Job Description

Experienced Oil & Gas Title Reviewer / Abstractor — Contract Position

West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio

Claire Sergent Walls Legal Group PLLC is seeking an experienced title reviewer/abstractor for a contract position supporting oil and gas, coal, mineral, and surface title projects throughout the Appalachian Basin.

Founded in 2008, our boutique energy law practice advises operators, mineral buyers, investors, and law firms on complex title, mineral transactions, development, and land matters in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

We have assembled an excellent team and continue to grow. We value experienced abstractors who bring sound judgment, persistence, and thoughtful questions to their work. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with our attorneys, title manager, and fellow abstractors on substantive and challenging title projects.

The Position

This is a hands-on title review and abstracting position, not a management role. Responsibilities include reviewing research packages prepared by in-house and third-party abstractors and conducting online and courthouse research.

Candidates must reside in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Ohio and be available for courthouse research within the region. Local presence is necessary for this position; applicants outside these states will not be considered.

The successful candidate must be comfortable performing detailed research and review, working within established firm procedures, and using relevant software independently and efficiently. Training will cover our firm’s processes and standards; candidates must bring the underlying title experience and technical proficiency.

Title Review Responsibilities

• Review title abstracts and supporting records involving oil and gas, coal, mineral, and surface ownership for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Identify gaps, discrepancies, and issues requiring additional research or attorney consideration.
• Provide clear instructions to abstractors regarding necessary corrections, revisions, and additional research.
• Review organization, formatting, and written presentation to ensure completed packages meet firm standards.

Title Abstracting Responsibilities

• Research deeds, leases, probate records, tax records, judgments, liens, maps, and related land records.
• Trace ownership, reconcile discrepancies, and pursue additional records as needed to develop a complete title history.
• Prepare clear, organized electronic abstracts and supporting materials, including runsheets, flowcharts, and deed plots.
• Use Adobe Acrobat Pro, Excel, deed plotting software, county land record systems, and Landex efficiently.
• Clearly document research findings, unresolved questions, and matters requiring further review.

Communication and Project Expectations

• Work closely with attorneys, the title manager, and fellow abstractors to address title and research questions.
• Provide timely updates on progress, anticipated completion dates, courthouse access, and issues affecting delivery.
• Respond consistently to project communications by telephone, email, or text.
• Manage deadlines and work independently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Take responsibility for completing corrections and delivering files that meet firm requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Residence in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Ohio.
• At least five years of relevant title abstracting experience, with substantial oil and gas or mineral title experience.
• Familiarity with courthouse research in one or more of these states.
• Ability and willingness to travel to county courthouses within the region.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Pro, Excel, deed plotting software, and online land record research.
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to organize, assemble, bookmark, and revise electronic research packages.
• Sound research judgment, professional communication skills, and dependable follow-through.
• Willingness to perform both title review and abstracting within established firm standards.

Our Approach

Our work supports legal opinions, transactions, and development decisions involving substantial assets. We expect thorough research, organized work product, responsive communication, and efficient use of time.

We also respect the experience and judgment skilled abstractors bring to that work. We encourage questions, value clear explanations of research decisions, and believe collaboration produces stronger results for our clients.

Contract Terms and Compensation

• This is an independent contractor position.
• Compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, and the responsibilities assigned.
• Courthouse travel will be required as projects warrant.
• There is potential for an ongoing working relationship based on project needs, work quality, efficiency, and reliability.

To Apply

Please submit:

• A résumé or detailed work history.
• A description of your title abstracting and review experience.
• States and counties in which you have substantial research experience.
• Your proficiency with the software and research systems listed above.
• Your availability, capacity for additional work, and ability to travel.
• Your requested compensation rate.
• Professional references.
• We welcome interest from experienced professionals who take pride in their work and want to contribute to a knowledgeable, collaborative title team.

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