Jason Emmitte

Jason Emmitte handles oil and gas transactions for operators ranging from small independents to large integrated producers. Ten years as in-house corporate counsel prior to joining Feighny Hartle shaped the practical, efficient approach he brings to scoping every project.

Title opinions, curative work and due diligence for Texas operators

Jason’s day-to-day is centered mainly in West Texas, with additional attention on the other plays in and around Texas. His clients range from independent operators with as few as ten employees to large integrated producers, and he adjusts his approach accordingly, providing more hands-on guidance to smaller companies that do not yet have an in-house legal team while delivering efficient, streamlined service to larger clients who already know what they need.

In-house corporate counsel background and Texas Railroad Commission experience

By spending ten years as corporate counsel for operators, Jason acknowledges the land or legal needs for energy companies in today’s competitive market . In that role he drafted a multitude of contracts or agreements which allowed companies to manage their rig schedule. This work also included working closely with the company’s in-house regulatory team on matters before the Texas Railroad Commission, including spacing and permitting issues that required hearings in Austin. That work gave him a well-rounded understanding of the regulatory process that helps him  advise clients today with similar issues. The decade of experience on the client side of the table also shaped how he reviews, drafts, or negotiates all agreements or contracts.

The in-house experience also allowed Jason to negotiate and draft documents covering cradle to grave oil and gas operations and also how to handle real estate matters and day-to-day corporate governance. 

Pennsylvania licensure and Marcellus Shale pipeline due diligence

Jason is also licensed in Pennsylvania, a credential he earned at a previous firm while working on a large Marcellus Shale pipeline project. The work involved extensive right of way due diligence, direct interaction with landowners along the route, and environmental review tied to pipeline design, acquisition, and build.

Relationships across oil and gas transactions

Jason works constantly with landmen, who he describes as essential on any matter, whether the referral comes through an operator or an independent broker. Landmen bring field knowledge and firsthand experience that complement any legal analysis, and Jason views the relationship between attorney and landman as a genuine partnership built on that shared expertise.