Jason A. Newman

“I value Jason for his tactical knowledge and insight into legal issues.”
Chambers USA, Oil & Gas Litigation, client 2026

Jason concentrates on complex oil and gas litigation and energy dispute resolution, particularly on matters arising from horizontal drilling. His experience includes representing clients in lease termination claims, royalty litigation, surface use disputes, title issues and matters arising under joint operating agreements, joint development agreements, and midstream contracts.

Jason represents and advises energy companies on legal issues and disputes connected to horizontal development across key U.S. producing regions, including Texas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Experience

Representative matters

Defended multiple Texas oil and gas leases from claims based on the implied covenant to reasonably develop.

Defeated certification in a Texas class action involving claims of condensate royalty underpayment.

Defended upstream operator from fraud claims based on the sale of Texas assets.

Upstream Oil & Gas Disputes

Defended multiple Texas oil and gas leases from claims based on the implied covenant to reasonably develop.

Defeated certification in a Texas class action involving claims of condensate royalty underpayment.

Defended upstream operator from fraud claims based on the sale of Texas assets.

Defended against claims of royalties allegedly due on water produced during drilling and completion operations.

Defended a large Panhandle oil and gas lease against partial termination claims involving a retained acreage clause.

Defended multiple lawsuits alleging breach of royalty provisions, including underpayments, improper flaring, and improper allocation.

Defended a lawsuit involving “frac hits” from horizontal drilling.

Obtained summary judgment upholding the validity of an Eagle Ford oil and gas lease.

Secured dismissal of major oil and gas producers from flared gas royalty class action claims in North Dakota.

Obtained summary judgment for multiple operators in lawsuits involving offset well provisions in oil and gas leases.

Defended a lawsuit alleging improper post-production deductions from royalty payments.

Defended a lawsuit involving anti-assignment provisions in Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas leases.

Defended against top-leasing and title claims related to Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas leases.

Defended a lawsuit involving a preferential right to purchase in a joint exploration agreement.

Obtained multiple injunctions restraining interference with surface operations.

Represented clients in multiple Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigations involving injuries during oil and gas operations.

Secured dismissal of a non-resident defendant in an oilfield fatality lawsuit.

Energy Regulatory

Defended a Mineral Interest Pooling Act action before the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Represented an electric utility in multiple disputed rate cases before the Texas Public Utility Commission.

Represented a U.S. natural gas storage company in litigation and regulatory matters before state courts and the Texas Railroad Commission involving gas storage facilities.

Represented a large renewable energy company before the Texas Public Utility Commission in transmission matters involving wind power.

Other Disputes

Represented oilfield services company in lawsuit involving upstream drilling technology.

Represented a major electric and gas utility in defending personal injury and property damage claims, including multiple jury trial defense verdicts.

Represented a major electric and gas utility on appeal from a trial court decision granting summary judgment in its favor.

Recognitions

Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® (Energy Law; Oil and Gas Law), 2027
Ranked in Chambers USA for Oil & Gas Litigation (Band 1 since 2020), 2020-2026
Ranked as a Leading Lawyer in The Legal 500 USA for Energy Litigation: Oil & Gas, 2025 - 2026

Credentials

Education

South Texas College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, Valedictorian
Hardin-Simmons University, B.A.

Professional admissions & qualifications

Texas

Court admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court – Southern District of Texas

Professional affiliations

Institute for Energy Law, Advisory Board

Practices

Trials & Arbitrations

Litigation & Disputes

Industries

Energy & Natural Resources

Transportation

Oil & Gas

News

1 / 3

Insights

Reed Smith Client Alerts

Texas ruling underscores need for clarity in gas gathering favored shipper terms

15 April 2026