Dearl Croft

Dearl Croft is a Partner in Ball Morse Lowe’s Oil, Gas & Energy practice, leading the firm’s Houston-based team. With 30+ years of experience as an attorney, business leader, and entrepreneur, he focuses on title ownership, curative issues, and other legal and operational challenges specific to the oil and gas industry. His background in business management, capital funding, and strategic operations gives him a clear understanding of both the legal and commercial needs of his clients. 

Dearl enjoys the complexity of his work and is driven by developing solutions that bring clarity and resolution to his clients. He combines technical knowledge with a strong focus on client service and measures his success by the outcomes he helps his clients achieve. 

He was drawn to oil and gas law early in his career for its mix of detailed problem-solving and strategic business impact, and he has built his practice around delivering value in a constantly evolving industry. 

Dearl earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1996. He also holds an MBA from the University of Houston and a B.S. in Biology from Southwest Texas State University.  

Dearl and his wife Lisa live in Houston with their two dogs. They have two adult children, both of whom hold law degrees. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling (20 countries and 32 states so far), cooking, and spending time with his family, enjoying a good bourbon, and adding to his collection of whiskey and sports memorabilia.