Overview
Elizabeth Hadaway has recovered over one billion dollars for her clients.
Most recently, she helped secure a historic $787.5 million settlement for Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation litigation against Fox News and Fox Corporation. Ms. Hadaway led discovery on falsity and reputational damages to Dominion, including taking and defending fact and expert depositions. She also co-drafted Dominion’s widely reported motion for summary judgment, which was successful on the pivotal issue of falsity, among other issues. Ms. Hadaway continues to represent Dominion in its ongoing high-profile defamation litigation against other individuals and media companies.
A TRUSTED TRIAL LAWYER
Following a month-long bench trial with a lean team from Susman Godfrey, Ms. Hadaway secured more than $300 million — one of the largest shareholder oppression recoveries ever in the U.S. — for minority shareholders in Promega Corp., on claims related to control, governance, liquidity, and valuation. At trial, Ms. Hadaway presented and cross-examined key witnesses and delivered part of closing arguments. Ms. Hadaway also contributed significantly to summary judgment, appellate, and post-trial briefing. Her team successfully resolved the case while the court was preparing its final judgment, with Promega acquiring the minority shareholders’ shares for a substantial premium over the pre-suit redemption price and the valuation Promega argued for at trial. Read more here or in Texas Lawyer and the Wisconsin State Journal (filing, trial, and resolution).
“In the make-or-break moments of trial, I sure was glad Elizabeth Hadaway was on my team. Her thorough preparation helped me survive a multi-day cross-examination and thrive when she put me on as a witness. Against far more senior lawyers, Elizabeth excelled, from her razor-sharp cross-examination to persuasive closing arguments. She’s an all-star!”
Nathan S. Brand, Brand v. Promega Corporation
“Stellar. Elizabeth was more than just counsel – she was my guide through a lengthy, complex trial. She defended me for two days of depositions and put me up as a witness during the arbitration. Smart, articulate, logical and confident – she has what it takes to win.”
Managing Partner of a Leading Private Equity Firm
“Elizabeth supported Dominion’s employees through a hurricane of discovery and depositions followed by intense trial preparations, proving not only her skills as an advocate but also her unwavering commitment to our success. Her rare combination of attention to detail, extraordinary work ethic, strategic thinking, and sound judgement set Elizabeth apart. She is truly exceptional.”
Lindsey Kurtz, General Counsel, Dominion Voting Systems
In a confidential securities fraud arbitration, Ms. Hadaway and two Susman Godfrey partners successfully defended a group of private equity firms against a $20 million claim. Ms. Hadaway helped craft the case’s core legal strategy and handled each aspect of discovery, including taking and defending depositions and winning key discovery motions. During the 8-day arbitration, she took a central role, presenting several witnesses and delivering half of the closing argument, ultimately securing a full defense judgment from a unanimous three-judge panel.
In addition, in front of a state court jury, Ms. Hadaway and a team of Susman Godfrey partners tried a premises liability matter on behalf of a Fortune 50 company where the plaintiffs claimed over $100 million in total damages. The jury ruled in favor of the company, ensuring a full defense verdict for Ms. Hadaway’s client.
Ms. Hadaway has also briefed, argued, and won summary judgment rulings on behalf of her defense-side clients in state courts from coast to coast.
AN ADVOCATE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Ms. Hadaway joined Susman Godfrey after completing a two-year Skadden Fellowship at the non-profit law firm Public Counsel. During that time she helped pioneer a case to enforce the fundamental right to literacy on behalf of low-income Californian students in schools that lacked access to literacy. The matter ultimately resolved in a groundbreaking settlement to provide $50 million to 75 low-performing schools across California to develop and implement literacy reforms.
Since joining Susman Godfrey, Ms. Hadaway has remained committed to pro bono practice and has been involved in the Harris County felony bail reform litigation, among other matters.
Honors & Distinctions
Honors and Awards
- Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
- Articles Editor, Harvard Law Review
Clerkships
- Honorable Sandra Lynch, United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Education
Education
- Harvard Law School (J.D., cum laude, 2015)
- Harvard University (A.B., English Language and Literature, magna cum laude, 2009)
Admissions
Admissions
Bar Admissions
- Texas
- California
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Leadership & Professional Memberships
Associations
- American Bar Association
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
