Shane A. Hanson is a Partner in the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Department. His practice is centered around title examination, with extensive experience in the preparation of drilling title opinions, division order title opinions, and acquisition title opinions in North Dakota, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
His experience spans Indian title examination and all aspects of natural resource law. Shane also handles due diligence projects related to the buying and selling of oil and gas properties. Additionally, he advises on oil and gas financing transactions connected to real estate, where thorough title examination plays a critical role.
Title examination is much like solving a complex puzzle. It involves carefully piecing together ownership across numerous tracts of land, sometimes involving thousands of owners, to form a clear picture of the property’s legal standing. With a background in computer science, Shane approaches this work with the same mathematical precision and logical reasoning, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and the final outcome is accurate and reliable.
Since 2009, Shane has regularly presented at the Federal Oil & Gas Law Short Course. He has also contributed to the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law’s (FNREL) Special Institute on Due Diligence and serves as the Education Co-Chair for the North Dakota Landman Association. Additionally, Shane serves on the North Dakota State Bar Association Mineral Title Standards Committee, which sets the essential guidelines and standards for work in the field. His involvement in this highly specialized and technical area reflects his deep understanding of mineral title law. His selection for the committee highlights his strong analytical skills and the respect he has earned within the industry for his contributions.
Shane started his legal career in 1996 with Fleck, Mather & Strutz, Ltd., in Bismarck, North Dakota before the firm merged to become Crowley Fleck in 2009. As a proud North Dakota native, he remains deeply committed to his community. Shane is an active member of his church and the Bismarck Area Catholic Education Foundation, which supports a permanent endowment fund dedicated to Catholic school education and faith formation programs.
In his free time, Shane enjoys staying active, whether it’s lifting weights, running, or spending time outdoors. He is proud of his close-knit family, including his son and daughter, who are a constant source of joy and motivation.