meet our attorneys
Alex Kuiper
Managing Partner
Mr. Alex Kuiper counsels a variety of energy industry clients in multiple legal facets. He is Board Certified in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Jackie MacAfee
Partner
Prior to joining Kuiper Law Firm, Jackie also spent several years working as an in-house landman for a large E&P company, covering active drilling programs in the Uintah Basin in Utah as well as the Eagle Ford and Wolfcamp Shales in Texas.
- Phone:832-626-0218
- Email:jackie.macafee@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/jackie-macafee/
Lori Ferguson
Partner & General Counsel
Lori is an experienced civil litigator focused on contractual disputes and negotiation. Her expertise is backed by a decade of litigation and transactional experience and five years of title practice.
Laura Schwarz
Partner
Laura Bennett Schwarz is an experienced oil and gas professional.
Throughout her nearly 20-year career, she has worked at several oil and gas companies in various roles including in-house landman, director of asset management, and title attorney.
Bresee Carlson
Partner
Lori is an experienced civil litigator focused on contractual disputes and negotiation. Her expertise is backed by a decade of litigation and transactional experience and five years of title practice.
Beau McMillin
Managing Associate
Beau M. McMillin is an experienced attorney concentrating in the areas of oil and gas, real property, and contract law. He regularly advises clients involved in the acquisition, development, and exploration of oil and gas properties, with an emphasis on title examination.
Diana Woodcock
Managing Associate
Diana Woodcock is an experienced oil and gas attorney and is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico. Diana has over 6 years of experience in original and supplemental acquisition, drilling and division order title opinions covering lands in both Texas and New Mexico.
- Phone:281-982-0238
- Email:diana.woodcock@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/diana-woodcock/
Matt R. Morrison
Managing Associate
Matt counsel's clients on title matters and associated areas of law and prepares acquisition, base, drilling, division order, and other title opinions and supplements thereto. He also prepares title curative and other instruments affecting surface, mineral, and leasehold estates, negotiates and prepares oil and gas leases, performs legal research regarding specific title issues and other areas of law, performs due diligence, and calculates complex divisions of revenue interests.
Patrick Garner
Managing Associate
Patrick Garner’s practice is focused primarily on oil & gas title examination.
Prior to joining the oil & gas industry in 2010, Patrick practiced Criminal Defense and Family Law. His experience includes original and supplemental title opinions in Texas as well as curative and land work in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Montana.
Russell Oxford
Managing Associate
Russell Oxford is an experienced attorney concentrating in the areas of oil and gas, real property, and probate law.
He regularly advises clients involved in the acquisition, development, and exploration of oil and gas properties, with an emphasis on title examination.
Kip Plankinton
Staff Attorney
Kip is Board Certified in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has rendered numerous Title Opinions covering federal, state, tribal and fee lands in the lower 48.
Brandon Daggett
Senior Associate
Brandon Daggett’s practice is focused primarily on Oil and Gas Title Examination.
Brandon received his B.S. in Finance from Texas Tech University in 2011 and his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2014. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2014.
- Phone:682-214-0711
- Email:brandon.daggett@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/brandon-daggett/
Cassidy Thompson
Senior Associate
James West
Senior Associate
James has experience as both a landman and title attorney with various Oil and Gas companies and law firms.
He grew up in Lubbock, Texas and is a devoted Red Raider fan. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Energy Commerce from Texas Tech in 2012, he began his career in Midland Texas working for one of the major oil companies. He then returned to Texas Tech and acquired his JD and MBA degrees in 2016.
Joshua Murphy
Senior Associate
Josh provides clients with a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach based on his extensive background in mineral title examination, oil and gas transactional work, and regulatory matters.
He received his J.D. from the University of Denver. Prior to joining Kuiper, Josh worked as a title landman, analyzing mineral and leasehold interests on federal, fee, and state lands across the West. Josh also worked for a boutique natural resources firm handling oil and gas title matters.
Katie Pfau
Senior Associate
Katie assists clients in oil and gas transactional matters.
She works on a variety of matters such as, title examination and the preparation of Original and Supplemental Drilling Title Opinions, Division Order Title Opinions and Curative and Title Updates. Prior to joining Kuiper Law Firm in 2022, Katie worked in financial services regulatory compliance.
Malori Flaniken
Senior Associate
Malori R. Flaniken is a skilled attorney with a practice focused on oil and gas, asset management, estate planning, and trusts.
Her career began as an in-house landman, responsible for the development of assets in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Wyoming, and North Dakota. More recently she has been managing extensive minerals and working interest positions for private equity companies in basins nationwide, as well as drafting drilling and division order title opinions and curing complex title issues.
- Phone:(405) 578-6142
- Email:malori.flaniken@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/malori-flaniken
Nicole Blair
Senior Associate
Nicole graduated magna cum laude from the University of Oklahoma in 2002, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, after which she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2008, with an emphasis in litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
Angelica Garcia Cantu
Associate
Angelica is currently a 3L at South Texas College of Law Houston.
At South Texas, Angelica is an associate editor for the Corporate Counsel Review and an active member of the Phi Delta Phi Fraternity, the Oil and Gas Law Society, and the Women’s Law Society.
Brissa Rosa
Associate
Brissa is an attorney with a practice focused on Oil and Gas.
She began her career as an in-house Landman for a large, Oklahoma City based exploration and production company. She worked in this role for over seven years managing various assets and is an AAPL Certified Petroleum Landman.
Bryan G. Carlson
Associate
Prior to law school, Bryan began his career in the oil and gas industry as an inhouse title landman with a focus on fee and state lands in New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming.
While attending University of San Diego School of Law, Bryan was on the San Diego Journal of Climate and Energy Law and served as Co-President of the Environmental Law Society.
Daniela Villafani
Associate
Daniela Villafani is currently a rising 3L at South Texas College of Law Houston.
She is an Associate Editor for the Corporate Counsel Review. Daniela is currently a member of the Oil and Gas Law Society as well as the Hispanic Law Students Association. She is a candidate for the Transactional Law Practice Certificate Program at South Texas.
Elizabeth Scruggs
Associate
Elizabeth Scruggs’s experience includes civil litigation, corporate and labor law, insurance, indemnity, compliance, government procurement, and all other aspects of contract work relevant to the energy and construction fields.
Her litigation experience is focused on contractual disputes and negotiations as well as complex insurance and jurisdiction disputes. She currently assists with the firm’s litigation practice, commercial transactions practice, and government contract practice.
Jacob Frisbee
Associate
Jacob Frisbee graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston in the spring of 2023.
Prior to law school he graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Anthropology, he has worked as a research and field Archaeologist, and a Supply Chain/Operations Manager.
- Phone:346-385-2774
- Email:jacob.frisbee@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/jacob-fresbee
James Parker
Associate
James Parker has over a decade of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
After graduating with his B.A. from Oklahoma Christian University in 2009, James began his career working for several oil and gas companies in a variety of roles. In 2013, he continued his career as an in-house landman while attending Oklahoma City University School of Law, earning his J.D. in 2017.
Katherine Rosendahl
Associate
Kate Rosendahl graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston in 2023.
She was a part of Law Review and CURRENTS: Journal of International Economic Law.
Prior to law school she was an 8th grade U.S. History teacher. Katherine has a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Geography and Political Science from Texas State University.
Kianna Udenze
Associate
Kianna is an East Texas native, born and raised in Tyler, Texas.
Her interest in working in the Oil & Gas industry peaked after interning with the General Counsel of an Oil and Gas Company. She joined Kuiper Law Firm as a Summer Associate in 2022, and continued clerking until she transitioned into an Associate in October 2023.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor in International Studies, from Texas State University with honors. Afterwards, she received her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law where she excelled on the Moot Court and Negotiations teams, receiving the David Swank Award for her professionalism.
Kisa Freyre
Associate
Kisa is a native Oklahoman and a graduate of Oklahoma State University where she earned her B.S. in Business Administration
She earned her JD and MBA from Oklahoma City University School of Law and Meinders School of Business. Kisa is licensed to practice law in both Texas and Oklahoma. Her experience includes litigation, policy and regulatory compliance, Oil & Gas lease and mineral interests as well as curing of Oil & Gas title.
Leah Payne
Associate
Leah is a recent South Texas College of Law Houston graduate where she was awarded a J.D.
During law school, Leah interned for a prominent Houston firm specializing in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. She also participated in STCL’s award-winning advocacy program and placed as a regional finalist in the 2024 ABA Representation in Mediation Competition.
Lillian Lee
Associate
Lillian is a native Houstonian and will be entering her third year as a student at South Texas College of Law in the fall.
At South Texas, Lillian is an active member of the South Texas Law Review and participates in the prestigious Presidential Fellows Program. She also contributes to the legal community through her involvement with the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association.
Natalie Galerne
Associate
Natalie will be a 3rd year law student in the fall at South Texas College of Law Houston.
Natalie is a Board of Advocates member for STCL’s award-winning Advocacy Program and competes on the Moot Court team. Her most recent competitions include the Appellate Lawyers Association Moot Court Competition in Chicago and the National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition in West Virginia, where her team placed as Quarterfinalists.
Randall Ross
Associate
Randall Ross is an associate attorney at Kuiper Law Firm, specializing in Oil & Gas Title Examination. Based in the Houston office, he was admitted to the bar in 2023 and is licensed to practice law in Texas, North Dakota, and New Mexico.
- Phone:832-626-0223
- Email:randall.ross@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/randall-ross
RJ Feltman
Associate
RJ Feltman has an extensive background in regulatory policy and the oil and gas industry.
Prior to joining Kuiper Law Firm, RJ spent several years practicing in Houston, handling various transactional matters, including title examination, oil and gas transactions, real property transactions, business transactions, and managing an extensive business litigation docket.
Ty Lopez
Associate
Ty Lopez is an Associate Attorney at Kuiper Law Firm, with license to practice law in Oklahoma.
Prior to joining Kuiper Law Firm, Ty received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sports management from the University of Oklahoma. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor at the University of Oklahoma College of Law where he was honored as a Dean’s Leadership Fellow.
Chet Cotten
Counsel
Mineral title examination has been Chet Cotten’s legal focus since 2011.
He has extensive experience with complex, large-scale title opinions involving hundreds of subdivision lots with individual mineral ownership in the highly developed D.J. basin. Chet’s meticulous and detail-oriented approach is vital for these intricate projects with complex property descriptions. His broad expertise also covers title examinations in North Dakota and Wyoming.
Colin Weber
Counsel
After graduating from South Texas College of Law, Colin began his career in the oil and gas industry as a field landman in the Barnett Shale, gaining valuable experience executing title searches and creating ownership reports.
- Phone: 832-626-0215
- Email:colin.weber@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/our-attorneys/colin-weber
Corinna Visser
Counsel
Corinna is a licensed Texas attorney whose practice primarily focuses on oil and gas law including title examination.
She has experience preparing drilling, division order, and acquisition title opinions, advising on due diligence, and drafting contracts. Prior to joining Kuiper Law Firm, Corinna worked as an oil and gas attorney at other Houston law firms where she represented clients in the upstream oil and gas energy sector.
Grant Wilson
Counsel
Grant has examined surface, mineral and leasehold title and worked in oil and gas law in Oklahoma for over 15 years.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
Kevin Seal
Counsel
Kevin brings a wealth of experience in the oil and gas industry to his legal practice, drawing on a background deeply intertwined with the sector.
With both his father and brother being Petroleum Geologists, Kevin’s roots in the industry run deep. He holds a B.S. in Petroleum Land Management and earned his law degree from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert School of Law.
Natalie Welsh
Counsel
Natalie is a Native of Southeast Texas, who moved to the “big city” of Austin to attend The University of Texas.
While in undergrad, Natalie was a member of the national service organization Alpha Phi Omega. The group is best known for performing on the football field with the largest Texas flag. After receiving her B.A. in English, she moved to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law, where she focused on Material Property and Probate and Estate Planning.
Robert D. Jowers
Counsel
Robert D. Jowers focuses his practice in oil, gas and mineral law in Texas; he is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law.
He has extensive experience drafting and reviewing contracts for the sale and purchase of oil, gas and other related hydrocarbon substances as well as the acquisition and financing of producing properties, pipelines and gathering systems. He has assisted with the negotiation, review and preparing of drilling agreements, exploration and participating agreements, joint venture agreements, farm-out/farm-in agreements, joint operating agreements (onshore and offshore), pooling and unitization agreements, rights of way acquisition and environmental matters. Jowers has rendered, and supervised the rendition of, many title opinions in all areas of Texas and Louisiana concerning the exploration, production, financing, and acquisition of oil and gas properties.
Ronald Boraks
Counsel
Ronald Boraks provides multi-jurisdictional counsel facilitating upstream development.
Ronald specializes in real estate, estate planning, and oil, gas, and mineral law. After a successful career in commercial real estate development, Ronald pursued further education, earning a Certification in Petroleum Land Management in 2011.
Ron Hitt
Counsel
Ron Hitt is a proud Colorado native who grew up in Grand Junction and attended the University of Colorado in Boulder.
He has been working in the oil and gas industry since age 18, gaining extensive experience in due diligence, title opinions, regulatory compliance, and client advocacy.
Parker Mobbs
Law Clerk
Parker Mobbs will be entering his 3rd year at Oklahoma City University School of Law this fall.
With his time spent at school he has become an active member of the Energy Law Society, Intellectual Property Law Society, and the Corporate Law Association. Prior employment in a civil defense firm specializing in Oil and Gas sparked his interest in the industry.
Allyse Warren
Law Clerk
Allyse Warren is currently a 2L at South Texas College of Law and serves as a Summer Associate at the Houston, TX office.
With a background in legal support roles, she brings valuable experience from her time clerking and managing clients at a personal injury firm during her undergraduate studies. Allyse holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from Texas State University, with a minor in English and General Business.
Cameron Echevarria
Law Clerk
Jonathan Franks
Law Clerk
Jonathan Franks, as the Treasurer for the Oil and Gas Law Society, International Law and National Security Society, and a board member of the Veterans Law Student Association, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the respective teams.
Maci Vaughn
Law Clerk
Maci Vaughn is a rising 2L at South Texas College of Law Houston.
At South Texas, Maci is the historian of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society and is a member of the prestigious Presidential Fellows Program. She is also involved in the Oil and Gas Law Society and the Aggie Law Students Association.
Vincent Rollins
Law Clerk
Vincent Rollins is a 3rd year law student at South Texas College of Law Houston. At South Texas, he serves as the Development Editor on the executive editorial board of the South Texas Law Review.
Sean Ferreira
Law Clerk
Sean Ferreira is currently a rising 3L at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law
He is a Staff Editor for the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy. Sean competed for DU at the Tulane Professional Football Negotiation Competition in February 2024. He is currently a member of The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law and the Sports & Entertainment Law Society. Sean earned a Certificate of Legal Research through DU’s Westminster Law Library.
Hillary Kuiper
Controller
Graduating with a degree in Geosciences from the University of Texas at Austin, Hillary embarked on her professional journey as a software consultant.
In this role, she provided on-site support to various Exploration and Production (E&P) companies, aiding exploration teams operating in regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, Permian Basin, Marcellus Basin, and Cook Inlet Basin. Her exceptional aptitude for software, data management, and a client-focused approach has enabled her to excel in managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll with accuracy and efficiency.
Madison Ficken
Office Manager
Madison brings a wealth of experience in hospitality and event management to their role as Office Manager at Kuiper Law Firm, PLLC.
With a robust background in the hotel industry, Madison has honed her skills in operations management, customer service, and event planning, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
- Phone:832-626-0227
- Email:madison.ficken@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/madison-josephson
John Giddings
Business Manager
John has experience in a variety of roles ranging from business development to financial services.
As business manager, he helps run the day-to-day operations of the firm. His previous experience working with small businesses gives him the ability to find creative solutions and strategies to help our firm grow. John oversees the staff at Kuiper Law Firm and also helps with business development.
Ashley Findorak
Human Resources
Ashley joins our team as a Human Resource Generalist and Recruiter, bringing with her a diverse set of skills and expertise.
With a management, recruitment, professional development, customer service, and sales background, she has honed her Human Resources skills. Her passion for learning and development drives her to create a positive employee experience and foster a diverse and healthy work culture.
Amy Williams
Director of Philanthropy
Amy joins the Adam McCauley Foundation team with a background in mental health. She attended Denver Seminary, where she earned her Masters in Clinical Mental Health, then earned her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado.
Linda Foshee
Project Manager
Linda began her oil and gas career as a field landman working in the East Texas area.
Throughout her 20+ year career, she worked as a field landman and project manager, before concentrating primarily on due diligence projects for major oil companies. A due diligence client offered Linda an in-house position, and she spent 10+ years as an in-house landman, working in various basins.
Susanna Becker
Billing Coordinator
Susanna is originally from Spring, TX, and graduated in May of 2024 with her Bachelor of Science in Communication, from Texas A&M University.
Evelyn Mimun
Marketing Coordinator
Evelyn joins our team as our Marketing Coordinator at Kuiper Law Firm.
She is a dynamic marketing professional with a strong background in social media management and digital marketing. She holds a degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Houston. Evelyn’s expertise includes growing organic social media presence.
Stefano Pangilinan
IT
Stefano serves as the Kuiper Law Firm IT Manager.
Prior to joining Kuiper Law Firm, he had served as IT Help Desk for The Medical Resorts rehab facilities as well as Sugar Land Rehab Hospital. Stefano is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geosciences, concentrating in Geography. After gaining experience and living in Lubbock for nine years, he relocated back to Houston to continue his passion in the field of information technology.
Alisha Dugger
Office Manager
Alisha is a seasoned Land Assistant with over 14 years of specialized experience in the Oil and Gas sector, bringing unparalleled expertise to Kuiper Law.
At the Oklahoma City office, she efficiently manages operations day to day, ensuring smooth coordination of team activities and precise communication with clients.
Renata Logsdon
Office Manager/Paralegal
Renata’s over thirty-year career as an Office Manager and Paralegal specializing in Oil & Gas and Corporate law has allowed her to develop a solid foundation of paralegal and management experience with a varied support skill set, making Renata an excellent resource for a growing oil and gas title firm. Renata’s varied experience working with title projects in multiple states, including North Dakota, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana provides her with a strong knowledge base for any paralegal project. In addition, she brings her strong organizational and communication skills to facilitating the Fort Worth team and office.
Reena Gutman
Paralegal
Reena is born and raised in Houston, Texas.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology and Political Science from Sam Houston State University. She is currently working on becoming a NALA Certified Paralegal. Prior to joining, she worked as paralegal in Litigation and Personal Injury.
Kelly Marcuse
Paralegal
Kelly is a native of Fort Worth.
She received her paralegal training in Atlanta, Georgia in 1988, and has served as an office manager, executive administrative assistant, or paralegal for over 30 years. She has worked in the oil and gas industry since 2007 and was integral to the daily operations of a Fort Worth law firm focusing on title examination from 2008 to 2016 where she served as office manager and paralegal supervisor.
- Phone:469-842-7643
- Email:kelly.marcuse@kuiperlawfirm.com
- Website:https://kuiperlawfirm.com/kelly-marcuse