Zachary Oliva

With a desire to create a great company focused on the energy industry and a passionate team of colleagues who share the goal of doing things better, Zachary Oliva co-founded Oliva Gibbs in 2013 and currently serves as managing partner. Concentrating on the firm’s strategic planning, he practices in the areas that include:

• General oil and gas advice
• Lease maintenance and development planning
• Master service agreements
• Oil and gas leasing
• Oil, gas and mineral transactions

From offices in Columbus, Houston, Lafayette, Midland and Oklahoma City, Mr. Oliva advises a wide range of clients – from Fortune 500, integrated oil and gas companies to private equity-backed startups and mineral rights companies. He has adeptly guided upstream operators and oilfield service firms through contract negotiations, title complexities, and asset transactions in New Mexico, Ohio and Texas. Renowned for his strategic insights, he’s a go-to adviser for energy entrepreneurs facing partnership challenges. 

Mr. Oliva completed his bachelor’s degree in international relations and affairs in 2008 at The Ohio State University, where he was actively involved in Sigma Alpha Mu. His education at Capital University Law School provided a strong foundation for his work in the legal field, with bar admissions in Ohio, New Mexico and Texas.

Committed to the community, Mr. Oliva participates in various professional associations and memberships, including the Houston Bar Association’s Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Section, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group, the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston and the Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen. His pro bono activities are as notable as his professional ones, with contributions to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and past board membership at the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA.

Mr. Oliva’s understanding of oil and gas law has been widely recognized, evidenced by his appearance on the 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America list. His role as a thought leader is further solidified through his speaking engagements and influential publications on pivotal energy topics, including the evolution of fracking regulations and nuanced legal analyses within the industry. Outside the office, he donates considerable time each year to mentoring entrepreneurs through his membership in the Entrepreneur’s Organization and other groups.