J. Todd Woolery

Todd Woolery is a lawyer whose broad-based litigation, transactional and business counseling practice is concentrated in the oil and gas, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries.  His clients include oilfield service companies, oil and gas exploration and production companies, pipeline companies, chemical and coatings manufacturers, and renewable energy developers.

Much of Todd’s practice is devoted to representing energy industry clients in a broad range of litigation matters, with specific emphasis on disputes involving oilfield and industrial pollution, seismicity (earthquake), bodily injury, contract, and surface, subsurface and downhole property damage claims. He is often called upon to respond to and investigate events in the oilfield and other industrial settings prior to litigation being filed. His experience in this area includes frequent and favorable dealings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), and Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC).

As part of his transactional practice, Todd advises clients on domestic and international transactions in the areas of oil and gas operations, oilfield services, manufacturing, and renewable energy.  His experience includes drafting and negotiating master service agreements, leases, joint operating agreements, drilling contracts, surface damage agreements, supply agreements, distribution agreements, agency agreements for international operations, intellectual property and confidentiality agreements, real estate purchase and sale agreements, assets purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, and employment agreements.

Todd also serves as outside general counsel for two international oilfield service providers and an Oklahoma-based manufacturing company, where he handles all transactional matters, advises on labor and employment issues, manages litigation and risk management, including health and safety and domestic and international corporate compliance.  Serving in such role aids Todd greatly in knowing exactly what service and results clients expect and deserve from their outside counsel.

Todd also occasionally serves as a mediator in complex oilfield and natural resources litigation.

Todd’s understanding of the unique issues facing his clients extends far beyond the courtroom. Prior to graduating from law school, he worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma and Texas for six years, where he gained valuable hands-on experience and insights into the day-to-day inner workings of the industry.  Furthermore, Todd operates a farm in western Oklahoma and sees the interplay between the oil and gas industry and landowners firsthand.  This perspective assists him greatly in defending cases on behalf of energy industry clients.

As part of his practice, he is frequently asked to speak on oil and gas law and on other issues facing the energy industry before professional trade associations and at major universities. His presentations most often focus on oilfield liability, and he frequently speaks at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Oklahoma City University School of Law, University of Oklahoma Price College of Business, and Oklahoma State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Todd is also an adjunct professor at the Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he teaches Oil and Gas Law and Energy Torts.

Todd’s achievements have earned him inclusion in Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, The Best Lawyers in America (commercial litigation; oil and gas law) and Oklahoma Super Lawyers, as well as recognition as a “Future Star” by Benchmark Litigation.

He currently serves as the leader of the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources Group.