Job Description

Oil and Gas Title Attorney, Appalachia

POSITION OVERVIEW
This seat is for an oil and gas title attorney who wants broader, more varied work across the Appalachian Basin. You will draft title opinions covering Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, prepare unit-wide division order ownerships, and support due diligence and contract work on acquisitions and joint ventures, working closely with senior attorneys. The ideal candidate brings 3 to 5 years of title opinion experience, and strong landmen with a JD will also be considered.

Salary: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus a quarterly team based bonus
Location: Columbus, OH. Remote considered for experienced attorneys in Ohio, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania. Candidates with less than 2 years of experience may work a hybrid schedule from the Columbus office
Schedule: Monday through Friday, full time
Employment Type: Full time, direct hire

CLIENT OVERVIEW
A nationally ranked oil and gas law firm with offices in several major energy markets. The firm advises clients ranging from Fortune 500 integrated energy companies to private equity backed startups and mineral companies. The Appalachia team handles title and transactional work across Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The firm puts real weight on collaboration, continuous learning, and a culture that respects life outside the office.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Title Examination and Opinions:

• Conduct title examinations to determine ownership of oil and gas properties
• Analyze deeds, leases, contracts, and other records to establish ownership rights
• Draft title opinions identifying defects, liens, and other issues affecting ownership or use of the property
• Prepare large, unit-wide division order ownerships with tract and allocation factors

Transactions and Contracts:

• Conduct due diligence reviews for oil and gas mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures
• Draft, review, and negotiate leases, joint operating agreements, and purchase and sale agreements
• Advise clients on legal risks, potential liabilities, and mitigation strategies in oil and gas transactions

Compliance and Collaboration:

• Stay current on federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting oil and gas
• Collaborate with litigation attorneys when a dispute requires legal action
• Work closely with senior attorneys, landmen, and clients to deliver timely, accurate work
• Meet a quarterly billable requirement of 450 hours (1,800 annually)

REQUIREMENTS
Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and an active law license
• Oil and gas title experience covering lands in Ohio, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania, ideally 3 to 5 years drafting title opinions
• Strong command of chain of title, leasehold interests, and mineral ownership
• Exceptional commitment to ethical practice and client confidentiality
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and follow through with precision
• Ability to meet a quarterly billable requirement of 450 hours

Preferred:

• Active license in Ohio, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania
• Experience preparing unit-wide division order ownerships with tract and allocation factors
• Transactional experience with acquisition due diligence, JOAs, or PSAs
• Landman background combined with a JD (attorneys with 0 to 2 years of title experience will also be considered)

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Quarterly, team based bonus program
• Comprehensive healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision, plus additional insurance options
• 401(k) with employer match
• Bar dues and malpractice insurance covered
• Progressive PTO policy plus flex holidays
• Hybrid and remote work options