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John R. Lee is Senior Counsel in the Billings office and a member of the Oil and Gas Practice Group. John’s practice focuses on all aspects of oil and gas law, including title examination of federal, fee, state and Indian lands, division orders, formation of federal exploratory and enhanced recovery units, contract matters, and representing clients before state and federal regulatory agencies. He has represented over 300 oil and gas companies, ranging from small operators to massive corporations, and handled more than 4,600 regulatory matters throughout his 35+ year career at Crowley Fleck. John notes that in his many years with the firm, he has always been passionate about working closely with his colleagues, ensuring that each member of the team works well within the firm and is able to professionally thrive. 

John received his J.D. with distinction from the University of North Dakota School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. Prior to attending law school, John worked in the oil patch for over five years, which ignited his interest in oil and gas law. He has served as the Director of Region VII for the American Association of Professional Landmen for over three decades. He previously served as President of the Montana Association of Professional Landmen, as a Trustee for the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, and as a faculty member for their Oil and Gas Leasing Short Course. John is an active member of the Billings community and is a past board member of the Billings Amateur Hockey League and the Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County. 

Outside of his practice, John enjoys spending time with his sons and four granddaughters, cheering them on in hockey ,baseball and softball. 

  • Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Energy Law, 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law and Natural Resources Law, 2003-present
  • Chambers USA – Leading Lawyers in Natural Resources & Environment

  • American Association of Professional Landmen, Director of Region VII
    State Bar Association of North Dakota
  • Montana Association of Professional Landmen, Past President
    The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Past Trustee; Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Short Course Faculty Member

  • Billings Amateur Hockey League, Past Board Member
  • Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County, Past Board Member

  • Author: “Oil and Gas Operations and Environmental Regulations,” Montana Environmental Law Handbook (1992-1996)
  •  “Oil and Gas Title Due Diligence,” 2011 Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Special Institute on Due Diligence in Oil and Gas Transactions
  • Co-Author: “Unitization and Communitization Issues”