William J. O'Brien Jr.

Member

Bill O’Brien focuses his practice in the areas of energy and mineral title law. Mr. O’Brien serves as one of the leaders of the Division Order Title Opinion (DOTO) team and routinely prepares certified DOTOs for national oil and gas exploration and production companies. Additionally, he has experience in management of oil and gas title projects. Prior to joining Steptoe & Johnson, Mr. O’Brien served as a mineral title abstractor. This on-the-ground industry experience combined with his legal experience allows him to provide forward-thinking solutions to oil and gas developers.

Licensed In

Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
West Virginia

Education

J.D. Duquesne University Kline School of Law

B.A. San Diego State University

Memberships

Local Director, Executive Committee, Michael Late Benedum Chapter of AAPL (MLBC) (2025-2026)
Appalachian Basin Association of Division Order Analysts (ABADOA)
National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA)
Education Chair, Executive Committee, Northern Appalachian Landman Association (NALA)
FBI Citizens Academy
Leadership Class, Institute for Energy Law, Class of 2019

Speaking Engagements

“Curative Pitfalls: A Review of Common Curative Issues Facing Oil and Gas Operators,” Northern Appalachian Landman’s Association, Pittsburgh, PA (May 2018)

Publications

Co-Author, “‘Agency’ Becomes a Real Issue in Title Washing: Pennsylvania Game Commission vs. Thomas E. Proctor Heirs Trust,” The PIOGA Press (June 2020)

Licensed In

Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
West Virginia

Education

J.D. Duquesne University Kline School of Law

B.A. San Diego State University

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