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The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Recognizes 88 Crowe Dunlevy Attorneys; 11 Honored as Lawyer of the Year
Aug 20, 2026|
6 minute read
How do I help clients with their energy, environmental & water law matters?
For more than four decades, I’ve helped clients address complex issues involving energy, environmental and water law by combining deep subject matter knowledge with practical, cost-conscious advice. Whether the matter involves litigation, regulatory proceedings, transactions or a novel legal question, I work closely with clients to understand their objectives, identify their options, and devise strategies that make business sense. I believe consistent communication is essential, so my clients always know where a matter stands and what we’re doing to move it forward.
Offering a robust and diverse practice to serve clients on an array of issues
Dale Cottingham advises clients across the full spectrum of energy, environmental and water law matters, representing oil and gas companies, municipalities, conservancy districts and other stakeholders before state courts, administrative agencies and regulatory bodies. His practice involves everything from complex commercial litigation, royalty and leasing disputes, pipeline condemnation and environmental matters to acquisitions, water rights, permitting and regulatory compliance.
Solving complex challenges with sound and insightful judgment
Known as a trusted resource for difficult and often novel legal questions, Dale draws on his deep and broad experience with creative problem-solving to develop pragmatic solutions tailored to each client’s business objectives. He carefully studies the facts, anticipates potential challenges, and presents clients with clear options, always mindful of controlling costs while protecting their long-term interests. As one client told Chambers USA, he’s “diligent and plugged in” and brings “a wealth of experience” … “ticking every box.”
Building trusted relationships across Oklahoma’s energy and water sectors
Dale’s longstanding relationships within Oklahoma’s energy, environmental and water communities provide valuable perspective when matters involve regulatory agencies or complex stakeholder interests. Clients frequently turn to him as their first call because they value not only his technical knowledge, but also his reputation for strategic thinking and the ability to resolve issues efficiently whenever possible. Sometimes that means simply making a phone call and asking a question of an industry professional or a government decisionmaker within the vast network of people he knows and with whom he works well.
Strengthening client service through leadership, teaching and speaking
The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Dale reinforces his practice through decades of leadership within Oklahoma’s legal community. As an adjunct professor teaching Natural Resources Law and Water Law, a frequent author and speaker, a past president of the Oklahoma Mineral Lawyers Society and co-chair of the firm’s Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Practice Group, he remains immersed in the legal developments shaping his clients’ industries. Teaching, writing and speaking also sharpen his own practice by challenging him to stay current on emerging issues while translating complex legal concepts into practical guidance.