Biography
Spotlight
Paul represents oil and gas exploration and production companies in a range of corporate mandates, including joint ventures and dispositions. Interviewees note: "He is very knowledgeable, both in terms of the law and the practical business side of things."
- Chambers Canada, 2021 Guide
Paul advises clients on the drafting and negotiating of agreements for the acquisition and divestiture (A&D) of oil and gas assets and the drafting and negotiating of joint venture, partnership and joint operating agreements pertaining to the energy industry.
Paul also assists clients in due diligence and title opinion preparation in A&D transactions and with respect to custom and complex freehold land matters and the legal consequences of asset retirement obligations (ARO). He provides advice relating to day to day disputes and issues with joint venture participants, royalty owners and fee simple owners of oil and gas properties and ARO disputes. In A&D, he helps clients understand and navigate the closing process and the preparation of closing documentation to ensure a successful transaction.
Paul's practice is focused exclusively on oil and gas matters. The significant concentration of Paul's oil and gas focused practice, allows him to provide his clients with timely, detailed and thoughtful assistance in energy matters.
Professional Activities
- University of Calgary Faculty of Management, "PLMA475 - Introduction to Professional Land Management", 2016-2019, Instructor
- University of Calgary Faculty of Management, "PLMA477 - Introduction to Agreements", 2004 to 2016, Instructor
- CAPL; "Freehold Mineral Lease", 2001 to present, Instructor and Materials writer
- CAPL Negotiator Magazine, Periodic contributor
Recognitions & Rankings
Recognitions & Rankings
- Chambers Canada:
- Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) - Nationwide (Band 3), 2025
- Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) - Nationwide (Band 4), 2024
- Best Lawyers in Canada: Oil and Gas Law, 2022-2025
- Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Energy - Oil & Gas (Leading Practitioner), 2023-2024
- Chambers Global: Energy: Oil & Gas (Transactional) (Band 4), 2023-2024
- Who's Who Legal: Energy (Canada) and Energy (Global), 2023
- Acritas Stars: 2019-2021
- Lexpert Special Edition: Leading Canadian Lawyers in Energy, 2016-2020
- Legal 500 Canada: Energy - Oil and Gas, 2016
- Friend of CAPL Award: 2011 & 2014
- Lawson Friend of CALEP 2024
Experience
Experience
- An Alberta-based public oil and gas exploration and development company in negotiating and drafting the Project Development Agreement, Facilities Development Agreement, Gas Transportation Agreement, and a Gas Handling Agreement for a large transaction involving its acquisition of long-term (25 years) natural gas transportation and processing capacity from a major midstream player. The long-term processing and transportation value to our clients was over C$1 billion
- Longshore Resources Ltd. with the financing and acquisition of a significant asset. We supported due diligence of the assets as well as negotiated the purchase and sale agreement governing the acquisition. We also assisted Longshore with a $100 million drawn down of its stand-by financing from its Founders and private equity supporter
- NuVista Energy Ltd. with respect to asset purchase and sale agreements with Canadian Natural Resources Northern Alberta Partnership, one of the largest independent crude oil and gas producers in the world
- Renegade Petroleum Ltd. with respect to title due diligence for their $495 million merger with Alexander Energy Ltd. to form Spartan Energy Corp
- Title due diligence on behalf of Direct Energy Marketing Limited’s (Centrica PLC) in respect of the $1 billion dollar acquisition of Suncor Energy Inc.’s WSB natural gas assets. (Jan – March 2013)
- Lead counsel for Long Run Exploration Ltd. in a $180 million dollar sale to Teine Energy Ltd. (West Central Area, Saskatchewan)
- Lead counsel for Corex Resources Ltd. in a $220 million dollar purchase from Enerplus Corporation (Manitoba lands)
News & Publications
News & Publications
Current Affairs - Mineral (Cutting Corners in the Montney) - 2024 CALEP Conference [Presentation Link]
Alberta Energy’s Industry Shakedown for Delinquent Gas Royalties - Energy Express Educational Series, November 17, 2021 [Presentation Link]
Speaking Engagements
Speaking Engagements
Assistant Contact
- Narinder Parmar
- Legal Assistant
- T: 403.218.7524
- nparmar@lawsonlundell.com
Bar Admissions
- Alberta (1994)
Education
University of Calgary (LL.B., 1993)
University of Calgary (B.A. PolSci, 1990)