Title Reviewer/Abstractor - Oil & Gas / Coal / Surface Title - Appalachia

Claire Sergent Walls Legal Group PLLC is seeking an experienced oil and gas certified title reviewer/abstractor to support complex oil and gas, coal, mineral, and surface title projects throughout the Appalachian Basin.

Founded in 2008, our firm is a boutique energy law practice focused on sophisticated title analysis, mineral transactions, development support, and land-related legal issues in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our attorneys regularly advise operators, mineral buyers, investors, and law firms on high-level title and transactional matters across the Basin.

We are currently seeking a title review/abstractor who is detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to producing accurate and thorough work product in support of legal analysis and title opinion preparation.

This position involves thorough review of title abstracts prepared by in-house and third-party abstractors, courthouse research and limited travel throughout North Central West Virginia, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Eastern Ohio. While there is a strong potential for growth, this is not a management position.

The successful candidate will be comfortable with performing title review and abstracting duties exclusively and receiving training with our current staff on in-house processes, standards and methods.

Position Responsibilities

• For title review, the position will (1) perform substantive and stylistic (formatting, typos, etc.) review of title research packages (abstracts) involving oil and gas, coal, mineral, and surface ownership, (2) identify items requiring additional research and/or correction, (3) communicate clear requirements to abstractors for revisions, corrections and additions to files, and (4) ensure final abstract is accurate, complete and free of errors.
• For title abstracting, the positon will research deeds, leases, probate records, tax records, judgments, liens, maps, and related land records and prepare clear, organized, and precise title abstracts and supporting materials including flowcharts and runsheets in electronic format using Adobe Acrobat, deed plotting software and Excel. Must be familar with these software package and have the technical capacity to utilize them efficiently. Must be familiar with online title research using proprietary county title search websites, as well as Landex.
• Assist attorneys with complex title and transactional projects involving Appalachian Basin properties
• Maintain consistent and responsive communication via telephone, email and/or text regarding project status, courthouse conditions, and timing
• Work efficiently while preserving accuracy and attention to detail

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years experience in oil and gas, coal, mineral, or surface title abstracting
• Familiarity with courthouse research in WV, OH, and/or PA strongly preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel to county courthouses throughout the region
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage deadlines and work independently
• Professional communication skills and reliability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Excel and other relevant software for deed plotting, mapping, etc.

All title reviewers and abstractors working with the firm will be required to complete training regarding our standards, procedures, formatting expectations, and quality-control processes.

Our Standards

Our work supports legal opinions, transactions, and development decisions involving substantial assets and operational risk. Accuracy, efficiency, responsiveness, and sound judgment are essential. We value professionals who take ownership of their work, communicate proactively, and consistently strive to produce organized and dependable work product. The ideal candidate is someone who takes pride in getting the details right, works with urgency and professionalism, and understands that quality and efficiency must coexist.This is not a volume-based environment where hours alone measure success. We are building a team of professionals committed to producing reliable, high-level work that attorneys and clients can confidently rely upon.

Compensation

• Compensation based on experience and qualifications for the position advertised
• Some travel required
• Opportunities for long-term engagement and increased responsibility based on performance and reliability

To apply, please submit:

• Resume or work history
• Description of relevant courthouse/title experience
• Geographic areas of familiarity
• Availability for travel
• References or representative experience