-
-
acquisitions and divestitures
From the first non-binding letter agreement through the last bit of post-closing curative, KMW attorneys are ready to assist with your acquisition. From purchase and sale agreements, joint operating agreements, and areas of mutual interest to compliance with lender requirements, assignments and closing, KMW will help you get your new crown jewel acquired or your non-core asset disposed of.
-
litigation
Every project starts with the best intentions, but things sometimes go awry. From operator/non-operator disputes to litigation involving ownership of land, KMW has been there and can help get your project back on track. In particular, KMW attorneys are adept at receivership actions when the ownership of property lies in the netherworld between unclear and hopelessly snarled, or a lessor can simply not be located.
-
business and commercial
KMW recognizes that oil and gas development can pose some special challenges when it comes to business operations. An exploration and production company may choose to form a different operating entity for a new area of operations, or a state may require the registration of a foreign company. Additionally, there are often tasks involving non-oil and gas real property such as salt water disposal or acquisition of acreage for operations which require legal attention. The experience of KMW attorneys extends beyond title examination to offer competent legal advice in support of your business operations.
-
title
The attorneys of KMW have experience in conducting title examination for the drilling of wells and the disbursement of proceeds from lease wells and unit wells in a number of oil-producing jurisdictions. We have also conducted extensive lease reviews and provided a variety of curative instruments for operators where requested. Whether you have a four-section multi-well pad in Mountrail County or a lease well in Jefferson County, the attorneys at KMW can help you get it drilled and through the division order process.
-
-
M. Ryan Kirby Managing Partner
Download vCard
Bryan L. Mathews Managing Partner
Download vCard
Gerald Walrath Managing Partner
Download vCard
Andrew (Drew) R.
PottsPartner
Download vCard
Amanda R. Davenport Partner
Download vCard
J. Brian Davis Partner
Download vCard
Juan Herold Senior Attorney
Download vCard
Chris Sigler Associate
Download vCard
Dylan Spearman Associate
Download vCard
Heather M. Dillaplain Associate
Download vCard
James A. Smith Senior Attorney
Download vCard
Jason Culak Associate
Download vCard
Josiah D. McLeod Senior Attorney
Download vCard
Sara Bluemel Senior Attorney
Download vCard
Taylor Hamilton Associate
Download vCard
Timothy Truong Associate
Download vCard
Vy Do Associate
Download vCard
Kevin McDaniel Associate
Download vCard
Bobbie Burkland Associate
Download vCard
-
Managing Partner
M. Ryan Kirby
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Kirby attended The University of Texas at Dallas as an undergraduate, where he founded Pi Sigma Alpha and served as its President, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics in 1998. Following his graduation, Mr. Kirby, perhaps unsurprisingly, enrolled at South Texas College of Law, graduating in 2002 with a Juris Doctorate. Thereafter, Mr. Kirby worked for several litigation firms until 2006, focusing on toxic torts, products liability, personal injury, fraud, and general civil litigation. From 2006 until founding Kirby, Mathews & Walrath, PLLC, he worked as an Attorney, then Section Manager and Partner for the Eagle Ford group of a large Houston-based oil and gas firm.
Mr. Kirby has conducted title examination for a variety of conventional and unconventional plays in Texas, and has negotiated and drafted numerous contracts, purchase and sale agreements, communitization agreements, oil and gas leases, pipeline land acquisitions and surface use, and other similar documents for oil and gas operators. Mr. Kirby has continued to litigate matters for oil and gas operators at the appellate court and district court levels, and has several reported decisions.
Mr. Kirby is a frequent speaker at seminars, both with Landman’s groups and Continuing Legal Education seminars. His most recent presentation was Difficult Lease Provisions, presented to the Association of Lease and Title Analysts. Mr. Kirby is also an Adjunct Professor with South Texas College of Law, where he lectures the popular Texas Oil, Gas and Land Titles course.
Mr. Kirby is a member of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
- College of the State Bar of Texas
- American Association of Professional Landmen
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- North Houston Association of Profesional Landmen
- West Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- Permian Basin Association of Professional Landmen
- Fort Worth Association of Professional Landmen
- Dallas Association of Professional Landmen
- Wyoming Association of Professional Landmen
Published Opinions
- Sultan v. Mathew, 178 S.W.3d 747 (Tex. 2005)
- Tan v. Lee, Tex.App.LEXIS 1398 (Tex.App.— Houston [14th], Feb. 27, 2007, no pet.)
- Cornerstone Land, Ltd. V. Pierce No 10-10-00151-CV, 2010 WL 4243677 (tex.App..—Waco Oct. 27, 2010, pet denied)(mem. op.)
Admissions
- Texas
- Texas Eastern Bankruptcy Court
- Texas Eastern District Court
- Texas Northern District Court
- Texas Southern District/Bankruptcy Court
Download M. Ryan Kirby vCard -
Managing Partner
Bryan L. Mathews
Licensed in Texas, Colorado and North Dakota
Mr. Mathews is a near-lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from Lamar University in December 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, and an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. Mr. Mathews subsequently traveled to the big city and enrolled at South Texas College of Law. After graduating with his Juris Doctorate in 2002, the pull of his hometown, the mass tort capital of the world, drew him to work for Brent Coon and Associates. Following a stint with that office, Mr. Mathews began to transition to the practice of real property and oil and gas law, first with Beaumont Title as a staff attorney and subsequently with J. Mark Smith & Associates as a field landman. From 2006 until founding Kirby, Mathews & Walrath, PLLC, he worked as an Attorney, then Section Manager and Partner for the Rockies group of a large Houston-based oil and gas firm.
Mr. Mathews has conducted title examination for a variety of conventional and unconventional plays in Texas, and has supervised the generation of complex unit title opinions in Colorado and Wyoming.
Mr. Mathews is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil and Gas Law, a distinction achieved by less than one-half of one percent of attorneys licensed in Texas. He is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas and the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law sections of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization – Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
- College of the State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Texas – Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
- American Association of Professional Landmen
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- West Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- North Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- Denver Association of Professional Landmen
- Houston Bar Association
- Jefferson County Bar Association
Admissions
- Texas
- North Dakota
- Colorado
Download Bryan L. Mathews vCard -
Managing Partner
Gerald Walrath
Licensed in Texas, North Dakota and Oklahoma
Mr. Walrath received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center in 1997 and commenced his legal career the following year. Since that time he has been in solo practice, served as Counsel and Vice President of Project Development, as well as corporate Secretary for a publicly-traded exploration and production company, and was a Partner and Section Manager for the High Plains section of a Houston-based law firm until co-founding Kirby, Mathews & Walrath in 2013.
Mr. Walrath has conducted title examination for a variety of conventional and unconventional plays in Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, and has negotiated and drafted numerous contracts, purchase and sale agreements, joint operating agreements, oil and gas leases, pipeline rights of way, surface use agreements, and other various and sundry documents for oil and gas operators. He has been involved in oil and gas projects ranging from the development of New Zealand Crown Minerals to the Louisiana Shelf and has appeared before the Railroad Commission of Texas and in various Texas district courts on behalf of oil and gas operators. Mr. Walrath has also been involved in numerous acquisitions and divestitures, conducting due diligence reviews in a wide range of projects.
Mr. Walrath has served as a Mock Trial judge for South Texas College of Law, and has also drafted problems and served as a judge in their Energy Negotiation Competition. Mr. Walrath sometimes speaks at landman’s associations and continuing legal education events, primarily on topics related to the AAPL 610 Joint Operating Agreement.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil, Gas, Energy Resources Law, and Corporate Counsel Sections
- North Dakota State Bar Association - Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Houston Bar Association - Oil, Gas & Mineral Law and Law Practice Management Sections
Admissions
- Texas
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma Bar Association
Download Gerald Walrath vCard -
Partner
Andrew (Drew) R. Potts
Licensed in Texas and New Mexico
Mr. Potts graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University, and received his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2009. While attending St. Mary’s, he clerked at The Supreme Court of Texas for Justice Scott Brister, and served as a staff writer for the St. Mary’s Law Journal.
Following his licensure in Texas, Mr. Potts has devoted his practice exclusively to energy law, first working as an associate for an oil and gas firm in Floresville, Texas, and later as an associate with a large Houston-based oil and gas firm.
Mr. Potts has conducted title examination in various plays throughout Texas and in the Permian region of New Mexico, drafting Drilling Title Opinions and Division Order Title Opinions for exploration and production companies. Mr. Potts frequently presents on various land-related topics to Houston-based landman associations.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization - Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
- Texas Bar College
- American Association of Professional Landmen
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- North Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- West Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- State Bar of Texas - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
Admissions
- Texas
- New Mexico
Download Andrew R. Potts vCard -
Partner
Amanda R. Davenport
Licensed in Montana, Wyoming and Texas
Ms. Davenport received her Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration from the University of Montana in 2004. Following her graduation from UMT, she enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga in 2007, where she was a member of the Gonzaga Law Review.
Following her licensure in Montana, Ms. Davenport clerked at The State of Montana Thirteenth Judicial Branch for Judge Gregory R. Todd, where she analyzed motions, responses and reply briefs, drafted bench briefs, prepared orders, and conducted omnibus hearings. Subsequent to her clerkship, she joined a small general practice in Billings, Montana where she worked until 2010, focusing on natural resources law, real estate law, regulation, and miscellaneous business transactions. Following her relocation to the Houston area, Ms. Davenport served as an associate with a large Houston-based oil and gas firm until joining Kirby, Mathews and Walrath in 2013.
Ms. Davenport has conducted title examination in the Bakken and Three Forks plays in Montana, drafting Drilling Title Opinions and Drilling and Division Order Title Opinions for exploration and production companies.
Ms. Davenport is a member of the State Bar of Montana, State Bar of Wyoming, and the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- Women's Energy Network
Admissions
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Texas
Download Amanda R. Davenport vCard -
Partner
J. Brian Davis
Licensed in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado
Mr. Davis received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000. Following his graduation from UT, Mr. Davis worked in the telecommunications industry for multiple Fortune 500 companies as a business analyst and consultant. Mr. Davis subsequently enrolled at St. Mary's School of Law, where he was a staff writer for The Scholar, and received his Juris Doctorate in 2009.
Following his graduation from St. Mary's, Mr. Davis volunteered with the San Antonio Bar Association - Community Justice program, before securing employment with a small San Antonio-based oil and gas firm. Immediately prior to his employment by Kirby, Mathews and Walrath in 2013, Mr. Davis served as an associate and Assistant Team Manager with a large Houston-based oil and gas firm. Mr. Davis has conducted title examination a variety of plays in Texas and the Permian Basin region of New Mexico, drafting title opinions for exploration and production companies. He has also been involved in several large oil and gas transactions and due diligence exercises involving producing and non-producing assets, and has represented clients in mineral receivership hearings.
Mr. Davis is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law, as well as a member of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Section of the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Texas, and the State Bar of New Mexico.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas – Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization - Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- West Houston Association of Professional Landmen
Admissions
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Colorado
Download J. Brian Davis vCard -
Senior Attorney
Juan Herold
Licensed in Texas, North Dakota and Mississippi
Mr. Herold received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Houston in 1989, majoring in Business Commerce and Accounting. Mr. Herold first worked as an accountant before enrolling in law school at the University of Detroit - Mercy School of Law. Following his graduation in 1997, he relocated once again to Houston, where he took the Texas Bar Exam.
Prior to focusing his practice on oil and gas law, Mr. Herold had previously engaged in securities litigation, and privilege reviews for large, complex litigation concerning oil, gas and environmental matters and governmental affairs. Immediately prior to his employment by Kirby, Mathews and Walrath in 2013, Mr. Herold served as an associate with a large Houston-based oil and gas firm.
Mr. Herold has conducted title examination in the Bakken play in North Dakota and a variety of plays in Texas, drafting title opinions for exploration and production companies. He has also been involved in several large oil and gas transactions and due diligence exercises involving producing and non-producing assets.
Mr. Herold is a member of the Oil and Gas Section of the State Bar of Texas, and the West Houston Association of Professional Landmen. In addition to his admissions to practice law in Texas and North Dakota, he is admitted to practice before the U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts in the Southern District of Texas
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil, Gas and Energy Resource Law Section
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- North Houston Association of Professional Landmen
- West Houston Association of Professional Landmen
Admissions
- Texas
- Mississippi
- North Dakota
Download Juan Herold vCard -
Senior Attorney
James A. Smith
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Southwestern University in 2004. Following his graduation from Southwestern, Mr. Smith subsequently enrolled at the University of Texas School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate with Honors in 2008.
Following his graduation from the University of Texas, Mr. Smith focused his practice on oil and gas law. He has experience as a field landman, conducting due diligence review and field examination, and spent eight years as an Associate at a small Houston-based oil and gas firm until joining Kirby, Mathews and Walrath in 2017. Mr. Smith has conducted title examination in various plays throughout Texas, drafting Original, Supplemental, and Division Order Title Opinions for exploration and production companies. He has also been involved in several large oil and gas transactions and due diligence exercises involving producing and non-producing assets.
Mr. Smith is currently licensed in Texas and is a member of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas – Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law
Admissions
- Texas
- Colorado
Download James A. Smith vCard -
Senior Attorney
Sara Bluemel
Licensed in Texas, Montana, and North Dakota
Ms. Bluemel received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M, Corpus Christi in 2002. She subsequently then enrolled in the University of Houston Law Center, earning her with her Juris Doctorate in 2010.
Immediately after earning her Juris Doctorate, Ms. Bluemel began law career at a Houston-area broker as a petroleum landman, determining mineral ownership and verifying acreage boundaries. She then worked at two Houston-area law firms for several years, where she rendered title opinions on Texas oil and gas properties. Immediately prior to joining Kirby, Mathews & Walrath, worked as a Division Order Analyst for a large Houston-based multinational oil company through a staffing service, coordinating with departments and outside operators to resolve ownership discrepancies and ensure accurate records, and as a landman with a Houston-based exploration and production company, analyzing title documents and communicating with land and leasehold owners to ensure proper and fair payment.
Ms. Bluemel is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Montana, and the State Bar of North Dakota.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Montana
- State Bar of North Dakota
Admissions
- Texas
- Montana
- North Dakota
Download Sara Bluemel vCard -
Associate
Dylan Spearman
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Spearman graduated from Grambling State University in 2017 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Business Management. While at Grambling, he was co-Captain of the baseball team, Senior class president, and a member of Kappa Apha Psi. He then attended Southern University Law Center, graduating with his JD in 2022. While attending Southern University Law Center, he served as a Law Clerk for both the Baton Rouge City Court and the District Attorney for the 3rd Judicial District, as well as acting as a student attorney for the Law Center's Tax Clinic. .
After graduating from Southern University Law Center, Mr. Spearman was employed as a Tax Consultant II at a national tax firm.
Mr. Spearman is a member of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
Admissions
- Texas
-
Senior Attorney
Josiah D. McLeod
Licensed in Texas and Colorado
Mr. McLeod graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University with his Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2004. He then enrolled in the University of Houston Law Center, graduating cum laude and receiving his Juris Doctor in 2008.
After graduating from the University of Houston Law Center, Mr. McLeod began working as an lease analyst for a large multinational oil and gas corporation, identifying leased acreage at risk of expiration and advising land staff regarding the actions required to maintain leases, and participating in large-scale leasing and field-wide unitization projects in East Texas. From the end of 2011 until 2015, he then worked at a small Houston-based oil and gas title firm, drafting original title opinions, supplemental title opinions, and drilling and division order title opinions.
From 2015 until joining Kirby, Mathews & Walrath, Mr. McLeod worked in Colorado for a small law firm practicing oil and gas law, researching legal issues, writing briefs, preparing motions and drafting memorandums, as well as negotiating leases, surface use agreements and purchase and sale agreements. He also worked in real estate law handling title issues, boundary line disputes, claims of adverse possession, representing landlords and tenants in residential and commercial lease disputes, and preparing due diligence title work for acquisitions and divestitures of residential and commercial properties.
Mr. McLeod is a Life Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Mr. McLeod is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the State Bar of Colorado.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Colorado
Admissions
- Texas
- Colorado
Download Josiah McLeod vCard -
Associate
Chris Sigler
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Sigler received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2010 from the University of Houston and subsequently received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 2013.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Sigler focused his practice on drafting title opinions and title curative materials, real estate, and general business matters, as well as spending several years conducting due diligence on the acquisition and disposition of producing and non-producing assets. Leading up to his graduation from South Texas College of Law, Mr. Sigler spent his time serving in the U. S. Army and as a Texas Real Estate Broker.
Mr. Sigler is currently licensed in Texas and is a member of the Oil and Gas section and the Real Estate section of the State Bar of Texas as well as the Oil, Gas and Mineral Section of the Houston Bar Association.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil and Gas Section
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization - Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
- Texas Bar College
- Houston Bar Association - Oil, Gas, and Mineral Section
Admissions
- Texas
Download Chris Sigler vCard -
Associate
Jason Culak
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Culak received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Communications & Journalism from the Texas A&M University in 2013. Following his graduation from Texas A&M, Mr. Culak provided recruiting support around the globe for a multi-national, offshore engineering-design company based in Katy, Texas. Mr. Culak subsequently enrolled at South Texas College of Law and graduated Cum Laude in 2019.
During his tenure at South Texas College of Law, Mr. Culak worked as a law clerk at Kirby, Mathews & Walrath and served clients in the Probate section of the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics at South Texas College of Law.
Mr. Culak is currently licensed in Texas and is a member of the Oil and Gas Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
Admissions
- Texas
Download Jason Culak vCard -
Associate
Heather M. Dillaplain
Licensed in Texas
Ms. Dillaplain graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2003 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology before attending South Texas College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate in 2007.
After graduating from South Texas, Ms. Dillaplain worked as in-house counsel for a residential mortgage company where she focused on regulations, research, compliance, licensing and litigation. She then managed the Houston office of a residential foreclosure firm where she acted as a substitute trustee, dealt with title issues, drafted motions, and managed the day-to-day activities of the Houston office. From 2018 to 2021, Ms. Dillaplain was an associate attorney at a mid-sized Houston law firm, conducting title examination and drafting Original, Supplemental, and Division Order Title Opinions. Additionally, she has worked as a field landman for a Houston-area broker, performing extensive mineral title research.
Ms. Dillaplain is a member of the Oil and Gas Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil and Gas Section
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization - Oil, Gas and Mineral Law
- Texas Bar College
Admissions
- Texas
Download Heather M. Dillaplain vCard -
Associate
Taylor Hamilton
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Hamilton earned his Juris Doctorate in 2008 from St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he wrote for the St. Mary’s Law Journal. He is also an alumnus of Texas A&M University, having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2005.
Mr. Hamilton has worked extensively as a title attorney, for several Houston-area firms, drafting original title opinions and division order title opinions, and has advised clients on pooling and unitization issues, lease interpretation and maintenance. He is also a former Assistant County Attorney for Kendall County, and has worked for the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- Phi Delta Phi, national legal honor society
- John M. Harlan, St. Mary’s Law School honor society
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
- Texas
Download Taylor Hamilton vCard -
Associate
Timothy Truong
Licensed in Texas
Mr. Truong graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2019. Mr. Truong subsequently enrolled at South Texas College of Law-Houston and graduated in 2022.
During his tenure at University of Houston-Downtown, Mr. Truong worked as a file/office clerk at KMW, and stepped up to fill the role of Law Clerk after starting at South Texas College of Law. Across all roles, he has been with the firm since 2016.
Mr. Truong is currently licensed in Texas and is a member of the Oil and Gas section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
- Houston Association of Professional Landmen
Admissions
- Texas
Download Timothy Truong vCard -
Associate
Vy Do
Licensed in Texas
Ms. Do received her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2013 before attending South Texas College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2016.
During her tenure at South Texas, Ms. Do worked as a law clerk for Kirby, Mathews & Walrath, served clients in the Immigration section of Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics, chaired as Co-President of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and completed South Texas’ Pro Bono program. Following graduation from South Texas and her licensure, Ms. Do worked as a curative landman for a Houston-area broker, analyzing title documents, identifying curative issues, and resolving related matters. Immediately prior to re-joining KMW, Ms. Do took a two-year hiatus from the energy sector to focus on other areas of law, specifically personal injury litigation and real estate examination.
Ms. Do is a member of the Oil and Gas section and the Real Estate section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
- - Real Estate Section
Admissions
- Texas
Download Vy Do vCard -
Associate
Kevin McDaniel
Licensed in Texas
Mr. McDaniel attended The University of Miami as an undergraduate, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (Pre-Law) and a minor in Economics in 2005. While in Miami Mr. McDaniel was a congressional intern for Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and received a Service Award for his contributions. Following his graduation, Mr. McDaniel moved home to Texas and spent time as a new home construction manager for McGuyer Homebuilders before enrolling at South Texas College of Law, graduating in 2010 with a Juris Doctorate. Thereafter, Mr. McDaniel passed the Texas State Bar and began working as a field landman for brokers with projects in the Eagle Ford, Austin Chalk, and Haynesville plays. From 2014 until shortly before joining Kirby Mathews and Walrath, Mr. McDaniel worked as an In-House Landman for a startup Houston-based oil and gas operator.
Mr. McDaniel has led multi-year lease acquisition programs in highly competitive Oklahoma and Permian prospects, contributing 30,000+ acres to core projects. Mr. McDaniel managed brokers during title acquisition, along with regulatory and curative work prior to and after spud. Mr. McDaniel also managed internal land records as they related to net revenue interests, working interests, and ~5,000 individual leases. Mr. McDaniel performed acquisition and divestiture due diligence for Permian assets with an aggregate value of ~1.5bn. Mr. McDaniel led royalty interest acquisition projects adjacent to lease and drilling programs which netted ~$122m value add to revenue producing assets. Along with this cradle to grave land experience Mr. McDaniel has negotiated and drafted various contracts related to acquisition and divestiture of oil and gas assets, joint operating agreements, purchase, and sale agreements, communitization agreements, pipeline land acquisitions and surface use, and other similar documents for oil and gas operators.
Mr. McDaniel is a member of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law section of the State Bar of Texas.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section
Admissions
- Texas
Download Kevin McDaniel vCard -
Associate
Bobbie Burkland
Licensed in Texas
Ms. Burkland earned her Juris Doctorate in 2008 from the South Texas College of Law, where she wrote for the Currents International Trade Journal. She is also an alumnus of Baylor University, having graduated with a Bachelor of Business Admission degree in 2005.
Ms. Burkland has worked as a Commercial Negotiator with major and mini-major oil companies, supporting assets in the Rockies, Gulf Coast, West Texas and North Louisiana regions. During her tenure as a Commercial Negotiator, Ms. Burkland supported acquisitions and divestitures of producing and non-producing properties, some exceeding $100 million in value. She has also worked as a Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney.
In addition to her Texas law license, Ms. Burkland is a Certified Professional Landman. She is a member of the Renewable Energy Alliance Houston and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy.
Memberships And Admissions
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Texas
- - Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Las Section
- - Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section
- American Association of Professional Landmen
Admissions
- Texas
Download Bobbie Burkland vCard -
-
Articles
- • M. Ryan Kirby, Timothy Truong, & Julia Salzman Davis v. COG Operating, LLC: The Estate-Misconception Issue published in the March 2023 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby & Timothy Truong, BlueStone Nat. Res. II, LLC v. Randle: Another Bite at the Post-Production Cost Apple published in the 2021 Q2 Houston Association Division Order Analysts Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby, J. Brian Davis, & Gina Hong, The Interplay of Anti-Washout Clauses and the Rule Against Perpetuities published in the October 2020 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby, J. Brian Davis, & Timothy Truong, Piranha Partners v. Neuhoff: A Review published in the September 2020 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter
- • J. Brian Davis, Community Property Leasing Distinction in New Mexico & Texas, published in the March, 2016 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby & Vy “Tina” Huynh, To Suspend or Not to Suspend? That is the Question!, published in the September, 2015 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter
- • Drew Potts, Authority to Pool Overriding Royalty Interests
- - Published in the April, 2015 Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen Newsletter
- - Published in the October, 2022 Houston Association of Petroleum Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby & Andrew Potts, Pooling: The Unintended Consequences & Alternatives, published in the December, 2014 Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen Newsletter
- • Bryan L. Mathews, The Mineral/Royalty Conundrum, published in the November, 2014 Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby & Gerald Walrath, Oil & Gas Title Opinions: A Brief Synopsis, published in the October, 2014 Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby & Vy “Tina” Huynh, Why You Should Run Title to the Sovereign, published in the May, 2015 Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen Newsletter
- • M. Ryan Kirby, Pooling: The Unintended Consequences, published in the March, 2014 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter
-
Presentations
- • Operator Remedies on Mis-payment
- - Gerald W. Walrath, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Technical Workshop, April 2023
- • Keep Calm & Cure On
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, September 29, 2022
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Division Order Analysts, June 8, 2022
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Technical Workshop, April 26, 2022
- - Drew Potts, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, March 29, 2022
- - Drew Potts, West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Luncheon, March 17, 2022
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Fall Saturday Seminar, October 9, 2021
- • Ratification: Beware! (Version 1.1)
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, September 30, 2021
- • So You Drilled a Well – Now What?
- - Gerald W. Walrath, American Association of Professional Landmen Annual Meeting, June 2021
- • New Mexico Title Issues from a Texas Title Perspective
- - Drew Potts, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, February 25, 2021
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, October 28, 2020
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Spring Saturday Seminar, May 30, 2020
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Division Order Analysts Luncheon, February 19, 2020
- • NHAPL 2020 Case Law Presentation
- - M. Ryan Kirby, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Virtual Half-Day Seminar, February 25, 2021
- • Houston Bar Association 2020 Oil & Gas Case Law Update
- - M. Ryan Kirby, Houston Bar Association Oil, Gas, & Mineral Law Section Case Law Update January 28, 2021
- • Dealing With Distressed Parties Under the AAPL 610 Joint Operating Agreement
- - Gerald Walrath, American Association of Professional Landmen Annual Meeting, Huntington Beach, California, June 18, 2020
- • The Unethical Landman (Version 2.0)
- - Drew Potts, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, February 26, 2020
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Technical Workshop, April 18, 2017
- • Surface Use Issues for Horizontal Wells
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, September 19, 2019
- • The Unethical Landman (Version 1.0)
- - Drew Potts, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, May 09, 2019
- - Drew Potts, In-House Presentation – Office of Oasis Petroleum, December 2016
- - Drew Potts, American Association of Professional Landmen Presentation, November 10, 2016
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, September 29, 2016
- - Drew Potts & Evan Block, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Presentation, May 02, 2016
- • What Were They Thinking?! Making Sense of Idiosyncratic Language in Title Instruments, (Multi-Jurisdictional)
- - M. Ryan Kirby, Ark-La-Tex Association of Professional Landmen Education Seminar, February 22, 2019
- - M. Ryan Kirby, Vy “Tina” Huynh, & Phuong Vy Do, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Technical Workshop, April 12, 2016
- • Things You May Have Missed
- - M. Ryan Kirby & Gerald Walrath, Houston Associate of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, September 27, 2018
- • The Unethical Landman (Version 3.0)
- - Drew Potts, South Texas College of Law 31st Annual Energy Law Institute, August 30, 2018
- - Drew Potts, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, February 22, 2018
- - Drew Potts, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Seminar, November 29, 2017
- - Drew Potts, American Association of Professional Landmen Texas Land Institute, September 25, 2017
- • Ratification: Beware! (Version 1.0)
- - M. Ryan Kirby and J. Brian Davis, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Luncheon, October 2017
- • NHAPL Ethics Presentation
- - Drew Potts & Evan Block, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Day at the Race Park, May 2, 2016
- • The End of the Tour
- - Gerald Walrath, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, February 25, 2016
- • What Were They Thinking?! Making Sense of Idiosyncratic Language in Title Instruments
- - M. Ryan Kirby & Vy “Tina” Huynh, American Association of Professional Landmen Field Landman Seminar, November 19, 2015
- - M. Ryan Kirby & Vy “Tina” Huynh, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Shale Play Symposium, October 15, 2015
- - M. Ryan Kirby & Vy “Tina” Huynh, Association of Lease and Title Analysts Monthly Luncheon, July 28, 2015
- • Exhibits to the Joint Operating Agreement
- - Gerald Walrath, HalfMoon Education, Operating Agreements in Oil and Gas, October 23, 2015
- • To Suspend or Not to Suspend? That is the Question!,
- - M. Ryan Kirby & Vy “Tina” Huynh, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Annual Fall Saturday Seminar, October 17, 2015
- • The Mineral/Royalty Conundrum
- - M. Ryan Kirby and Bryan L. Mathews, American Association of Professional Landmen Field Landman Seminar, February 26, 2015
- • Curative: When You Need to Resort to the Courts
- - M. Ryan Kirby, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Annual Fall Saturday Seminar, September 27, 2014
- • Preparing and Reviewing Oil & Gas Title Opinions
- - M. Ryan Kirby & Gerald Walrath, Association of Lease and Title Analysts Monthly Luncheon, June 24, 2014
- • Pooling: The Unintended Consequences
- - M. Ryan Kirby, North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Half-Day Seminar, February 27, 2014
- - M. Ryan Kirby, Houston Association of Professional Landmen Monthly Luncheon, February 20, 2014
- • Operator Remedies on Mis-payment
-
Events
- • 2023 Metroplex Energy Tennis Tournament, 1 | 2
- • 2022 Permian Basin Landmen's Association Golf Tournament, 1
- • 2021 West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Golf Tournament, 1 | 2
- • 2018 Permian Basin Landmen's Association Golf Tournament, 1
- • 2017 West Houston Association of Professional Skeet Shoot Tournament, 1
- • 2016 West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Golf Scramble, 1 | 2 | 3
- • 2016 South Texas College of Law Energy Law Negotiation Competition, 1 | 2
- • 2015 West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Sporting Clay Shoot, 1 | 2
- • 2015 West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Golf Scramble, 1 | 2
- • 2015 South Texas Landman & Lawyer Clays Shoot, 1
- • 2015 North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Sporting Clay Shoot, 1
- • 2015 North Houston Association of Professional Landmen Golf Tournament, 1
- • 2015 Metroplex Energy Tennis Tournament, 1 | 2
- • 2015 Houston Association of Professional Landmen TopGolf Spring Swing Membership Drive, 1
- • 2015 Houston Association of Professional Landmen Skeet Shoot Tournament, 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
- • 2015 Denver Girls on the Run 5k, 1
- • 2015 Fort Worth Association of Professional Landmen Golf Tournament, 1
- • 2014 West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Golf Scramble, 1
- • 2014 South Texas College of Law Energy Alumni Association Social, 1
- • 2014 Dallas Association of Professional Landmen Golf Tournament, 1
- • 2013 West Houston Association of Professional Landmen Sporting Clay Shoot, 1 | 2
- • 2013 Wyoming Association of Professional Landmen Annual Golf Tournament, 1
- • 2013 Marty Zolkoski Memorial Golf Tournament, 1
-
Coming Soon...
-
Careers At KMW
Kirby, Mathews & Walrath welcomes resumes from attorneys with greater than 3 years (5400 billable hours) writing oil and gas title opinions post-licensure. Interested candidates should live in or be willing to relocate to Houston, Texas. If you decide to submit a resume, please consider sending along a redacted title opinion which you signed or were the sole author of.
Resumes may be submitted to Careers@KMWEnergyLaw.com.
-
stay in touch
Kirby, Mathews & Walrath, PLLC
Esperson Building
808 Travis St., Suite 1625
Houston, TX 77002Phone: (713) 489-4620
FAX: (713) 489-4619M. Ryan Kirby
Bryan L. Mathews
Gerald Walrath
-
-