About
George Sampas is a partner in Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s New York office and serves as co-chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice and Head of Cross-Border M&A. He advises clients on cross-border transactions, unsolicited acquisitions, and private equity deals, with a focus on the aviation, aerospace, defense, energy, and minerals sectors. He is known for guiding leading global corporations and investors through some of the largest and most complex transactions worldwide.
George earned his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University in 1985 and his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School in 1991. He is admitted to practice in New York. Before joining Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, he was a partner at a major international law firm, where he built a reputation as a trusted advisor in transformative, high-stakes M&A matters.
Over his career, George has advised global companies such as Alcan, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Aventis, BCE, Enbridge, Inco, KPMG, and Vodafone Group. His work includes historic transactions like Vodafone’s acquisition of Mannesmann, InBev’s unsolicited acquisition of Anheuser-Busch, and Alcan’s sale to Rio Tinto. His recent matters include advising Enbridge on its multibillion-dollar acquisitions, DS Smith’s pending $9.9 billion combination with International Paper, and Alumina Limited’s sale to Alcoa.
Regularly recognized by publications like The Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal, George Sampas is known for his strategic insight and practical approach. His track record of success makes him a go-to advisor for clients navigating complex, cross-border M&A. George continues to be a trusted partner to top corporations and private equity firms executing industry-shaping deals.
Law Office Affiliations
- Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
- Member, New York State Bar Association
Licensed State
- New York
Education
- University of Chicago
Juris Doctor (JD) - Brown University
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Awards & Badges

- Energy and utilities
- Life sciences and biotechnology
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Oil and gas