5 Legal Moves Every Oilfield Crew Should Make Before a Job Starts

You know how this goes.

You quote the job. You line up the crew. You hit location.Then the operator ghosts you when it’s time to cut the check.

We’ve seen too many good companies get burned—not because they didn’t do the work, but because they didn’t protect themselves before the work started.

Here are 5 ways to keep yourself legally covered, get paid faster, and avoid getting screwed down the road:

1. Put Everything in Writing — Always

Yes, even for “handshake” jobs.

Verbal agreements don’t mean squat when things go sideways. A simple contract that lays out:

• Scope of work

• Payment terms

• Due dates and milestones

• What happens if they don’t pay

…can save your ass when the operator tries to ghost you.

📝 Pro Tip: Don’t need a 10-page doc. A one-pager with signatures is 100x better than a text thread.

2. Use a Payment Clause That Actually Has Teeth

“Net-30” is just a suggestion unless there’s a penalty tied to it.

Add a line that says:

Will they always pay the fee? No.But it shows you’re not playing around—and gives you leverage later if things get ugly.

3. Send a Demand Letter (Not Just a ‘Friendly Reminder’)

If they ghost your invoices, don’t just send another “just circling back” email.

Have a lawyer send a formal demand letter. It costs a few hundred bucks, but it:

• Gets their attention

• Signals escalation

• Starts the legal clock if you need to file a lien or lawsuit

👊 Pro Tip: Operators will ignore you—but they won’t ignore a lawyer.

4. File a Lien If They Don’t Pay

In most states, you can file a mechanic’s lien or mineral lien on the property you worked on. That means:

• The owner can’t sell or refinance without dealing with you

• You become part of the payment chain

• It’s a massive pain for them—and leverage for you

But here’s the kicker: You usually have to file within 30–90 days of the work wrapping. Miss that, and you’re out of luck.

📅 Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder as soon as the job ends.

5. Have a Lawyer on Call (Not Just When Stuff Explodes)

The time to get a lawyer involved is before things go bad.

A good oilfield attorney can:

• Review your standard contract

• Help you collect on unpaid invoices

• Walk you through liens or small claims

• Make sure you’re not signing anything dumb

Who We Recommend

We’ve talked to a lot of firms. Most don’t get oilfield.

But [INSERT LAW FIRM NAME] knows this world.

They’ve helped service companies:

• Get paid without going to court

• File liens before the window closes

• Negotiate better terms before the job starts

They’re fast, fair, and they don’t talk down to you.

Want Help?

📩 Drop your info and we’ll connect you directly with the legal team.

(Name:Company:Email or Phone:State you operate in:[👉 Send My Info])

Final Word

The best way to win a fight is to avoid getting in one.

A few smart legal moves up front can save you from chasing checks, eating legal fees, or walking away empty-handed after a job well done.