Paul Forster

Practice Areas

Paul Forster’s practice focuses on energy law, with an emphasis on natural resources litigation and commercial litigation. He regularly advocates for the firm’s energy clients before federal, state, and tribal courts, and also advises clients regarding their business practices and risk mitigation strategies. Paul has handled numerous civil jury trials and bench trials in federal, state, and tribal court, as well as numerous appeals before the North Dakota Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Areas of significant experience include royalty litigation and defense of class actions; mineral and leasehold title disputes; issues arising under operating agreements, development agreements, and purchase and sale agreements; condemnations and surface damage disputes; energy facility construction disputes; and other complex civil litigation involving the energy industry. Paul also serves as the chair of North Dakota’s Judicial Nominating Committee and represents the state bar association on the Trustees Council of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (formerly the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation).

Professional Memberships

State Bar Association of North Dakota

Big Muddy Bar Association

Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation

North Dakota Defense Lawyers Association

Defense Research Institute

Inns of Court

Federalist Society

Catholic Bar Association

Expert in these Jurisdictions

North Dakota

U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota

Illinois

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation