Terry Jo Epstein
Of Counsel

[email protected]
(720) 330-8248

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Terry’s law practice focuses on oil and gas law, natural resources and commercial litigation, including appeals, in both the state and federal courts, and regulatory and administrative proceedings.  Terry also prepares presentations and papers for legal and industry groups regarding business and energy litigation and oil and gas law.  Terry researches and helps write the annual update for the Colorado Methods of Practice, Oil and Gas Chapters. 
 
Terry graduated with honors from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont and earned her J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law

After law school, Terry spent two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Lewis T. Babcock at the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.  She was an associate attorney at the law firm of Dufford & Brown, P.C. and has worked many years with Phillip D. Barber, P.C.  
 
Terry volunteers with Metro Volunteer Lawyers and counsels students in the Life after East Counseling Program at Denver East High School.  She also works with Elder Concierge Services, assisting elderly clients and preparing guardianship reports and motions.  Terry also has assisted on pro bono immigration cases including three asylum cases and several withholding of removal cases. 

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Experience

Federal Court

• Assisted In case before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, where firm obtained 2.1 million judgment for creditor in dispute with equity interest owners and trustee in bankruptcy estate.
• Assisted with representation of operator in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in dispute over operations and right to operate lands in unit area in Sublette County, Wyoming.

State Court

• Assisted in representation of surface owner in dispute over oil and gas operations.
• Assisted in obtaining jury verdict of approximately $2.3 million with interest, in breach of contract case involving joint operating agreements and overcharges for taxes, gathering and transportation.
• Helped defend independent oil and gas company in lease cancellation suit alleging breach of the implied covenant to develop.
• Helped defense team involving dispute over net profits interest in Wyoming district court.
• Involved with litigation representing cities in defense of challenges to initiatives and ordinances banning  hydraulic fracking within city limits.

Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

• Represented independent oil company in matter involving alleged allegations of COGCC Rules.
• Involved with representing cities objecting to applications for permits to drill.

Miscellaneous

• Assisted with representation of claimant in arbitration held under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Rules of Arbitration concerning ownership and operation of an onshore oil and gas concession in the Republic of Cameroon.

Publications

• Annual update to the Oil and Gas Section of Colorado Methods of Practice (approximately 1995-present)
• Researched and co- drafted paper for Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation regarding the ethics of representing clients during contentious public meetings. (2018).
• Assisted with research for presentation regarding oil and gas joint operating and farmout agreements.

Education

J.D. May 1988     
University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder, Colorado 

• Winner Rothgerber Moot Court Competition​                                                                                       

B.A. Political Science, cum laude May 1983                                                                                 
Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont 

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• Metro Volunteer Lawyers
• Denver East High School, Life After East volunteer
• Middlebury College, Annual Fund Lead Agent and Alumni Admissions Volunteer