Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Shareholders Robert L. Burns, Jr., Sue C. Friedberg and Sean W. Moran presented at the Marcellus Shale Land Law seminar on June 16, 2011.
In "Negotiating and Interpreting Gas Leases," Purpura broke down principles and elements of gas rights leases and explained identifying parties to the lease and reviewing common lease provisions. He also covered the limitations on the rights of the lessee, including accommodation doctrine, surface use/damages agreement, and land use and zoning restrictions.
Burns discussed "Understanding Environmental Issues in Gas Exploration and Development," covering current regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and emerging issues and potential regulatory action.
Later in the afternoon, Friedberg and Moran spoke on "Developing Ethical and Conflict Issues Related to the Marcellus Shale." In the presentation, they discussed landowner representation, direct and indirect client conflicts, duties for former clients in current matters and competency issues in a developing area of law.