Chambers USA 2018 ranks Gibbs & Bruns a premier “Band 1” General Commercial Litigation firm – a category in which Chambers named just four other Texas firms.
Every year since 2003, Chambers has recognized Gibbs & Bruns as a top-tier commercial litigation boutique. Gibbs & Bruns partners Robin Gibbs, Kathy Patrick and Barrett Reasoner are highlighted in the 2018 directory for practice excellence in the areas of Commercial, Securities and Energy Litigation.
What The Team Is Known For
Superbly accomplished representation on both sides of the docket, with substantial recent victories for plaintiffs and defendants in a range of headline commercial disputes. Particular expertise in the securities and energy arenas, with additional capability in relation to environmental litigation and professional malpractice defense. Possesses an impressive client list including industry giants, as well as small and midsized companies across numerous sectors. Particularly noted for its representation of clients in the banking and finance, energy and technology sectors.
Strengths
Sources report: “The team is very strategic, extraordinarily well prepared and very well versed in the law and technicalities. It is laser-focused and very efficient in its representation.”
Attesting to the firm’s strength in securities litigation, clients comment: “The firm has very good industry knowledge and very good industry relationships on both the business and legal sides, and is very attentive.”
Clients enthuse: “When the stakes are high, the firm’s litigation is excellent and its preparation in cases is unmatched.”
Work Highlights
Reached a $2.416 billion settlement with the Plan Administrator for Lehman Brothers Holdings and the other debtors in the Lehman bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of 14 institutional investor clients.
Represented Enterprise Products Operating LLC in an engineering and construction dispute with Amec Foster Wheeler USA, concerning lengthy delays and an estimated $700 million in cost overruns arising out of the construction of a large petrochemical refinery in Mont Belvieu, Texas.
Notable Practitioners
Robin Gibbs
Band 1 – Nationwide Litigation: Trial Lawyers
Band 1 – Texas, Litigation: General Commercial
Band 1 – Texas, Litigation: Energy & Natural Resources
“Excellent lawyer” Robin Gibbs is regarded as an “iconic name in Texas law practice.” He represents clients on both sides of the docket in a wide range of commercial disputes and has enviable expertise handling matters in the energy field. He is held in high esteem for his “simply fantastic” trial performance, with clients describing him as “the godfather of trial lawyers” and explaining that “he prepares cases like no other and is simply very impressive.”
Kathy Patrick
Star Individual – Texas, Litigation: Securities
Band 1 – Texas, Litigation: General Commercial
The “outstanding” Kathy Patrick is regarded as an “excellent strategist” and “a spectacular lawyer” by sources. She continues to be recognized as one of the foremost experts in commercial and securities litigation. Clients appreciate that “she is tough-minded but collaborative,” and further enthuse: “She is incredibly smart and a talented orator.”
Barrett Reasoner
Band 1 – Texas, Litigation: Energy & Natural Resources
Band 2 – Texas, Litigation: General Commercial
The “supremely impressive” Barrett Reasoner “has garnered a very significant reputation” for his expertise in energy and commercial litigation. Clients praise him as a “top-shelf litigator” and note that he “writes extremely well and presents very well in front of judge and jury.”
