Elizabeth Hadaway has successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes civil litigation in state and federal courts across the country.

“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

A Trusted Trial Lawyer

Following a month-long bench trial with a team from Susman Godfrey, Ms. Hadaway helped secure more than $300 million — one of the largest shareholder oppression recoveries in the U.S. — for minority shareholders in Promega Corp., on claims related to control, governance, liquidity, and valuation.

In the matter, Ms. Hadaway contributed significantly to summary judgment, appellate, and post-trial briefing and was actively involved at trial, presenting and cross-examining key witnesses and delivering part of closing arguments.  Ultimately, the team from Susman Godfrey 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 at trial. (Texas Lawyer, Wisconsin State Journal reporting – filing, trial, and resolution).

After the Promega trial, a trial team consisting of Ms. Hadaway and two Susman Godfrey partners successfully defended a group of private equity firms against a $20 million securities fraud claim in an 8-day arbitration.

“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

In this matter, 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 arbitration hearing, she likewise took a central role, including presenting several witnesses and delivering half of the closing argument. Ultimately, her clients obtained a complete victory in the form of a full defense judgment issued by 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 one-hundred million dollars in total damages. The jury ruled in favor the company, securing a full defense verdict for Ms. Hadaway’s client.

Community Advocacy

Ms. Hadaway joined Susman Godfrey after completing a two-year Skadden Fellowship at the non-profit law firm Public Counsel.  During that time, Ms. Hadaway, who before law school was a high school English teacher, 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.