Gabriel practices all types of commercial litigation, with a focus on energy, construction, legal malpractice, and fiduciary duty matters.
Gabriel is a trial lawyer. He has tried cases to a verdict for both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. His recent trial wins include a complete defense victory over an $800 million legal malpractice claim; an eight-figure jury verdict on behalf of an oil-and-gas executive; and a successful three-month trial of a construction dispute resulting in a nine-figure settlement for his client.
Gabriel’s work has been recognized by Lawdragon, Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers. Gabriel joined Gibbs & Bruns in 2019 after beginning his litigation career with Norton Rose Fulbright in Houston.
Complete Defense Victory Over an $800 Million Legal Malpractice Claim
AAA Arbitration
Represented an international, AmLaw 100 law firm against legal malpractice and fiduciary duty claims brought by a former client seeking over $800 million in damages. Following a week-long arbitration hearing, the panel issued a unanimous take-nothing award dismissing all claims and awarding zero damages.
$115 Million Settlement Following a 3-Month Bench Trial
Enterprise Products Operating LLC v. Amec Foster Wheeler USA Corp.
Represented Enterprise in a breach of contract and fraudulent inducement lawsuit in Texas state court against Enterprise’s former general contractor and its parent company. The claims related to the contractor’s work on a multi-billion-dollar petrochemical refinery constructed in Mont Belvieu, Texas, which experienced significant cost overruns and over a year of delays. After a 3-month bench trial, the defendants paid Enterprise $115 million to settle the case.
Eight-Figure Jury Trial Win in a Breach of Contract Dispute
David M. Dunwoody, Jr. v. EnVen Energy Corp. et al.
Represented David Dunwoody, co-founder and former president of EnVen, after he was forced to resign and the company refused to pay his contractual severance benefits. After a three-week trial in Texas state court, the jury found that Dunwoody had multiple, independent grounds for contractual Good Reason entitling him to his full severance. The court awarded Dunwoody over $12 million, including all of his attorney’s fees.
Complete Defense Victory Over Fiduciary Duty Claims in Delaware Chancery Court
EnVen Energy Corp. v. David M. Dunwoody, Jr.
Represented David Dunwoody, co-founder and former President of EnVen, in a case brought in Delaware Chancery Court by his former company alleging that Dunwoody breached his fiduciary duties. After a week-long trial, the Chancellor announced her impressions, all in favor of Dunwoody. After receiving the Chancellor’s remarks, EnVen dismissed its claims with prejudice for zero dollars.
Take-Nothing Directed Verdict in Federal Court
Bridgeman et. al v. United Continental Holdings, Inc.
Represented United Airlines in a case involving claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation, invasion of privacy, and personal injury. Obtained a take-nothing directed verdict at trial and drafted the Fifth Circuit brief resulting in the verdict being upheld on appeal.
Successful Defense in ICDR Arbitration
Represented a major U.S. oil and gas company in an arbitration related to payment obligations under a joint operating agreement after the expropriation of oilfield assets by the government of Ecuador. After a full arbitration hearing, our client obtained a favorable settlement.
Summary Judgment Win in Texas State Court
Perez et. al. v. Phillips 66 Pipeline, LLC
Represented Phillips 66 in a nuisance and trespass case brought by 15 landowners related to alleged water damage to the landowners’ property. After discovery and motion practice, obtained a complete summary judgment dismissal of all claims brought by the landowners.
Summary Judgment Win in Federal Court
Lechin v. United Airlines, Inc.
Represented United Airlines against claims of malicious prosecution and defamation. Obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims and drafted the Fifth Circuit brief resulting in the dismissal being upheld on appeal.
Multiple Defense Victories in TCPA Litigation for a Private Texas University
Represented a private Texas university against multiple defamation and tortious interference claims. Drafted motions to dismiss pursuant to the Texas Citizens Participation Act which led to the plaintiffs either dropping their claims or the claims being dismissed. Drafted multiple appellate briefs resulting in the dismissals being upheld on appeal.
Victory Before the Texas Railroad Commission
City of Texas City v. Buckeye Development & Logistics LLC, et. al.
Represented a coalition of pipeline companies in a dispute before the Railroad Commission of Texas related to the City of Texas City’s increase in annual pipeline fees. The Railroad Commission rejected the fee increase and accepted the coalition’s calculation of annual fees, resulting in significant, ongoing annual savings to the pipeline companies.
Pro Bono Representation
Represented St. Ephraim the Syrian Orthodox Church in a dispute related to a gift left to the church in a parishioner’s will. After discovery and mediation, the case settled favorably for St. Ephraim.
Represented a victim of sexual assault sued for defamation in federal court. Drafted a motion to dismiss pursuant to the Texas Citizens Participation Act resulting in the plaintiff dropping all claims.
University of Houston Law Center, J.D., magna cum laude, 2012
Order of the Coif
Order of the Barons
Notes and Comments Editor, Houston Law Review
University of Texas at Austin, B.A., Finance, 2009
Named to Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Energy Lawyers,” 2025
Named in Benchmark Litigation‘s
“40 & Under,” 2024-2025
Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2022-2023
Commercial Litigation
Named a “Texas Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters’ Texas Super Lawyers, 2017-2024
State Bar of Texas
Houston Bar Association, Member
Co-author with Nicholas A. Morrow “Examining the Standard of Care of Failure to Divert During In-Flight Emergencies,” 13 Issues Aviation L. & Pol’y 361 (2014)
“Harris County Bench Book,” ALM Publication, 2013