Biography
John Holden has been representing clients in the natural resources area for more than 40 years. He has advised clients with respect to all aspects of ownership, exploration, development, production, transportation, processing, sale, and marketing of oil and gas, and other natural resources and water. His experience includes the formation and financing of various types of entities, both public and private and the acquisition, development, and divestiture of hydrocarbons and related assets.
John typically serves as outside general counsel for his clients, both servicing and managing their legal needs. His personal involvement and commitment to each client and the relationship they develop is crucial in achieving the client’s goals. He is dedicated to keeping current on the law, resolving industry issues and identifying future trends.
Education
A.B., Ohio University
J.D., George Washington University Law School
LL.M., SMU Dedman School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas, 1968
District of Columbia, 1968
Board Certifications
Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law
John’s most significant international project was directing the energy aspects of the privatization of $750 million dollars of YPF assets, the national oil company of Argentina. The process required the analysis of the Constitutional issues, applicable laws, rules, decrees and regulations of that country and the creation of appropriate entities to accomplish the country’s objectives. He also assisted in the bid process.
John has significant experience in energy lending and borrowing as well as debt and equity financing. He has represented borrowers and financial and financing institutions in their negotiation and documentation of financing transactions. In addition, he has represented both debtors and creditors in reorganization and bankruptcy. He has represented financial institutions in the foreclosure on and the subsequent sale of various energy assets. John has also negotiated and documented equity participation in the foregoing.
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2006-2022
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Energy Law, 2013
- Energy Law, 2006-2022
- Oil and Gas Law, 2011-2022
- Who’s Who in Energy, Dallas Business Journal, 2012-2014
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2009
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” D Magazine, 2013-2022
The Joint Operating Agreement: Pitfalls, Nuances, & Opportunities, Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists: SIPES, April 2017
The AAPL Form 610-2015 Model Form Joint Operating Agreement, given to the Dutch Treat Wildcatters, February 2017
What Lawyers Need to Know About the New AAPL 610 Joint Operating Agreement, Dallas Bar Association – Energy Law Section, February 2017
The AAPL Form 610-2015 Model Form Joint Operating Agreement, Dallas Petroleum Engineers Club, December 2, 2016
Oil and Gas Exploration in the United States, Oil & Gas Outlook Conference 2016, Lucca, Italy May 6, 2016
How Do I Protect Myself from the Other Guy in Bankruptcy? The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, April 2016
Ethical Constraints in Negotiation, Oil & Gas Disputes Course. Texas Bar Association, Houston, TX, January 8, 2015
The Ethics of Negotiation: Are There Any? 2015 Texas Tech School of Law Energy Law Symposium, Lubbock, TX, January 16, 2015
Hydraulic Fracturing Land Lease Negotiations, Energy Company and Landowner Rights Webcast, March 25, 2014
Hydraulic Fracturing Impact on Agricultural Operations, Albuquerque, NM, October 21, 2014
- State Bars of Texas
- District of Columbia Bar
- Dallas Bar Association – Corporation and Business Law Section
- Past Chairman – Energy Law Section
- Past Chairman – International Law Section
- State Bar’s Corporate
- Banking and Business Section
- Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Section
- Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
- Independent Petroleum Association of America
- Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association
- Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
- Baylor University Law School, Former Adjunct Professor of International Law
- Southern Methodist University – Cox School of Business, Associate Board Member
John is experienced in the preparation and negotiation of:
- Merger and acquisition agreements
- Joint exploration agreements
- Lease acquisition agreements
- Seismic option agreements
- Leases and term leases
- Operating agreements
- Pooling and unitization agreements
- Production sharing agreements
- Farmouts
- Oil and gas sales contracts
- Storage and transportation agreements
- Processing agreements
- Pipeline construction and operating agreements
- Due diligence
- Surface use agreements