Gabriel Kaim focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation with concentrated experience in the energy, aviation and construction arenas.
While in law school, Gabriel was a judicial intern for Judge David Hittner, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and for Chief Judge Marvin P. Isgur, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Gabriel joined Gibbs & Bruns in 2019 after beginning his litigation career with Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Fulbright & Jaworski) in Houston.
EnVen Energy Corp. v. Dunwoody, in the Delaware Court of Chancery
Represented David Dunwoody, former co-founder and 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 in July 2023, the Chancellor announced her impressions, all in favor of Mr. Dunwoody. After receiving the Chancellor’s remarks, EnVen dismissed its claims against Dunwoody with prejudice for zero dollars.
David M. Dunwoody, Jr. v. EnVen Energy Corp. et al., in the District Court of Harris County
Represented David Dunwoody, co-founder and former president of EnVen, after the company squeezed him out and refused to pay his Severance benefits. After a three-week trial in Harris County, the jury found that Mr. Dunwoody had multiple, independent grounds for contractual Good Reason entitling him to Severance. The court awarded our client over $12 million.
Enterprise Products Operating LLC v. Amec Foster Wheeler USA Corp.
Represented Enterprise in a lawsuit against a terminated EPC contractor concerning a multi-billion dollar petrochemical refinery constructed in Mont Belvieu, Texas. After a 3-month bench trial, the defendants paid Enterprise $115 million to settle the case.
Confidential ICDR Arbitration
Representing major U.S. oil and gas company in dispute with foreign company arising out of expropriation of oilfield assets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TCPA Litigation
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.
Pro Bono Representation
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
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