Attorneys' Fees Overturned in Dispute Between La. Landowners and Landman

SHREVEPORT, La. - Louisiana's Second Circuit Court of Appeal has vacated an award of attorneys' fees to landowners in a dispute with a landman firm over lease terms, ruling that the statute relied upon by the trial court was misapplied. Adams, et ux. v. JPD Energy Inc., No. 46,869 (La. Ct. App., 2nd Cir.).

The court concluded that a statute allowing for the recovery of attorneys' fees and costs where a lease is extinguished or expired does not apply in cases, such as this, where a lease has been nullified.

Plaintiffs-appellees Vernon D. and Glenda P. Adams entered into …