Dispute resolution
Sam Cruse at Gibbs & Bruns LLP has a growing energy-focused litigation practice representing leading industry clients in complex disputes. He is currently lead counsel to Anadarko in a federal lawsuit concerning offshore joint operating rights, following prior litigation over leasehold obligations. He also represents Cockrell Investment Partners in a closely watched groundwater permitting dispute before the Texas Supreme Court. Beyond the energy sector, Cruse handles high-value commercial matters, including representing Fannie Mae in LIBOR litigation and defending fiduciaries in complex trust disputes.
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Profile
Position
Partner, Gibbs & Bruns LLP
Career
Sam practices all types of commercial litigation, including oil and gas, securities, construction, real estate, and fiduciary duty matters. Sam has tried cases for plaintiffs and defendants in court and arbitration.
Sam is our go-to. He is the first guy I want to call for complex issues. He is strategic, smart and tough in both negotiations and in the courtroom.
Sam is very strategic, smart and tough in negotiations and in the courtroom.
Sam is well organized, focused and easy to work with.
Chambers 2024
Sam Cruse is my first call for high stakes oil and gas litigation matters. He has successfully handled several high stakes oil and gas contract and royalties disputes for us. He is a highly effective courtroom lawyer and negotiator.
Legal 500 2023
Sam Cruse is a phenomenal lawyer. He has a terrific demeanor in court and is also phenomenal at solving problems outside of court.
Sam is an excellent lawyer.
He is able to tackle problems and get to a practical solution.
Chambers USA 2022-2023
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Key clients
- Fannie Mae
- Cockrell Investment Partners, L.P.
- Anadarko
- Mesquite Energy, Inc.
- Occidental Chemical Corporation
Work highlights
Represented Fannie Mae in a high-profile $800 million Libor manipulation lawsuit against nine major banks in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. After denying key motions to dismiss, most defendants settled confidentially, with claims against RBS, UBS, and Credit Suisse still active.
Represented Cockrell Investment Partners in Texas Supreme Court cases worth tens of millions, challenging groundwater permitting and export rules. The cases focus on party status, administrative deadlines, and conflicts between state law and local district rules. Oral argument is set for fall 2025.
Represented an individual in a $100 million fiduciary duty suit involving $400 million trusts.