Bruce D. Oakley

Drawing on his 25 years as a trial lawyer in Houston, Bruce Oakley helps commercial 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 with business disputes; and what works and does not work 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. He regularly represents businesses across the energy spectrum – from exploration and production, drilling operations, refineries, pipelines, and to the services sector.

As Managing Partner of our Houston office, Bruce works with lawyers throughout our global practice. Before joining our firm 10 years ago, 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 and now as a Director of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority. He is married and has five children.