Troutman Pepper Locke Triumphs with $67 Million Jury Verdict in High-Stakes Permian Basin Lease Dispute

DALLAS – Troutman Pepper Locke secured a jury verdict exceeding $67 million in a breach of contract dispute related to the loss of a 640-acre oil and gas lease in the Permian Basin in West Texas. This victory comes after more than seven years of litigation, including a pivotal appearance before the Texas Supreme Court in which the firm secured a favorable ruling. With accrued interest, the judgment is expected to surpass $90 million.

Troutman Pepper Locke’s Scott Hastings led the trial and appellate team, which included Matt Hansen, Chase Cobb, and Tom Loose, as well as Richard Abernathy and Charles Crawford from Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett. Loose provided crucial appellate support, contributing to the prior 9-0 victory in the Texas Supreme Court.

Troutman Pepper Locke’s Business Litigation Practice has a successful track record defending and prosecuting high-stakes commercial matters in federal, state, trial, and appellate courts throughout the U.S. The team handles complex multidistrict cases, class actions, and single-case litigations, representing both mid-market companies and Fortune 500 industry leaders. Additionally, Troutman Pepper Locke represents clients before administrative boards, government agencies, and domestic and international alternative dispute tribunals.

Troutman Pepper Locke

Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.