Elizabeth B. Honkonen is a partner at Sperling Kenny Nachwalter in Miami, where she focuses her practice on complex business litigation, including antitrust matters, commercial disputes, and professional liability defense. Drawing on a strong mathematics background and a natural curiosity for solving complex problems, she is known for her ability to navigate intricate legal, economic, and technological issues while developing strategic, big-picture solutions for clients across a broad range of industries.
A nationally recognized litigator, Honkonen is ranked by Chambers USA and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America. Her career reflects the intellectual rigor, leadership, and commitment to service that define the University of Miami School of Law community.
Honkonen graduated summa cum laude from Miami Law in 1998. While in law school, she was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as managing editor of the University of Miami Law Review. It was also during this time that she discovered her passion for advocacy—a passion that would shape the course of her career.
Her connection to Miami Law has remained strong throughout the years. A past president of the Law Alumni Association, she has also served as a legal research and writing instructor and, for a decade, has chaired the Law Alumni Association’s annual Homecoming golf tournament. Through these roles, she has helped foster meaningful connections among alumni, students, and the broader Miami Law community.
What aspects of the curriculum or faculty had the most significant impact on your legal education and career trajectory?
When I started law school, I had no idea that I wanted to be a litigator. The Litigation Skills Program changed that. I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed cross-examining witnesses, developing case strategy, and finding the most effective way to tell a client’s story. It introduced me to the advocacy side of the law and ultimately set me on the path that has defined my career.
How did your education at the University of Miami School of Law prepare you for your career?
Like many new lawyers, I worried about whether I would be ready to represent clients after graduation. I quickly learned that Miami Law had prepared me exceptionally well. The school provided a strong academic foundation while also emphasizing practical skills and real-world experience. That combination gave me the confidence to begin practicing law and continues to serve me throughout my career.
What opportunities or connections did you gain at the law school, and how did they influence your career?
I was extremely fortunate to intern for United States Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber during the summer after my first year of law school. It was an incredible experience that helped bring everything I had learned in the classroom into focus. During my third year, I interned with the Federal Public Defender’s Office, where I worked on appellate matters. Together, those experiences gave me invaluable insight into the legal profession and confirmed that litigation was the path I wanted to pursue.
