This presentation is from the 2026 Appalachian Land Institute.
This presentation will investigate the sneaking suspicion that not all title opinions are the same. Specifically, we will consider how the analytical focus of oil and gas title opinions may be different from title opinions certifying ownership of the surface, coal, or other minerals. We will also look at why the scope of almost all title opinions are limited in some fashion and the risks and benefits associated with the decision to limit scope. Finally, we will review some of questions that title opinions can never really answer and how title opinions interact with statutory attempts to simplify title examinations.


Member, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
Andy Graham has practiced energy and mineral law with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC over the last 22 years in Texas and West Virginia, focusing on title examinations, assisting clients buying or selling mineral, midstream and renewable energy assets, and handling surface use issues arising from energy development. He also teaches energy land management at West Virginia University, writes about energy law developments for the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law’s Mineral and Energy Law Newsletter, and serves as a trustee of the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation. He has been included in Woodward/White’s The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law every year since 2012. He graduated from Shepherd College and the West Virginia University College of Law, and he is admitted to practice law in West Virginia, Texas, and Ohio.Please accept {{cookieConsents}} cookies to view this content