Energy & Oilfield Services Counsel in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette's Energy Economy

Lafayette and Acadiana are home to a large network of oilfield service companies, contractors, suppliers, and equipment providers. These businesses often work under master service agreements (MSAs) prepared by operators or larger contractors, and the terms of those agreements can determine who pays when an accident, delay, or dispute occurs.

Master Service Agreements

An MSA sets the general terms for all work performed under it, with individual jobs covered by work orders. Key provisions to understand before signing include:

• Indemnity and defense obligations
• Insurance requirements and additional-insured terms
• Limitation of liability and consequential damages
• Payment terms and invoice disputes
• Choice of law, venue, and dispute resolution

Indemnity and the Louisiana Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act

Louisiana has a statute, the Louisiana Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act (La. R.S. 9:2780), that limits certain indemnity provisions in agreements pertaining to wells for oil, gas, or water. Whether it applies, and whether another state's law or federal maritime law governs instead, depends on the specific agreement and work. These questions can significantly affect a company's risk, so indemnity and insurance clauses deserve careful review rather than a quick signature.

How We Help

• Flat-fee MSA review with a plain-English summary of key risks
• Negotiating revisions with customers and contractors
• Drafting your own company's service terms and subcontracts
• Collection of unpaid invoices and contract disputes
• Entity formation and ownership documents for new service companies

Practical Counsel

We understand that service companies often have limited leverage and tight timelines. Our aim is to identify the provisions that matter most, explain them clearly, and help you decide what to push back on and what to accept.

Common Questions

My customer says its MSA is non-negotiable. Is a review still worth it? Often yes. Even when terms cannot change, knowing your indemnity and insurance obligations helps you price the work, buy the right coverage, and avoid surprises.

Does the Anti-Indemnity Act protect my company? It may, depending on the work, location, and governing law. That analysis depends on the specific agreement.

Can you help collect unpaid invoices from operators? Yes. We assist with demand letters, negotiation, and, when needed, litigation to recover unpaid amounts. Louisiana law may also provide privilege rights for certain oil and gas work.