Elizabeth Preate Havey

Overview

Clients rely on Elizabeth Preate Havey to deliver strategic, solutions-oriented counsel in complex public finance and municipal transactions. Known for her thoughtful approach and deep understanding of legal and political nuance, she builds trust and leads with clarity, even in the most challenging matters.

Elizabeth Preate Havey advises government entities, nonprofits, and corporations on public and project finance, asset monetization, and complex transactional matters. With experience serving municipalities, school districts, health systems, and higher education institutions, she routinely acts as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel, or borrower’s counsel in tax-exempt and taxable financings. Her clients count on her to navigate complicated transactions that require legal acumen and sensitivity to political, regulatory, and operational considerations.

Clients frequently seek Liz’s guidance on matters with wide-ranging implications, from wastewater and water system monetizations to city-level economic development initiatives. She is known for being highly responsive, strategic, and pragmatic. She balances technical precision with empathy and clarity, whether appearing before city councils or boards and commissions, or presenting to rating agencies. Liz is recognized for building trust and navigating the full scope of legal, political, and leadership pressures that shape complex municipal transactions.

Liz also represents clients in general corporate and governance matters, providing comprehensive legal counsel on day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, and board and committee governance, fiduciary duties, and the design and implementation of governance frameworks, including bylaws, committee charters, and corporate policies. She assists in the negotiation of service agreements, employment contracts, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions.

Liz’s approach is grounded in listening first, then partnering closely with clients to develop legal strategies that are both sound and feasible. She understands that decisions made in a boardroom or council chamber often carry long-term public and political consequences. Whether helping a municipality restructure its bonds, guiding a nonprofit through governance reviews, or advising on a utility sale, Liz remains focused on getting the deal done efficiently and with integrity. Her track record reflects her ability to lead large teams, manage sensitive negotiations, and deliver results that withstand legal, financial, and public scrutiny.