A professional who examines abstracts of titles, leases, contracts, and other legal documents to determine ownership of land, and gas, oil, and mineral rights. Responsibilities include:

• Draws up legal documents covering purchase and sale of land, and oil, gas, and mineral rights, drafts deeds and affidavits, and presents other evidence to meet legal requirements of documents.
• Examines instruments and opinions prepared by other attorneys and advises officials of organization as to legal requirements in connection with titles.
• Searches for and examines public records and writes opinions on titles.
• Prepares cases for trial and tries or assists in trial of lawsuits involving titles to land, and gas, oil, and mineral rights.