Jill Hale counsels clients on a wide range of commercial litigation and product liability disputes, with a concentration on the energy industry. She represents various energy companies, including exploration and production companies, oilfield service companies, and renewable energy companies. She has experience representing clients in both state and federal courts, as well as domestic and international arbitrations.
Jill is actively involved in all aspects of litigation matters — from the initial investigation and case assessment through the appellate process. She also provides counsel on general business matters and contractual risk allocation, helping clients minimize risk and avoid litigation.
Representative Experience
- Represented an oil and gas operator in an American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitration involving various disputes arising from a gas gathering agreement.
- Represented an oil and gas operator against a non-operating working interest owner for failure to pay joint interest billing statements. Obtained summary judgment in favor of operator for all outstanding amounts owed and attorneys’ fees.
- Represented a steel supplier on appeal following a favorable arbitration award against a customer who short paid invoices based on a claim that the supplier failed to timely delivery the promised steel. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s finding of a valid arbitration agreement, allowing the favorable arbitration award to stand. See ETC Intrastate Procurement Co., LLC v. JSW Steel (USA), Inc., 620 S.W.3d 168 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2021, no pet.).
- Represented utility-scale solar provider in an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration against the seller and manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules based on chronic and systemic performance issues with the modules.
- Defended wind farm owner and developer in dispute involving a contractor lien foreclosure. Obtained dismissal of the developer.
- Represented lessor of mineral rights in a trespass action based on the trespass of multiple horizontal wells through the subject leases. Resulted in favorable settlement for the client.
- Represented working interest owner against operator for breach of the parties’ joint operating agreement based on the operator’s refusal to recognize the working interest owner’s election to participate in certain wells. Resulted in favorable settlement for the client.
- Defended operator against claims for breach of the operating agreement asserted by various working interest owners.
- Represented oil and gas operator in a AAA arbitration involving breach of a gas purchase agreement, a demand for adequate assurance, and the subsequent termination of the agreement.
- Represented professional basketball team in defending a wrongful death claim arising out of the death of one of its players.
- Represented a financial institution accused of wrongfully closing customer’s account on appeal. Appellate court affirmed summary judgment absolving bank of all liability. See Schrock v. Amegy Bank of Tex., N.A., 2019 WL 6905028 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Dec. 19, 2019, no pet.).
- Represented oilfield service company against a supplier whose products did not perform as expected and represented and ultimately caused the loss of a well. Obtained favorable settlement for the company.
- Represented genetic testing equipment supplier in a breach of contract dispute with customer who failed to pay for goods as required by the parties’ contract.
- Represented lighting manufacturer in a dispute involving a breach of a settlement agreement. After a two-day ad hoc arbitration, was awarded the full amount of stipulated damages provided for in the agreement, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.
- Defended a coffee brewer manufacturer against claims of violations of the Lanham Act and trademark infringements.
Awards and Recognition
- Texas Rising Star – Business Litigation (2023)
- The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch – Commercial Litigation (2022, 2024)
Affiliations
- Member of the Houston Young Lawyers Association
- Member of the Association of Women Attorneys
- Member of the Women’s Energy Network, Houston Chapter
Foley Announces 23 New Partners
Foley & Lardner LLP has elected 23 lawyers to the firm’s partnership, effective February 1, 2024.
Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Best Lawyers in America
Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced today that 236 of the firm’s attorneys across 20 U.S. offices have received recognition in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
Foley Attorneys Named to 2023 Texas Rising Stars List
Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce that 10 attorneys from the firm’s Dallas and Houston offices have been named to the 2023 Texas Rising Stars list.
“PowerOn!” – Women's Energy Network 2022 Conference
Foley was a Silver Power Sponsor of the WEN 2022 Conference, which was held in person in Fort Worth from April 3-5, 2022.
Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Best Lawyers in America
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that 236 of the firm’s attorneys from 18 U.S. offices have been recognized in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, and 46 lawyers from 13 offices were included in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list. Additionally, 14 of the firm’s attorneys received the special designation of “Lawyer of the Year,” an honor earned by only one lawyer in each practice area and metropolitan region.
Managing the Commercial Impact of the Coronavirus: Implications for Oil & Gas
At the center of the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak is the growing disruption to worldwide supply chains across many industries including the oil and gas industry.