Best Lawyers in America for Natural Resources Law

Malcolm S. Murchison is licensed to practice in Louisiana and Texas and enjoys a broad based commercial law practice. His variety of skills equip him to handle a wide range of legal issues for his clients, including oil and gas, real estate, corporate formations/mergers/dissolutions, commercial lending and financing arrangements, state/local tax disputes, and land-use issues. He has significant experience in handling Louisiana mineral interest issues ranging from acquisitions, title examinati...

T.J. practices governmental affairs law, administrative law, environmental and natural resources litigation, and general commercial litigation. His experience includes a variety of legal matters including issues related mining, oil and gas, agriculture, water rights, water quality, energy, employment law and civil rights. T.J. serves as a lobbyist for clients on state and local issues, including activities dealing with drafting legislation, testifying before legislative committees, and develo...

William M. Kerr, Jr. has more than three decades of experience in commercial transactions, with particular emphasis on acquisitions, financings and divestitures of oil and gas related concerns. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he received his bachelor of arts degree, cum laude , in 1979, as well as of the University of Texas School of Law, where he received his juris doctor, with honors, in 1981. Mr. Kerr is a fourth generation Texas lawyer and practiced for many years...

Chris Carr is widely regarded as one of the leading project development, environmental, and energy lawyers in the United States. Drawing on his experience with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Carr represents businesses, land developers, public agencies, and nonprofits in all areas of environmental and natural resource law, including energy, transportation, water, forestry, mining, coastal and marine resources, and agriculture. In particular, his pract...

Troy A. Eid, the former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, is a principal shareholder in the firm's Denver office. He has wide-ranging experience in complex federal, state and tribal litigation at the administrative, trial and appellate court level. Mr. Eid also handles a wide range of sensitive commercial transactions and disputes that require statutory, regulatory or administrative approval. Recent examples include: Spearheading the statutory review and community participation proc...

Matthew E. Jensen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Natural Resources Law and Water Law. Matthew E., who practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jonathan P. Steverson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Natural Resources Law. Jonathan P., who practices law in Tallahassee, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jonathan P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael C. Haines' practice includes the general representation of established and emerging energy and natural resources companies in Michigan. He provides legal and practical advice on contract matters, leases, unitization, transportation, regulatory, legislative and other matters, including acquisitions and dispositions of assets. He serves as legislative counsel for an oil and gas exploration and production association and has represented gas utility companies in municipal rate proceedings...

Affie Ellis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law and Natural Resources Law. Affie, who practices law in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Affie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gwenneth O'Hara is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Natural Resources Law. Gwenneth, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gwenneth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Strategic thinker skilled in navigating complex environmental, land, and water issues. Known by clients for insightful solutions and negotiating skills. Mike Smith helps clients untangle increasingly complex regulatory regimes and resolve disputes. Clients turn to Mike for help navigating a range of challenging natural resources matters, often involving water rights, water quality, solid and hazardous waste, protected species, land use, floodplains, and oil and gas royalty disputes. His diver...

Travis Conner joined Biggs, Ingram & Solop in 2008 after working as a petroleum landman representing various oil and gas companies. Using this prior experience, he concentrates his practice in oil and gas title opinions, development agreements relating to energy exploration, as well as real estate and litigation matters.

Matthew Joy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental and Natural Resources Law. Matthew, who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Karen McGaffey's practice involves the full range of environmental issues. She assists clients with project development, permitting, compliance and regulatory matters under state and federal environmental and land use laws, including the National and State Environmental Policy Acts (NEPA/SEPA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). She represents clients in environmental litigation, including CERCLA and MTCA cost recovery actions, natural re...

Preeminent natural resources attorney. Obtains and defends development approvals for energy, mining and recreation industries. Executive level experience in the ski industry. Andrew Spielman is a widely respected energy, public lands and natural resources lawyer assisting with policy and regulatory issues involved in developing new facilities, as well as in the public land use and environmental permitting process. Committed to client success, Andy helps navigate the cyclical nature of the ene...

Andrew B. Derman is a Partner and head of International Energy Practice Group for Thompson & Knight LLP and Chairman of Thompson & Knight Global Energy Services. He represents public and private companies and host governments in their strategic design, commercial execution, negotiations, contract preparation, and legal interpretation. Recent experience includes: acquisition and divestment efforts in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia; international finan...