Peter Scaff

Listed in Texas Super Lawyers Energy & Natural Resources, 2020, 2022-2024 “Rising Star,” Business Litigation, 2004-2010 Listed in H Texas Magazine, “Houston’s Top Lawyers,” Commercial Litigation, 2006, 2011-2012 Led internal investigation and served as national counsel for international drilling fluids company during joint investigations and hearings by the U.S. Coast Guard/Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement in the immediate aftermath of the blowout and explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig and the subsequent largest oil spill in history. Represented E&P company against entity of famed wildcatter T. Boone Pickens involving allegations of misappropriation and breach of contract arising out of a Participation/Area of Mutual Interest Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement involving Delaware Basin properties. Plaintiff’s damage allegations exceeding $1 billion. After a three-week jury trial, plaintiff was awarded approximately $12 million against client, but that amount was subsequently taken away by the judge upon JNOV filings, resulting in a take-nothing judgment being entered and awarding my client costs and fees. Represented limited partner of one of the nation’s largest franchisees for quick service restaurants after his expulsion by his partners. Case settled with client receiving a favorable division of the enterprise’s assets and stores. Represented oilfield service company against allegations by E&P company of defective cementing services, seeking to recover redrill costs exceeding $12 million. A unanimous arbitration panel issued a take-nothing judgment in client’s favor and awarded  attorneys’ fees and costs. Represented international seismic company against claims of tortious interference and an $8.5 billion USD damage model arising out of an offshore oil and gas concession in West Africa. The trial court dismissed the case on forum non conveniens grounds in favor of the Republic of Togo. Represented entities in shareholder derivative litigation accused of misappropriation of confidential information related to Mississippian acreage in Oklahoma and Kansas involving damage claims exceeding $1 billion. Clients settled for $500,000, significantly less than projected defense costs. Represented oilfield service company in blowout-related litigation and damages demand exceeding $90 million. After the first week of trial, the case settled for a favorable, confidential amount.  Represented Norwegian maritime company in federal litigation and parallel arbitration brought by Mexican affiliate and allegations of theft of trade secrets and breach of agency agreement. Case settled for favorable amount on the eve of trial. Represented seismic company against international E&P company in multi-national litigation arising out of West African data shoots and licensing agreements. After securing dismissal of the opposing party’s $450 million counterclaim, the case settled favorably the day before trial, with the client receiving a recovery exceeding $10 million.  Represented coiled tubing company against E&P company’s claims of negligence involving multimillion-dollar damage model for fishing costs and lost production. Client netted $2.35 million by way of settlement. Represented oilfield service provider against offshore E&P company claims alleging negligent provision of cementing services caused the need for a $12 million sidetrack well. A unanimous arbitration panel rejected the operator’s claims, limiting the award to less than 5 percent of damages alleged, with each side bearing its own fees and costs. Representing oilfield service company against proppant supplier’s multimillion-dollar claims related to canceled purchase orders.  Representing equipment supplier against manufacturer’s unused inventory and related claims exceeding $10 million.