Phillip Wm. Lear – Partner 

PRACTICE FOCUS: Natural resources and public lands law with emphasis on acquisition, exploration, permitting and production of oil, gas, and mining properties; oil and gas conservation matters; complex title examinations; administrative hearings and appeals; natural resources litigation and appeals; mergers and acquisitions; mineral financing; water rights; and natural resources law on Indian reservations.

EDUCATION: University of Utah (J.D., 1975; H.B.A., magna cum laude, 1969)

• Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta
• Graduate, Honors College

COURT ADMISSIONS:

• United States Supreme Court
• United States Court of  Appeals, Ninth and Tenth Circuits
• United States Court of Claims
• United States District Courts, Districts of Utah, Wyoming and Colorado
• Supreme Courts of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado
• Ute Indian Tribal Court, Uintah and Ouray Reservation (Utah)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES:

• American Bar Association
• Utah, Wyoming, Colorado State Bar Associations
• Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
• Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation
• President (July 2002-2003)
• Vice President (2001-2002)
• Secretary (1997-1998)
• Program Chair, 35th Annual Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Institute (1989)
• Chair, Special Institutes Committee (1990-1996)
• American Association of Professional Landmen
• Utah Association of Professional Landmen, President (1997-1998)
• Utah Petroleum Association
• Petroleum Association of Wyoming

HONORS AND AWARDS:

• Listed in Best Lawyers in America; Top 100 Legal Elite, Utah Business
• Distinguished Service Award, Utah State Bar, Energy and Natural Resources Section (2003)
• Lawyer of the Year Award, Utah State Bar, Energy and Natural Resources Section (1984)

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Partner, Snell & Wilmer, Salt Lake City, Utah (1993-2001)
• Shareholder, Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwall and McCarthy, Salt Lake City, Utah (1979-1993)
• Associate, Pruitt & Gushee, Salt Lake City, Utah (1975-1979)
• Lieutenant, United States Navy (1969-1972)