- Counsel to several of the largest CDO, CLO, RMBS, and CMBS trustees in various commercial litigation matters and commercial trust disputes in state and federal court.
- Counsel to a large international insurer in high-exposure commercial coverage litigations across the country arising out of liability relating to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.”
- Second-chaired a one-week trial on behalf of a CDO trustee in action involving contractual and equitable claims brought against the collateral manager and affiliated parties. (S.D.N.Y.).
- Counsel to a multibillion-dollar insurance company against perpetrators of a highly publicized Ponzi scheme in parallel multi-year litigation and arbitration proceedings. (S.D.N.Y., AAA, Del. Ch.).
- Counsel to a major U.S. automobile insurance company in approximately 100 actions in New York and Georgia arising out of the payout of automobile insurance claims. (N.Y. Sup. Ct., E.D.N.Y., Ga. Sup. Ct.).
- Counsel to a CLO trustee in multiple proceedings arising out of a public auction of loans and equity interests in distressed companies. (S.D.N.Y., Bankr. Del.).
- Represented a state-owned foreign bank in civil action in New York involving a multibillion-dollar fraud and civil conspiracy. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.).
- Represented a CDO trustee at trial and on appeal in an interpleader action arising out of a dispute over the interpretation of Indenture provisions. (S.D.N.Y., 2d Cir.).
- Represented a major U.S. investment bank in transaction-related litigation in the commercial division of the New York State Supreme Court alleging tortious interference with contract and unjust enrichment. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.).
- Represented a group of investment funds in litigation brought against an Asian sovereign wealth fund, asserting violations of the federal securities laws in connection with a debt offering. (S.D.N.Y.).
Partner,
- Phone: +1 212 210 1289
- Email: elizabeth.buckel@alston.com
Elizabeth is a complex commercial litigator with a strategic business mindset who leverages her financial background and industry experience to understand her clients' business needs and goals. She represents multinational corporations, financial institutions, and insurance companies in high-stakes disputes throughout the United States.
- Represented a CDO trustee in a $100 million civil action alleging the trustee breached its duties under the Indenture and other governing documents. (S.D.N.Y.).
- Represented two U.S. banks both in their individual capacities and as trustees of separate mortgage trusts in civil actions alleging breach of contract and other claims related to the banks’ actions and assignments after borrower defaults. A favorable motion to dismiss was affirmed on appeal by the Delaware Supreme Court. (Del.).
- Represented a warehouse lender in a civil action alleging breach of contract, equitable, and tort claims arising out of the failed sale of mortgage loans. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.).
- Represented multiple major public policy organizations as amicus curiae in a case involving constitutional violations of speedy trial rights before the New York Court of Appeals.
- Counsel to domestic violence victims seeking orders of protection and custody of children in family court.
Elizabeth Buckel concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation, with a special focus on financial services and insurance. She has experience representing global financial institutions in diverse litigation matters related to structured products and derivative instruments, including collateralized debt and loan obligations, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and credit default swaps.
Elizabeth has particular expertise in corporate trust matters and navigates clients through specialized court procedures across the country to efficiently resolve trust-related issues. Elizabeth also handles commercial coverage matters, working closely with multinational insurance companies to navigate complex commercial coverage and reinsurance disputes. Elizabeth was recognized in the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® for her work in commercial litigation.
Elizabeth has been a key member of teams representing multinational corporations in complex, multi-year tort and contract disputes in multiple venues and jurisdictions. She also represents corporations and individuals in internal investigations and investigations before state and federal regulatory agencies including the DOJ, SEC, and FINRA.
Elizabeth is committed to giving back to her community and maintains an active pro bono practice, including working with Sanctuary for Families to represent domestic violence victims.
Before attending law school, Elizabeth worked in investment banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Bar Admissions
- New York
Education
- Georgetown University (J.D., 2013)
- Georgetown University (B.S.F.S., 2008)
Memberships
- New York City Bar Association, Structured Finance Committee
- Sanctuary for Families , Pro Bono Committee