Mr Sam W. Cruse, III > Gibbs & Bruns LLP > Houston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Houston-based law firm Gibbs & Bruns LLP specializes in handling commercial disputes, with a focus on the banking, energy, technology, and financial services sectors. The firm’s experienced team is capable of representing both plaintiffs and defendants across a broad range of subjects. Robin Gibbs is highly regarded for his extensive experience as a trial attorney, while Kathy Patrick has regularly returned successes for longstanding high value clients. Barrett Reasoner is an expert in handling energy-related disputes and co-leads the practice alongside Gibbs and Patrick. Brian Ross  is particularly knowledgeable in the oil and gas industry and has expertise in market defining cases. Other notable members of the team include securities specialist Sam Cruse , energy and construction advisor Ayesha Najam , and David Sheeren . Denise Lambert Drake and Jorge M. Gutierrez Gutierrez Jr. were promoted to partner in October 2022.

Gibbs & Bruns LLP in Houston became a prominent player in the securities litigation having brought many successful claims relating to mortgage-backed securities, and the firm continues to handle some long-running matters arising from the global financial crisis. Key partner David Sheeren, who has ‘excellent industry knowledge of securitization litigation issues’, worked with newly promoted partner Denise Lambert Drake to bring a case for PIMCO and BlackRock concerning 156 Countrywide RMBS trusts, ultimately securing a $266m settlement. Sheeren and highly regarded Kathy Patrick, who together lead the practice, acted for PIMCO and TCW as investment managers for funds and accounts holding over $200m of certificates issued by a legacy RMBS deal sponsored by First Franklin / Merrill Lynch., which were pursued for selling loans into the Trust that breached a variety of representations and warranties, leading to significant losses. Approval of a $242m settlement is currently pending. Partner Sam Cruse also plays a key role in the practice, notably for clients in the financial services and energy sectors.

Praised for its ‘elite courtroom skills’, Gibbs & Bruns LLP exclusively handles high-profile commercial litigation. While based in Houston, the firm has a national reach and represents a broad client base, ranging from tech start-ups to major entities in the oil and gas sector. Founding partner Robin Gibbs is a veteran of the industry, with over 50 years’ experience in handling high-stakes business and commercial litigation, while Kathy Patrick is relied upon by industry powerhouses, such as Occidental, in handling high-end issues. Barrett Reasoner is adept in handling business-critical disputes for energy companies and Brian Ross is highly recommended, with a docket that includes prominent force majeure disputes stemming from Winter Storm Uri. Mark Giugliano is another key contact in the group, with considerable experience in multi-party commercial litigation, while Sam Cruse, who is commended as ‘a highly effective courtroom lawyer and negotiator’, is noted for his expertise in the energy and finance sectors.