Scott Childs represents oil and gas exploration and production companies as well as oilfield service providers operating throughout North Dakota and Montana. His practice includes drafting and negotiating purchases and sales of assets, master service agreements, pipeline interconnections, corporate formation documents, and real property instruments, including leasehold assignments and royalty conveyances. Scott also publishes mineral and surface title opinions and frequently advises his clients on regulatory permitting, environmental, zoning, land use, and other federal, state, tribal, and local laws affecting energy project development.

Scott previously practiced law in Houston, Texas, where he published mineral and surface title opinions and counseled clients on a variety of regulatory issues related to oil and gas development in Texas and North Dakota. In addition to his legal experience, he has advised foreign diplomatic missions on energy regulation and climate policy throughout 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

• Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN)
• North Dakota Petroleum Council
• Landman’s Association of North Dakota
• Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
• 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 Montana, 2012
• State of North Dakota, 2011
• State of Texas, 2008