Bruce D. Oakley
Office Managing Partner Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment
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Overview
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Experience
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Credentials
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Insights and events
Chambers USA"The highly experienced Bruce Oakley heads Hogan Lovells US LLP's Texas litigation team. He has previously served as a Texas state court judge and is described by clients as an 'exceptionally capable advocate' with 'a very good, analytical' approach."
Bruce Oakley helps clients solve problems through advice, analysis, and advocacy. Having served as a judge presiding over thousands of lawsuits, Bruce knows particularly well the risks and opportunities facing clients at the courthouse. Bruce uses that knowledge to develop and carry out strategies both in the boardroom and in the courtroom, especially for clients facing complex cross-border disputes.
Bruce leads our Texas practice, serves as an elected member of the Hogan Lovells Global Board, and is our Global Managing Partner for Lateral Partner Recruitment and Integration. Before joining our firm, Bruce served as Judge of the 234th Judicial District Court. Prior to being appointed and then reelected to the court, he was a partner in a major Texas firm trying lawsuits in state and federal courts. He is ranked by Chambers, the Legal 500, Texas SuperLawyers, and BTI. He also holds a certification in Civil Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Bruce continues his public service having previously served as President of Children's Protective Services, Director of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, and now as a Commissioner on the Houston Pilot Board. He is married and has five children.
Chambers USA 2021"He's a very nice guy who is easy to get along with."
Representative experience
Represent deepwater drilling contractor against claims relating to the dissolution of a Brazilian joint venture.
Represent innovative shale logistics company in trade secret lawsuit.
Represent an exploration and production company in a dispute over rig failure during drilling operation in the Eagle Ford Shale formation.
Represent energy company in defense of lawsuit asserting the breach of indenture covenants relating to the sale of assets.
Represent offshore drilling contractor in federal litigation against a multinational oil and gas company concerning deepwater drilling operations.
Represent Asian oilfield service company in defense of trade secret claim related to coiled tubing.
Defend clean energy manufacturing company in defense of a lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets.
Represent energy company on dispute over tax attributes in connection with a corporate spinoff.
Defend independent power producer in litigation brought by former officer arising out of a DOJ investigation and prosecution.
Arbitrator and Mediator in variety of energy and commercial disputes.
Defend European chemical manufacturer against exposure claims alleged to have occurred during the first Gulf War.
Defend foreign sovereign integrated energy company against series of lawsuits under the Alien Tort Claims Act and Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.
Defend a Japanese bearing manufacturer against personal injury and property claims arising out of a fire at a terminal complex on the Houston Ship Channel.
Defend an Engineering Procurement, and Construction Company in personal injury and property damage claims alleged to have occurred in the aftermath of flooding caused by a hurricane.
Defend an air frame manufacturer in defense of wrongful death claims arising out of accidents in New York and over the Atlantic Ocean.
Represent a cruise ship operator in defense of wrongful death and personal injury claims arising out of a grounding in the Mediterranean.
Credentials
- J.D., Baylor University School of Law, cum laude; Leon Jaworski Scholarship in Advocacy, 1989
- B.A., Baylor University, 1986
- Texas
- New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
- U.S. Supreme Court
- New York State Appellate Division Third Department
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Member, Houston Bar Association
- Member, Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists