Unit Size Amendments: Watch Out for Brokers Asking You to Assign Lease Rights
April 15, 2013
We are hearing of at least one broker soliciting area lessors who have “held by production” leases, touting a negotiating group forming to seek better lessor financial terms in return for allowing the lessee larger unit sizes. The broker is asking the lessors to actually irrevocably assign lease...
Youngstown Charter Amendment Would Be a Negative for Landowners
April 11, 2013
A proposed Youngstown charter amendment up for a vote on May 7 would jeopardize the benefits this region has begun to enjoy with the rise of oil & gas development.The amendment would also outlaw a large number of gas wells that operate in the city today, some of them by or through churches,...
Protecting the Castle: Ohio Expands the Personal Residence Exemption
March 27, 2013
A new state law may render a judgment lien on a debtor’s home an ineffective means of collecting a judgment. It may also make creditors less willing to extend credit. With legislation that took effect this week, the value of one’s personal residence that may be held exempt from execution in Ohio...
I Have Seen the Promised Land
January 14, 2013
Well, I saw it (the movie). I was the only one in the theatre. So if you want to see it, do it soon -- it probably won’t be around very long. As entertainment, it is lame. As to it being any substantive contribution to the fracking "controversy," it is AWOL.But, at least I did stay awake. I...
Employee Handbooks Can Bring Benefits, Dangers
November 20, 2012
Each employer makes its own decision on whether or not to have an employee handbook. When done right and handled correctly, handbooks provide the benefit of consistency, communication, clarity and support. However, if not done right, an employee handbook can create perils. Here are some...
Doing Business with Oil & Gas Companies Requires Close Scrutiny and Caution
July 03, 2012
The rise of oil & gas exploration activity in the northeastern Ohio has created business opportunities for many local companies.
Making the most of those opportunities requires caution with respect to the contracts that govern business relationships with the large oil & gas companies and...
Seismic Testing: Know Your Rights Around the ‘Big Bang’
April 23, 2012
Many landowners have become familiar with seismic testing contractors who ask landowners to sign form permits allowing access to conduct sophisticated tests to map shale layers.
Testing can involve explosive charges set off in shallow bore holes and compressive “thumper trucks” that create shock...
NLRB Posting Rule Delayed Again
April 18, 2012
The National Labor Relations Board rule that would have required most private employers to put up posters dealing with employee rights by April 30, 2012 has been delayed.
On April 17, a federal circuit court of appeals enjoined the NLRB's posting rule.
According to the NLRB website, the NLRB will...
Be Wary of Plans That Delay Payment of Oil & Gas Bonuses
April 04, 2012
Some landowners considering leasing their oil and gas rights are being encouraged to set up "structured settlements" that spread bonus payments over multiple years, supposedly to reduce taxes.
Such schemes need to viewed with extreme caution. They may involve putting bonuses at risk. And they may...
