activities

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Active admission to a state bar; ability to practice in-house in Texas
• Five (5+) years of legal experience (law firm, government, or in-house)
• Upstream and/or midstream oil & gas experience, including complex property matters and agreement negotiation
• Strong ability to advise on contractual matters related to oil and gas infrastructure, development, and operations
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities
• Demonstrated ability to draft and review complex legal documents and provide practical business-focused advice in a fast-paced environment

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Work Authorization: Diamondback Energy does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position

Diamondback is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Diamondback provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, veteran or disability status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Diamondback participates in E-Verify. Learn more about E-Verify.