David Ammons has extensive experience handling a wide range of complex business litigation matters. A significant portion of his practice is devoted to representing onshore and offshore oil and gas producers, gas marketing companies, gas pipeline companies, and natural gas liquids processing companies. David has appeared in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the country.

In addition to his energy litigation practice, David has handled a variety of other complex commercial disputes, including director and officer disputes, fiduciary litigation, environmental and toxic tort litigation, and financial litigation.

David is board certified in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Bar Admissions
Texas

Education
J.D., University of Texas at Austin School of Law, 2003
B.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1999, cum laude

Significant Accomplishments
Energy

Defended a publicly traded exploration and production company in the defense of a number of proposed class action cases alleging underpayment of royalties on gas and natural gas liquids production. Defeated class certification.

Defended a publicly traded exploration and production company against claims brought under the False Claims Act alleging underpayment of royalties on crude oil extracted from federal and Indian lands.

Defended a publicly traded exploration and production company against allegations that it participated in an industry-wide antitrust conspiracy relating to lease bonuses and royalties. Secured dismissal of all claims.

Defended a publicly traded exploration and production company in litigation concerning the enforceability of a lease option agreement and other related agreements impacting acreage throughout the country. Prevailed on summary judgment.

Represented a publicly traded midstream company in connection with breaches of numerous offshore gas gathering agreements, including pursuing federal administrative remedies.

Represented an independent oil and gas company in a dispute concerning title to leases and wells in the Permian basin and associated unlawful drainage.
Represented an independent oil and gas company in a cotenant accounting dispute concerning leases and wells in the Barnett Shale.

Business Litigation

Defended officers and directors of an independent exploration and production company against claims of operational mismanagement and breaches of fiduciary duty relating to two emerging shale plays.

Handled director and officer litigation relating to the bankruptcy of a nationwide homebuilder.

Handled fiduciary litigation relating to the bankruptcy of an entity that designed, implemented, and managed Independent Physician’s Associations and Management Services Organizations.

Handled director and officer and accounting malpractice litigation relating to the bankruptcy of a designer and manufacturer of offshore drilling rigs.

Represented a foreign government in cross-border environmental and toxic tort litigation relating to copper and gold mining.

Represented Joint Official Liquidators for companies in the Cayman Islands in federal multi-district litigation relating to the collapse of Parmalat, the Italian international food conglomerate.

Represented a medical device manufacturer in litigation concerning patent infringement.
Some of the above representations were handled by David prior to joining Haynes and Boone.

• Shut-In and Cessation of Production: Current Considerations for Oil & Gas Producers

  By David Ammons |May 2020