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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Houston Elite
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Profile
Position
Partner, Gibbs & Bruns LLP
Career
“Sam Cruse stands out from the pack. He excels at handling high-stakes environmental, royalty, and contract litigation. Opposing counsel respects him and knows that he ‘means business’.”
“Sam Cruse is a great trial lawyer. He has a great courtroom presence. I am glad he is on my side!”
- Legal 500 2025
“Sam is fabulous in court. He is a strategic partner.”
“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.”
“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.”
- Chambers 2023 - 2025
“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 is a trial lawyer with strong presence in complex energy, financial, and antitrust disputes. Sam also handles private client matters involving high net worth individuals, and various trust and estate matters. Such matters are often sensitive in nature and require sophisticated and discreet handling, at which Sam is very accomplished.
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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.