Reviews

Joseph recently represented us with a gas pipeline issue with one of the large pipeline companies in our area. We found him to be extremely helpful in negotiating our pipeline easement problem. He was able to help us gain a very satisfactory settlement so we could move forward in building of our home. He was able to help us understand a lot of the legal language as well as guide is in our decision making along the way. Through this whole process we felt we not only had an excellent attorney but also formed a life long friendship. We highly recommend Joseph for any kind of land issues you might incur.

Joseph was just what we were looking for in an attorney that specialized in negotiating the terms of a natural gas lease with a local producer. The lease the producer offered was typical in that it contained a lot of boilerplate language, filled with conflicting provisions. Joseph not only helped clean up the wording but helped negotiate far more favorable terms.

The complexities of a fast moving oil and gas development environment, coupled with three trusts and how they relate to a fourth made attention to detail vital. Mr. Briers was "spot on" with his review and assessment of a wide variety of situations as they unfolded over time. The confidence and security levels were and continue to be sound. He also was able to negotiate a complicated land acquisition for us. In the process, he kept everything clear, concise and to the point. We are proud to have him as a member of our ongoing team.

As the new Trustee of a family mineral trust, it became evident that I needed to hire an attorney to represent our interests. I had previously worked with Ernie Bruchez and Patricia Meronoff and I had high regard for both of them. I knew that I needed an oil & gas attorney that would be able to litigate our case if needed. Joseph Briers was excellent. When I came into his office, he had read everything I sent him and that was usually quite a lot! He understood my situation immediately and was able to outline my alternatives. He was available and responsive and made every effort to meet my schedules. As it happened, we filed suit against one of the largest oil companies in the world. I felt like David going up against Goliath. Thanks to Joseph, our family was able to negotiate a deal that was extremely favorable for us. I am very impressed by Joseph Briers's professionalism and the attention he gave our case which led to a successful outcome. He has excellent knowledge of the oil & gas industry. Joseph was willing and able to connect our family to other attorneys and engineers to insure that we had the expertise we needed. I could not be more pleased to recommend Joseph Briers to you!

My sister and I found ourselves in need of an attorney when Union Pacific Railroad exercised their right of eminent domain to acquire land we owned. We did not want to sell the property. It supported our family for generations through farming operations, and oil and gas royalties. Our grandparents were Italian immigrants who sacrificed so their children and grandchildren would have a better life. This land was their home, and our history. This was not just a legal battle for us. This was an emotional ordeal. Over the course of three years we interviewed several attorneys. We spoke with a very experienced attorney who practices general law. We know him personally. He had done a wonderful job representing us in the past. We interviewed two attorneys who specialize in eminent domain cases. We were told they ranked among the best in the state. We ultimately consulted the law firm of Bruchez, Goss, Thornton, Mernoff & Hawthorne to protect our oil and gas interests. We assumed we would use another firm for the other aspects of the case. We worked with several attorneys at Bruchez, Goss, Thorton, Mernoff & Hawthorne. As time progressed we depended more and more on Joseph Briers for the answers to our questions. He explained the ramifications of complicated legal concepts in a way we could understand. We found Mr. Briers to be assessable, creative, logical, succinct, and compassionate. Several months ago we determined that we needed to have one attorney to represent all of our interests. Joseph Briers was young and inexperienced when compared with the other attorneys we interviewed. We were especially concerned that he was too young to go up against UPRs renowned lead attorney. My sister and I called Joseph “the kid”. I remember the day we decided that Joseph Briars was the best attorney for us. I was speaking to my sister and I said, “The kid is young but he is smart”. If I have to use one word to describe Joseph Briers, that word would be “SMART”. He instinctively knows how to negotiate. He never pushed us to make a decision, he guided and advised. My sister and I signed an agreement with UPR today. I cannot say it was painless, but I can say I have no regrets. I know I got the best deal possible and I am very grateful to Joseph Briers for negotiating it for us. What would I say to those who think he is too young? …Think again.