Appellate litigation

Trial outcomes and regulatory decisions can have lasting impact for development rights and legal precedent. At Oliva Gibbs, appellate counsel is fully integrated within our litigation practice. Our attorneys advise clients on appellate strategy from the outset and ensure that legal issues are preserved for review and positioned effectively for reconsideration by higher courts and administrative panels.

Regulatory appeals & administrative review

Oil and gas operators regularly face regulatory hurdles — from permit denials to enforcement actions — where agency decisions directly impact operations. Our appellate lawyers represent clients in:

• Appeals involving Class II injection well permits, lease unitization, and environmental authorizations
• Proceedings before the Texas Railroad Commission, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other federal and state environmental and regulatory agencies
• Litigation tied to enforcement actions and compliance disputes

Commercial, contract & royalty disputes on appeal

Many high-stakes commercial disputes continue beyond the trial court. We take on appeals involving:

• Royalty disputes and litigation over lease interpretations
• Conflicts under joint operating agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and service contracts
• Business litigation, including breach-of-contract, tortious interference, and other commercial claims

The appellate lawyers at Oliva Gibbs refine case themes, draft persuasive appellate briefs, and prepare for oral arguments with clarity and focus.

Title & domain appeals

Appellate courts define how mineral ownership gets sorted out. That matters now and down the line. We work to clarify clients’ property rights through appellate litigation title and domain matters. We assist with appeals concerning:

• Title determinations involving conflicting conveyances, chain of title questions, or division order disputes
• Disputes in eminent domain and condemnation proceedings that affect surface and mineral estates
• Boundary disputes and other matters that impact leasing and development

A good appellate strategy starts long before a notice of appeal. Oliva Gibbs’ appellate lawyers apply a methodical approach to maximize the impact of appeal reviews. We identify appellate issues early and preserve them at trial, and align our legal strategies with your business goals to protect revenue, access, and future oil and gas development.