John M. Stafford

I began my professional career in 1979 as Petroleum Geologist for ARCO Exploration Company. Fourteen years later, when BP acquired ARCO, I enrolled in law school and became an attorney focusing on oil and gas transactions and environmental issues.  Following several years of private practice at large law firms, I became VP and General Counsel for a mid-sized oil and gas company on the NYSE that later sold out to Noble Energy for $4.9 billion. Following that employment, I formed my own law firm and now represent land owners and small to mid-sized E&P companies.  I pride myself on common sense legal solutions that result in symbiotic business relationships.  For land owners, I can assist in negotiating oil and gas leases that maximize your economic return without pricing you out of the market or otherwise making your lease less desirable to an oil company.  For E&P companies, I provide a wide range of skills including drafting and negotiating legal documents tailored to enhance your business plan.  My background enables me to effectively communicate complex technical matters into easily understandable concepts to a variety of audiences.  It would be an honor to assist you with your oil and gas legal needs.