Brian R. Hopkins

Representative Experience

• Performed title examinations and rendered title opinions with respect to coal ownership in connection with the acquisition and development of coal reserves
• Negotiated and drafted purchase and sale agreements and coal leases
• Provided legal support for the Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia drilling programs of major Appalachian Basin natural gas exploration and production company, including review and curative to clear title for over 120 drilling locations per year, as well as negotiation and drafting of leases, subleases, assignments, farmout agreements, operating agreements, joint participation agreements, unit declarations and division orders, and representation in forced-pooling proceedings
• Served as real estate counsel for a number of regional interstate natural gas transmission companies and natural gas distribution companies, as well as for an electric generation and distribution company; responsible for right-of-way and site acquisition, facility purchases and sales, facility and storage leasing, relocations, eminent domain proceedings, and protection and enforcement of land rights, including related litigation
• Performed title work and headed permit and environmental due diligence review teams for coal acquisition involving over 100,000 acres of reserves, and prepared related reports as well as deeds, leases, assignments, and bills of sale used to close the transaction
• Represented multi-state shopping center developer in the acquisition and development of three sites, including performing title work, obtaining subdivision approvals, zoning approvals, and annexation, as well as negotiation and drafting of construction loan documents, permanent loan documents, utility and access easements, protective covenants and restrictions, dedications, and ground leases for developed property
• Represented multi-state, Fortune 500 company in office lease transactions, including negotiation and drafting of brokerage agreements, letters of intent, leases, subleases, landlord consents, estoppel letters, subordination agreements, non-disturbance agreements, and attornment agreements