Burleson LLP Fuels Regional Growth Strategy, Adding 8 Attorneys in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Burleson LLP today announced that eight attorneys have joined its San Antonio office, fueling the firm's strategy to increase its presence in the region and strengthen its litigation and title capabilities for oil and gas companies with interests in the Eagle Ford Shale.  

With these additional lawyers, Burleson's San Antonio location now includes 17 attorneys, whose practice areas run the gamut from experienced litigators and board-certified oil and gas lawyers to those with strong backgrounds in oil and gas title matters.  

To support this recent growth, the office moved to a new location in the Weston Center.  The firm has leased nearly 10,000 square feet of office space on the seventh floor of the building, which is located at 112 East Pecan Street.  

"Our rapidly growing team of attorneys is direct evidence of our commitment to being the go-to energy law firm for companies in the Eagle Ford Shale and other major U.S. shale plays," said Rick Burleson, managing partner.  "In the few short months since we opened this location, we've added 14 attorneys altogether and enhanced a range of key practice areas, including litigation.  Our goal is to continue to build upon that momentum and reinforce our ability to meet virtually any legal requirement of oil and gas companies in the region."

The eight newest attorneys are:

• Dustin M. Ammons, who is experienced in onshore exploration and production matters, specifically as they relate to oil and gas transactions, operational concerns as well as land and title issues, and who has considerable experience in all aspects of title examination – from research and analysis to drafting of oil and gas title opinions – and in counseling clients on title deficiencies and objections to title.
• Justin T. Dolan, who focuses his practice on oil and gas title law, handling leasing, surface use, and right-of-way, and analyzing, drafting, and negotiating joint operating and purchase and sale agreements. 
• Christian B. Goff, who has represented clients in zoning, land, and environmental issues, has conducted oil and gas title examinations and negotiated contract disputes, and now focuses his practice on title examination, rendering title opinions and advising clients on a wide variety of oil and gas title issues.
• Jon A. Hutnyak, whose experience includes an extensive understanding of real estate and oil and gas title law, advising clients on title examinations and curative issues, and reviewing and drafting exploration and development documentation.  
• Philip W. Moore, who, in addition to being an experienced litigator with a broad background in employment law and in matters relating to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act, has considerable experience in oil and gas title law, leasing, surface use, and right-of-way issues.
• Kristal A. Snelson, who has analyzed and interpreted deeds, contracts, agreements, assignments, and other title instruments affecting surface and mineral estates, royalty interests, developmental interests, and various other complex oil and gas title issues. 
• Preston W. Ward, LL.M., who is experienced in all aspects of title examination – from research and analysis to drafting of oil and gas title opinions – and in counseling clients on title deficiencies and objections to title in the acquisition and development of land. 
• David G. Williford, who has handled commercial real estate transactions – including complex multi-state and portfolio transactions – involving financing, acquisition, development, leasing, rights-of-way and disposition of properties. 

The growth of Burleson's San Antonio location is part of the firm's larger strategy to strengthen its capabilities on a national scale.

In addition to these eight new hires, the firm recently added eight attorneys to its Pittsburgh location to broaden the scope of services provided to companies with interests in the Marcellus Shale.  Since opening in September 2009, the Pittsburgh office has grown from four to 30 attorneys.  

Six lawyers were also hired in Houston, where Burleson LLP recently moved into new offices in the downtown Pennzoil Building, virtually doubling its square footage.  

About Burleson LLP

Burleson LLP has earned a reputation as the energy law firm the energy industry goes to. It has grown significantly in recent years with over 80 attorneys and offices in Houston, San Antonio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Serving clients in the upstream and midstream segments, the firm provides counsel to oil and gas producers, transportation companies, storage and processing businesses, and energy service providers. Burleson's far-reaching experience includes mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; finance; private equity; venture capital; securities; corporate governance and compliance; patents and intellectual property; title review; real estate; litigation; and bankruptcy/restructuring, land use, and environmental law. For further information, visit www.burlesonllp.com.

SOURCE Burleson LLP