Gibbs & Bruns LLP is a Houston-based litigation boutique engaged exclusively in high-stakes business and commercial disputes. The firm is widely noted for its high-value, precedent-setting work across the energy, oil and gas, and technology sectors, acting for clients as both plaintiffs and defendants in complex, bet-the-company matters. Co-headKathy Patrick is a trusted adviser to energy companies in headline disputes. Fellow co-head Barrett Reasoner handles a diverse docket of energy and oil and gas trials. Founder Robin Gibbs remains a respected figure in the sector. Brian T. Ross, Sam W. Cruse III, and Anthony N. Kaim further reinforce the firm’s depth in complex energy litigation and arbitration.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Gibbs & Bruns is excellent at oil and gas and energy litigation.'
- 'Barrett Reasoner is an excellent trial lawyer with a graceful, effective style.'
- 'Anthony Kaim is thoughtful, smart, strategic and a great writer.'
- 'Barrett Reasoner is a seasoned, experienced litigator and trial lawyer. He is very strategic, good on his feet, and effective.'
Key clients
- Occidental Petroleum Corporation
- Anadarko
- Kinder Morgan
- Atlas Energy Solutions (f/n/a Hi-Crush Permian Sand, LLC)
- Environmental Resource Holdings, LLC, f//a Occidental Chemical Corporation
- Phillips 66
- Chevron USA
- Carlton Energy Group LLC
- Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Onshore LP
- Mesquite Energy
- GR Energy Services, GR Lift
- Quantum Energy Partners
Work highlights
Representing Kinetik Energy CEO Jamie Welch in a $300 million breach of contract and fraud case brought by Energy Transfer relating to midstream gas contracts. The matter involves complex contractual and operational issues concerning Y Grade gas supply and alleged misrepresentations.
Secured a complete defense verdict for Kinder Morgan, Inc., and its subsidiary, Utica Marcellus Texas Pipeline, LLC, in a $20 million breach of contract and fraud case brought by American Ethane Company, a Russian-funded start-up backed by billionaire investors. Following a two-week jury trial, the court granted a directed verdict on all equitable claims, and the jury unanimously rejected all remaining breach and fraud allegations.
Secured a complete defense verdict for Hi-Crush Permian Sand LLC in a nearly $10 million breach of contract lawsuit brought by Universal Pressure Pumping, Inc. Following a two-week jury trial in Harris County, Texas, the jury rejected claims of an amended contract and found no breach.
Practice head
Kathy Patrick; Barrett Reasoner
Other key lawyers
Robin Gibbs; Brian Ross; Sam Cruse; Anthony Kaim; Ayesha Najam; Ashley Kleber; Mike Absmeier