Elizabeth Y. Austin

Elizabeth Y. Austin is a litigation attorney who represents public companies, corporate officers, directors, and insurers in complex business disputes. Her practice focuses on securities class actions, shareholder derivative and M&A litigation, ERISA matters, and insurance disputes. She regularly appears in federal and state courts and before regulatory bodies. Clients rely on her for disciplined strategy, clear judgment, and effective advocacy in matters involving significant financial and governance risk.

Austin earned her J.D., with honors, from The University of Chicago Law School, where she served as an Executive Articles Editor of the University of Chicago Law Review. She also holds an A.M. and an A.B., with honors, from The University of Chicago. Her academic training emphasized legal analysis, writing, and corporate law, providing a strong foundation for handling complex litigation and regulatory matters.

Before entering private practice, Austin clerked for Judge Frank H. Easterbrook of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She has since represented clients in high-stakes litigation involving shareholder activism, merger disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and securities enforcement actions. Her experience includes trial court victories, appellate advocacy, and successfully resolving matters at early procedural stages across multiple jurisdictions.

Elizabeth Y. Austin is also active in pro bono representation, including long-term asylum matters involving political persecution. She is admitted to practice in Illinois and multiple federal courts nationwide. Known for thorough preparation and practical solutions, she helps clients manage litigation risk and protect business interests. Her work reflects a consistent commitment to professionalism, analytical rigor, and effective representation in complex commercial and securities disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• University of Chicago Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Chicago
  Master of Law (MA)
• University of Chicago
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges