Biography
Nick has served the natural resources industry for over two decades, becoming a trusted advisor and advocate in navigating the complexities of oil and gas law. His practice encompasses a broad range of litigation and regulatory matters, with a focus on title disputes, joint operations, and other challenges that arise from exploration and development.
Nick’s experience includes JOA and COPAS litigation, oil and gas mechanic’s lien foreclosures, access disputes, royalty payment issues, contested oil and gas commission proceedings, and assisting in the development of public lands. Beyond his litigation expertise, he has substantial experience guiding clients through mineral development transactions, including purchase and sale agreements, farmout agreements, and surface use arrangements.
Nick takes a pragmatic and cost-conscious approach to lawyering, combining legal acumen with an understanding of the interpersonal and business dynamics underlying his clients’ challenges. Whether assessing risk and identifying opportunities for resolution or advocating in the courtroom, Nick is committed to achieving results that align with his clients’ goals.
Court Admissions
- United States Supreme Court
- 10th Circuit Court of Appeals
- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
- 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
Significant Representation
- Riggs Oil & Gas Corp. v. Jonah Energy LLC, 2020 Colo. App. LEXIS 2026 (Colo. App., Dec. 10, 2020)
- Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. v. EOG Res., Inc., 970 F.3d 889 (8th Cir. 2020)
- Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. v. Continental Res., Inc., 2018 U.S. App. LEXIS 36198 (9th Cir., Dec. 21, 2018)
- Bell v. Land Title Guarantee Co., 422 P.3d 613 (Colo. App. 2018)
- Pawnee Well Users, Inc. v. Wolfe, 320 P.3d 320 (Colo. 2013)
- Laramie Energy II, LLC, 182 IBLA 317 (2012)
- Jacobson v. Cobbs, 160 P.3d 654 (Wyo. 2007)
Representative Experience
- Obtained restraining orders and preliminary injunctive relief on behalf of operators and midstream clients based on interference with easements and other rights of surface use
- Representation of oil and gas companies in various rulemakings before the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission and the Colorado Division of Water Resources
- Successfully defended federally approved units in IBLA appeal filed by protestant challenging unitization
- Obtained suspensions of operations and production on behalf of federal oil and gas lessees
- Negotiated favorable settlement for small operator in administrative proceedings to challenge penalties assessed by U.S. Department of the Interior
- Obtained favorable settlement for non-operator against operator for loss of wellbore caused by well stimulation
- Successfully defended major landowner in county proceedings brought by developer to recognize alleged county roads across owner’s land
- Successfully sought stay of agency action for small operator in judicial proceedings based on irreparable harm
- Defeated proposed drilling and spacing unit on behalf of non-operator based on violations of correlative rights and waste
Licensed In
- Colorado
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
Education
- J.D. University of Wyoming College of Law
- B.A. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Memberships
- Colorado Bar Association
- Denver Bar Association
- The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law
- Denver Association of Professional Landmen
Speaking Engagements
- Access to the Leasehold, Federal Oil & Gas Leasing, Development, and Operations, The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, (co-presented October 2023)
- History, the Government Survey, and Basic Oil and Gas Leasing Legislation, Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Short Course, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (presented October 2019, October 2015 and October 2013)
- Regulatory Considerations in North Dakota: A Litigator’s Perspective, Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen, 45th Annual Fall Land Institute (presented October 2018)
- Legal Ethics in Energy Law, Fracking Law: From Land Contract Negotiations to Environmental Disputes, National Business Institute (presented September 2014, December 2013, and September 2012)
- Water, Water Everywhere: An Update on the Water Law Regulatory Landscape, Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen Luncheon Speaker Series (presented April 2014)
- Legal Challenges Associated with Horizontal Drilling and Completion Technology, Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division (presented November 2011)
- Permitting & Administering Oil & Gas Wells under Colorado Water Law, Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen Luncheon Speaker Series (presented September 2010)
- Regulatory Interface between the State of Colorado & Federal Agencies, Mesa State College Energy Management Symposium (presented September 2009)
- The Ways and Means of Farmouts & Joint Operating Agreements, Oil and Gas Law Basics by the Experts, Colorado Bar Association, Natural Resources & Energy Law Section (presented May 2009)
Publications
- The Fundamentals of Oil and Gas Mechanic’s Liens, Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen, Rocky Mountain Landman (November 2020)
- The Agency Relationship with a Contract Landman, Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen, Rocky Mountain Landman (December 2019)
- Obtaining Temporary Restraining Orders & Injunctions in Access Disputes, Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen, Rocky Mountain Landman (March 2011)
