“Landman”

I have been enjoying the TV show "Landman" from Paramount -- the story of an Oil & Gas Landman negotiating surface rights and mineral leases in Texas.

While I've never heard of a Landman being kidnapped by a drug cartel, I have known some Landmen who have been in very scary (and funny) situations.  Whether it is being attacked by an owner's dogs, or giving a cheque to a landowner only to have him throw it on the lawn and run over it with his lawnmower, interactions between Operators and Landowners usually bring out some big feelings.

One thing that I always hate to see is Landowners who don't get lawyers, get taken advantage of by Operators, and wind up with the short end of the stick.  Even more of a pity is the fact that many Landowners don't realise that in Alberta, their legal costs are usually 100% payable by the Operator.  

Similarly, even Landowners who already have an installation on their land don't realize how frequently and under what circumstances they can demand a rent review (or payment of unpaid back rent by the government), or what kind of damages to the land they can get compensated for.  Fortunately, big landowners like farmers and ranchers usually have a good stock in Alberta's most important resource, common sense, and learn quickly to seek legal help.

If you are dealing with possible surface rights issues, or if you are a mineral rights holder who might be dealing with an oil & gas company or other operator, don't wait -- contact me at alex@raklaw.ca or (825)-523-5529 right away.  I serve clients throughout Alberta, and I can come to you.