John E. Richards

John E. Richards is an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator with extensive experience advising clients on the acquisition, development, and divestiture of oil and gas assets across some of the nation’s leading unconventional plays. His practice blends deep technical knowledge of mineral title with practical, dealfocused counsel for operators, investors, and mineral owners.

John began his legal career at the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal, first serving as a Staff Attorney before becoming a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Felicia T. Williams. This early appellate experience sharpened his analytical skills and laid the foundation for his detailoriented approach to complex title and transactional matters.

In addition to his law firm practice, John served as inhouse counsel for a private equity–backed energy company with operations in the Permian Basin. In that role, he gained significant industry insight into real estate and oil and gas transactions, supporting the company’s acquisition, development, and operational activities.

John’s primary focus includes examining mineral titles and preparing drilling, division order, and acquisition title opinions. His broader experience spans acquisition due diligence and the negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, oil and gas leases, joint operating agreements, surface use agreements, and rightofway and easement agreements. John has also represented clients in probate court, estate planning matters, and a range of real estaterelated issues.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• State Bar of Texas – Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Law Section, Member
• State Bar of Texas – Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law Section, Member
• Texas Bar College, Member
• American Association of Professional Landmen, Member
• Houston Association of Professional Landmen, Member
• West Houston Association of Professional Landmen, Member