Elisabeth (“Libby”) Gray
Elisabeth (Libby) Gray
Gray Ice Higdon
Managing Partner and Attorney
Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-gray-341b3/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libby.gray
Website: Gray Ice Higdon
Who is Elisabeth (Libby) Gray?
Elisabeth (“Libby”) Gray assists clients in prosecuting and defending unfair competition lawsuits, including misappropriation of trade secrets and breaches of restrictive covenant agreements, such as non-competes and non-solicitation agreements. Because of her significant experience, she has been qualified as an expert witness in Federal Court relating to the appropriate standard of care to prosecute a misappropriation of trade secrets case. In addition to her work protecting her clients against unfair competition, Libby has an active commercial litigation practice where she regularly handles disputes involving Intellectual Property, complex contractual issues, employment matters, and other business litigation. Libby is often retained to handle “bet-the-company” litigation and works closely with her clients to help ease the disruption of litigation through proactive communication, responsiveness, and creative and responsive guidance. She has tried cases in state and federal courts through judgment (both jury and bench), as well as handling injunction and other evidentiary hearings. Libby also has experience in arbitration tribunals. Her practice includes appellate work at all levels.
She has particular proficiency with eDiscovery and related technology, and uses eDiscovery to her clients’ benefit. Libby has successfully obtained numerous court orders requiring the forensic examination of computers, smart phones, and other electronic devices. Libby was recently Adjunct Faculty and taught an e-Discovery class in the College of Legal Studies at Sullivan University.
She also recently served as the Louisville Bar Association Litigation Section Chair. Because of her vast experience with business litigation, Libby was selected by the Kentucky Supreme Court to serve on the Business Court Pilot Project, which established a pilot business courts in Jefferson County, Kentucky, and continues to serve in this capacity. Libby also serves as a Managing Partner for Gray Ice Higdon.
Please briefly summarize your life's journey, highlighting the significant chapters and pivotal moments.
After graduating from law school at Vanderbilt University, I moved to Louisville without any connections. Over the past 27 years, I have built a commercial litigation practice focusing on complex unfair competition litigation (e.g., enforcing and defending non-competes, theft of trade secrets, interference with contracts, etc.). I have also enjoyed managing several law firms, culminating in being a managing partner of Gray Ice Higdon.
How many children do you have, and what are their ages?
2 Children (daughters) (ages 21 and 19)
What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Imposter syndrome and not sure I have overcome it! I find having supportive networks and learning that others have similar experiences really helps!
What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?
I want to show my daughters and other women with whom I work that while it is not always easy, it is possible to have a fulfilling family life and a successful career. I hate to see women drop out of careers they love because it feels like they cannot do both. In reality, many are just in a tough phase and need more support.
How have you been able to prioritize your passion, purpose, and well-being alongside motherhood?
I outsource as many things as possible (especially those I wouldn't say I like to do), including meal prep, cleaning, home maintenance, and organizing. I heavily use delivery apps and minimize my errands to the bare minimum. I was initially resistant, but it allowed me to focus on my priorities!
How do you define self-care, and what does it look like for you?
I love spa treatments and regular massages! Also, girls' trips are so rejuvenating!
Was there a time when you weren't aligned with your purpose or balancing yourself alongside motherhood?
At the beginning of my career, I wanted to prove my dedication to my career and missed out on special moments with my young daughters. I had a wonderful mentor at my firm, as well as a mother who wisely told me not to miss the special moments and helped me find ways to do both. Of course I could not do every field trip or watch every game, but I learned not to compromise with the important life events. I also now work at a Firm that celebrates commitment to family and makes it much easier.
What changes needed to be made in your life to allow you to live a life where you feel fulfilled?
A realization that we cannot do it all and be everything to all people. Once you let go if the pressure to be perfect in all roles, and to give yourself grace, it helps tremendously.
What's your greatest Mom Hack that you have learned thus far in your motherhood journey?
When my kids were small and went to many birthday parties, I would find one gift for their age group for a year and buy many of them. I even prewrapped and labeled them so that I would only need to put a name on a gift. It made it much easier not to have to shop for each party!
Why do you think it's important for women to share their journeys and inspire other women?
To share that it can be done, it is not always easy, and you are not alone.
Do you want to share your HERstory with The Next ChaptHER community? Click here to submit your information.
Follow us on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching (link: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching to continue the conversation.
Make sure to tune in to The Next ChaptHER podcast (link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-chapther/id1670206410) for additional support and inspiration.