AbstractPlacement of the multilateral junction is one of the most critical elements in the design of a multilateral well. A misplaced or mal-performing junction can have an adverse effect on an otherwise successful multilateral project. The optimum placement of the junction is a function of reservoir, geological, drilling, and completion criteria. The list may include such criteria as reservoir development strategy, pressures & heterogeneity, geological structure, lithology, wellbore stability, multilateral junction integrity, directional drilling requirements, logging requirements, artificial lift design, and completion type. These combined factors have a direct economic impact on the success and viability of the project.This paper describes a process whereby the proper junction selection criteria can be evaluated in light of pertinent technical and economic criteria and examines lessons learned from case histories with junction problems.