Scott Childs works closely with the firm’s office in Bismarck, North Dakota, and with our national energy attorneys in Washington, D.C. His practice includes publishing mineral and surface title opinions, drafting oil and gas contracts, and negotiating agreements on behalf of exploration and production companies as well as oilfield service providers. Scott also frequently provides counsel for oil and gas producers operating within the boundaries of an American Indian Reservation.

Scott previously worked as an oil and gas attorney in Houston, where he published title opinions and advised clients on a variety of regulatory issues related to oil and gas development in Texas and North Dakota. In addition to his experience conducting mineral title examinations, he has a policy analysis background covering energy law and climate regulation throughout much of the United States and Canada. Scott is also a reporter for the Mineral Law Newsletter, a publication of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.

Professional and Civic Activities

• State Bar Association of North Dakota
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• State Bar of Texas
• North Dakota Petroleum Council
• Landman’s Association of North Dakota
• Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
• Member, North Dakota State Oil & Gas Lease Committee, 2011 – 2012

Publications

“The Alberta Clipper Sails to Texas: Possible Regulatory Reconsideration in Minnesota,” Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Newsletter, Volume XXVIII, Number 4, 2011

“’Frac Sand’ in Minnesota: Uncertain Legal and Regulatory Environment for an Emerging Industry,” Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Newsletter, Volume XXVIII, Number 3, 2011

“Continental Cap-and-Trade: Canada, the United States, and North American Emissions Partnership,” Houston Journal of International Law, Spring 2010

Presentations

“Continental Cap-and-Trade: Canada, the United States, and North American Emissions Partnership,” North American Consortium on Legal Education Annual Conference, Mexico City, Mexico, October 2009

Education

• LL.M., Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Law, University of Houston Law Center
• J.D., cum laude, University of Tennessee College of Law
• B.A., magna cum laude, International Relations, Wheaton College

Admissions

• State of Minnesota, 2011
• State of North Dakota, 2011
• State of Texas, 2008