The days of the lone landman driving around the back roads taking leases and visiting courthouses have become a thing of the past. Though there are still a few independent landmen that fit this mold, clients have demanded change and consolidation. Now there are brokerage firms and even more consolidation. It is not a bad thing. It is just different. But the problem arises when landmen are still being treated and paid as independent contractors when they actually are employees (at least in the government’s eyes).

Why Should You Care?

Because the government cares (and as I will discuss later, there is a settlement program available right now that could save you tens of thousands of dollars).