Complex economic issues keep Haas busy, stimulated

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Elizabeth Haas doesn’t mind digging deep for a case.

In fact, the associate at Foley & Lardner LLP said she finds the work of examining the financial intricacies of cases and looking at the economic impact fascinating.

“I like the complexity of the issues where you really have to think about a creative solution to problems that is not always obvious in the first instance,” said Haas, 30.

For the past three years, Haas has been the lead associate in a complex financial fraud case, representing clients she said were duped by a company based in Pennsylvania, which perpetrated a massive Ponzi scheme. It’s a billion-dollar case, involving a dozen parties.

“It all came crashing down several years ago and now everyone’s trying to sort out all the pieces of who
is responsible for what,” she said.

Haas has been with Foley & Lardner since 2006, focusing on complex commercial, business and antitrust litigation.

Off the clock, Haas regularly uses her legal skills to help others. She volunteers at the Milwaukee Justice Center, a free legal clinic for litigants who need help as they attempt to navigate the complexities of the legal system on their own.

— Tony Anderson

What was your most useful law school course?

Secured Transactions

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?

Doctor or history professor

How many countries have you visited? Which ones?

Several: England, France, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, Canada, various Caribbean islands

What would you never wear?

White pants

What was your favorite toy as a child?

My big brothers

If you could be a superhero, who would you be?

Wonder Woman

What famous person you would most like to have a drink with?

While she may not be famous outside of our family, she is certainly a famous person within it — my grandmother Chrystal who I never had the pleasure of knowing.

What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue?

Temperance

What is your motto?

Don’t pursue happiness, create it

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Somewhere with mountains in the background, my husband by my side and not a care in the world

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents

Who are your favorite writers?

Ayn Rand, Ernest Hemingway, David Sedaris