top rated Texas oil, gas, and mineral rights attorneys
Top Rated Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorneys
At JW Zepeda Law Firm, our top rated Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorneys we understand the complexities of Texas’s energy sector—and how vital your mineral interests are to your financial future.
As a U.S. Marine veteran–founded, trial-ready firm, we combine military precision with courtroom tenacity to safeguard your rights in oil and gas leasing, mineral buying and selling, royalty disputes, and regulatory matters.
Why Choose Our our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys
Top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys?
What truly sets us apart from most so-called “law firms” is this — we’re a true trial law firm.
We don’t farm your case out. We don’t just dabble in one area. We fight cases in court, and we handle multiple areas of law in-house, so you don’t have to bounce from firm to firm to get the justice you deserve.
Remote Services
Our team will serve your legal needs from wherever you are. You never have to walk into a law firm office. If you have Internet, we can do the rest.
We Fight
Most law firms would like you to believe they fight in court, they do not. Most attorneys make excuses rather than showing up for the fight- Not here.
5 Star Firm
We do not pay, beg, or haggle for our reviews. That is why we don't have 100 or 1000. Our reviews are real and they tell the tale. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys are here for you.
The Founder is a Guru
Founder JW Zepeda also leads PTP Consulting Services, blending legal expertise with hands-on business strategy to real-world growth—far beyond the ordinary. He Literally teaches negotiation.
Seasoned Professionals
Every case gets worked by veteran attorneys. We do not hire kids to do our work. Your case is just as important as the next to us.
Full Service top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys
Mineral Interests Purchased, Sold, & Leased
Our top rated Texas Oil Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorneys guide buyers, sellers, and lessors through every step of mineral-interest transactions. From comprehensive title due diligence to negotiating purchase agreements or lease terms, our team secures clear, market-competitive deals and handles all closing details.
Purchase & Sale of Operated and Non-Operated Oil & Gas Assets
Whether you’re divesting an operated well or acquiring non-operated working interests, our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys structure transactions to minimize risk and optimize returns. Our attorneys review joint interest billing, audit operator records, and negotiate terms that align with your business goals.
Royalty & Mineral Title Claims
Underpaid royalties and clouded titles threaten your bottom line. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys investigate production records, audit statements, and trace chain-of-title to assert claims for unpaid royalties or correct title defects—pursuing every available remedy, including litigation if necessary.
Landowner Claims & Dispute Resolution – Failure to Develop Claims
When operators fail to develop your leased acreage, you may be entitled to damages or lease termination. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys file “failure to develop” claims, negotiate settlements, and, if needed, take disputes before a Texas court to enforce your rights.
Oil, Gas, & Mineral Lease Negotiations
A well-drafted lease can make or break your revenue stream. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys negotiate royalty rates, primary and secondary terms, pooling provisions, and surface-use obligations—ensuring your lease maximizes income while preserving long-term control of your land.
Eminent Domain Claims
Government or pipeline companies sometimes seize mineral rights through eminent domain. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys evaluate the taking, calculate just compensation, and advocate aggressively for fair market value—using appraisals, expert testimony, and trial advocacy to protect your property interests.
Water Use Agreements
Water is critical in drilling and fracturing operations. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys structure water-purchase and use agreements that lock in reliable supplies, competitive pricing, and clear liability terms—ensuring your project meets TCEQ requirements without exposing you to undue risk.
Enhanced Recovery Agreements
Enhanced recovery projects—like CO₂ floods—demand specialized contracts.Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys draft pilot project agreements, define revenue interests, and negotiate cost-recovery mechanisms to align incentives and protect your returns over multi-year recovery operations.
Master Service Vendor Agreements
Standardizing vendor relationships streamlines operations. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys negotiate master service agreements covering drilling, completion, and maintenance services—establishing clear scopes of work, pricing structures, and indemnity provisions that reduce disputes and control costs.
Common Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our Clients.
A Texas oil and gas attorney advises clients on lease negotiation, title examination, royalty disputes, regulatory compliance, and litigation. At JW Zepeda Law Firm, our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys ensure your mineral rights are protected at every step.
To buy mineral rights, you need a comprehensive title search, environmental assessment, and purchase agreement negotiation. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys conduct due diligence, review chain of title, and craft clear contracts so you acquire undisputed mineral interests.
Selling mineral rights involves asset valuation, marketing to potential buyers, and negotiating sale terms that maximize your return. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys prepare persuasive sale packages, solicit competitive offers, and handle closing logistics to secure the best deal.
A mineral title exam traces ownership back through decades of deeds, severances, and liens to confirm valid rights. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys deliver thorough, court-defensible title opinions so you can transact with confidence.
Royalty disputes arise when production volumes or payment calculations are contested. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys negotiate directly with operators, pursue administrative relief, and—if needed—litigate in Texas courts to recover unpaid or underpaid royalties plus penalties.
Effective lease negotiation covers royalty rates, primary term lengths, pooling provisions, and surface-use obligations. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys draft balanced leases that protect your interests, minimize future conflicts, and lock in maximum value.
Texas landowners must comply with Railroad Commission rules, environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and reporting deadlines. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys guide you through RRC filings, permit applications, and environmental reviews to avoid fines and project delays.
Due diligence includes a title opinion, environmental site assessment, economic feasibility study, and survey of production history. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys coordinate all aspects—title, technical, and financial—to give you a clear risk-reward profile before closing.
A standard mineral title exam can take 2–4 weeks, depending on record complexity and county archives. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys expedite the process when possible and provide interim status updates so your transaction stays on schedule.
Pitfalls include undisclosed easements, ambiguous severance language, unrecorded liens, and environmental liabilities. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys spot hidden risks in title records and contract drafts to prevent costly surprises.
Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys offer flat fees for title examinations and lease drafting, hourly rates for transactional support, and contingency arrangements for royalty recovery. Every fee estimate is transparent, with no hidden costs.
Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys combine disciplined strategy with courtroom experience. Few Texas firms are prepared to take disputes to trial—our U.S. Marine background ensures we fight for every dollar owed.
Yes. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys serve mineral owners statewide—from the Panhandle’s Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast and East Texas. Wherever your minerals lie, our team is ready to protect your interests.
Absolutely. When negotiations fail, our litigators file suit for breach of lease, quiet title, trespass, or injunctive relief. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys is prepared to present your case before judges and juries throughout Texas.
A severance deed separates mineral ownership from surface ownership, creating distinct rights for each. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys draft and review severance deeds to ensure your mineral interests are properly conveyed and recorded.
dFinding unleased minerals requires a title chain analysis and review of existing lease records. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys map out current leases, identify gaps, and advise on marketing unleased acreage to operators.
Pooling and unitization aggregate mineral tracts into a single “unit” for efficient drilling and production. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys negotiate unit agreements and ensure your royalty share reflects your acreage and production.
To recover underpaid royalties, our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys audit your royalty statements, send demand letters, and pursue litigation or administrative remedies. Our trial-ready team fights for full payment plus interest and penalties.
Horizontal wells may drain multiple tracts and affect royalty calculations. Our top rated Texas Oil Gas and Mineral Rights Attorneys negotiate lease provisions and post-production agreements to protect your share when operators use advanced drilling techniques.
Still have more questions?
If you have other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help you find the answers you need!
Avoid Speaking with their attorney
Speaking to opposing counsel alone can unintentionally create admissions or misunderstandings that hurt your case. Without your attorney present, you risk agreeing to unfavorable terms, waiving rights, or saying something that could be used against you. Always let your lawyer lead those discussions.
Understanding Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Process
Free Consultation & Records Intake
We begin with a no-obligation call to understand your holdings, history of leases or titles, and your objectives—whether you’re acquiring, managing, or monetizing mineral interests.
Title & Chain-of-Title Analysis
Our team conducts a deep dive into public records, deeds, and partition instruments to confirm ownership, surface-subsurface separations, and any encumbrances that could affect your rights.
Lease Negotiation & Drafting
Armed with market data and royalty benchmarks, we negotiate lease terms—royalty rates, pooling provisions, and bonus payments—and draft airtight agreements that maximize your revenue while protecting your long-term interests.
Royalty Audits & Payment Review
We scrutinize production statements and check stubs to ensure you’re receiving every penny you’re due. Discrepancies trigger demand letters, audit clauses enforcement, or formal DTPA claims if operators under-pay.
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
From Texas RRC filings to environmental disclosures, we manage all required reports and permit renewals—keeping you in good standing with state and federal agencies and shielding you from fines.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
If operators breach lease terms or title disputes arise, we step in with aggressive mediation, arbitration, or courtroom litigation—defending your rights and securing judgments for unpaid royalties or corrective relief.
Ongoing Portfolio Monitoring
Your interests don’t rest—and neither do we. We provide continuous monitoring of new drilling activity, lease expirations, and market shifts, advising you on lease renewals, divestitures, or acquisitions to grow your mineral-rights portfolio.
What our clients say
My experience with the JW Zepeda Law Firm is a very positive one. Mr Zepeda is very easy to talk to and if you leave a message with them they get right back to you. Mr Zepeda lets you know everything up front from his experience with the law and your rights. Tells you about charges for his hire and ways to afford them. I like an upfront guy who gives it to you straight. Mature. I appreciate how he is helping me and I know he’ll do his best for you too. Please give him a call.
Susie G.
I like an upfront guy who gives it to you straight. Mature.
I was in need of an attorney to help me with some family matters. I called around and when I called Mr. Zepeda. He listened to me and gave me the best advice in regards to my needs.He listened and asked questions . He is a very caring and professional man. I would highly recommend his services. Thank you Mr.Z for your professional and your Service to our country.
Lina G.
He is a very caring and professional man. I would highly recommend...
I would definitely recommend JW Zepeda, he was patient with me, he was also straight forward and honest, he gave me great confidence in knowing that I was in good hands.
Llevelle H.
I would definitely recommend JW Zepeda, he was patient with me.
Working with JW was an absolute delight. We won!
If I had to use an attorney again, it would be JW!
Debbie H.
Working with JW was an absolute delight. We won!
We do not beg, plead, nor pay for reviews, that is why we do not have hundreds of reviews like some others… Ours are Real.
How to Prepare for Your Mineral Rights Consultation
Getting ready for your first meeting with our Top Rated Texas Business Attorneys. The following steps help you get the most out of your time and ensures your attorney has the details they need to advise you effectively. Follow these simple steps:
Required For Service:
What a Texas Oil & Gas Attorney Really Does
When disputes over mineral rights, royalties, or drilling operations surface, you need control. Our Top Rated Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorney isn’t just a contract reader—they’re a strategist who understands both the land and the law. From lease negotiations to field disputes, they manage every moving part so your operations stay compliant, profitable, and protected.
Our attorneys know how to read the fine print hidden in lease clauses, royalty provisions, and joint operating agreements—and how to enforce them when others don’t. Whether you’re an operator, landowner, or investor, we step in to level the playing field with oil companies, pipeline operators, and mineral buyers. The goal isn’t just to “win”—it’s to safeguard your revenue, preserve long-term property value, and keep production flowing with minimal interruption.
From First Lease to Last Barrel
Every deal and dispute in the oilfield starts with one question: who controls the rights? From your first lease to your final royalty payment, our attorneys guide you through each stage with precision. We start by reviewing contracts, surface-use terms, and operator agreements to uncover risks before they become expensive mistakes.
When conflict arises—over royalties, trespass, drainage, or drilling delays—we move quickly. Our Top Rated Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorneys gathers the facts, reviews well records, and identifies leverage points that protect your interests. Whether resolution comes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we aim for one thing: a result that makes financial and operational sense.
Royalty Claims & Dispute Resolution
When royalty calculations go wrong—due to mismeasurement or improper deductions—our top-rated Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorneys audit payment histories, submit demand letters, and pursue litigation to recover underpaid amounts, plus interest and penalties.
We combine legal precision with field knowledge, examining meter runs, production reports, and division orders to expose discrepancies. Our trial-ready team ensures accountability and helps landowners and investors recover every cent owed under state and federal law. For guidance on reporting or dispute processes, visit the Texas Railroad Commission.
Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield work drives Texas—but it also carries risk. When personal injury or property damage occurs on a well site or in the field, your attorney acts fast to hold responsible parties accountable. Our top-rated Oil & Gas Attorneys represent landowners, contractors, and injured workers in claims arising from blowouts, equipment failures, or negligence—pursuing full compensation for damages, lost wages, and medical care.
We collaborate with safety and compliance experts to identify violations of OSHA or TCEQ regulations, ensuring that recovery extends beyond compensation—it promotes safer practices across the industry.
Mineral Trespass Claims
Unauthorized drilling, drainage, or unit allocation can constitute trespass on your mineral estate. When operators extract resources without consent or exceed boundary lines, our attorneys step in to protect your ownership rights.
We investigate incursions, quantify damages, and litigate trespass claims to recover fair market value for illegally extracted minerals. We also help clients enforce lease terms, demand corrective action, and prevent future violations through proper filings and title documentation.
Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) Claims
Disputes under Joint Operating Agreements—whether over cost recovery, improper billing, or operator misconduct—require deep technical and legal expertise. Our Top Rated Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights Attorneys audit joint account statements, challenge improper charges, and, if necessary, litigate JOA claims to enforce your pro-rata interests.
Because JOA disputes often turn on accounting precision and contractual timing, we collaborate with petroleum accountants and engineers to ensure every expenditure aligns with governing terms. When resolution is possible, we negotiate favorable settlements; when it’s not, we’re prepared to go to trial.
Easement, Right-of-Way, and Surface Use Agreements & Claims
Securing access for pipelines, facilities, and production sites requires careful negotiation. Our attorneys draft and enforce easement, right-of-way, and surface-use agreements that protect your property rights while minimizing conflict with operators or neighboring landowners.
We negotiate fair compensation for surface impacts, crop damage, and access routes—ensuring your property is respected and your economic interests preserved. When unauthorized use occurs, we act swiftly to challenge violations and recover damages under Texas property law.
The Bottom Line
At JW Zepeda Law Firm, we fight for energy clients with the same discipline and tenacity that built our veteran-founded, trial-ready reputation. You focus on production—we’ll handle protection.
For trusted resources on Texas energy law and compliance, visit the Texas Railroad Commission and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.