Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Land Manager, the Attorney is responsible for the review of title materials to determine, verify, analyze, and evaluate ownership of assets for acquisition, divesture, and/or development. This is an entry level position that will provide individuals with the training necessary to perform the job duties and responsibilities associated with title review.
Duties and Responsibilities:
•Review and interpret title abstracts, certified title opinions, agreements, and other documents to determine, verify, analyze, and evaluate ownership of the surface, oil, gas, and/or leasehold estates for acquisitions, divesture and/or development.
•Identify risks/defects associated with the chain of title of assets and make appropriate curative recommendations concerning those risks.
•Facilitate curative efforts that are aimed to minimize/resolve identified risks/defects by reviewing, drafting, editing, and/or revising curative instruments such as letters, leases, agreements, contracts, etc.
•Perform an analysis of existing title materials to determine whether existing title is sufficient for proposed operations or whether additional title would be necessary.
•Conduct additional title research to update and/or supplement existing title materials.
•Utilize company databases to maintain data/information related to title, title review, risks/defects, curative instruments, etc.
•Effectively communicate title needs and/or risks/defects to the correct departments and/or external counsel.
•Maintain flexibility to undertake additional duties and responsibilities as necessary.
Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements):
•J.D. Degree and licensed to practice law and a member in good standing in an Appalachian Basin state, preferably West Virginia.
•At least one (1) year of related oil and gas experience such as abstracting and/or drafting/reviewing certified title opinions.
•In-house experience is preferred, but not required.
•Proficient Microsoft Office skills including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Adobe Acrobat, with the ability to learn additional software applications.
•Working knowledge of the oil and gas industry, with an emphasis on title, contracts, and lease terms.
•Ability to work independently as well as a team in an office environment.
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
•Strong attention to detail.
•Strong time management and organizational skills in order to manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.
•Ability to problem solve and provide solutions.
•Strong drive to seek innovative ways to perform better, faster, and more efficiently.
•Experience with GIS and Land Systems, such as ESRI (ArcGIS), SigmaFlow, SmartSheet, Tableau, etc. is preferred, but not required.
Physical Requirements of the Position:
Ability to sit for extended periods of time at a desk, ability to bend over and reach above head, ability to lift under 15 pounds, ability to view computer screen for extended periods of time, and ability to type on a keyboard.