Libbie Howley O'Keeffe
Partner, Attorney at Hinckley Allen
About
Libbie Howley O'Keeffe represents privately held and family-owned companies in mergers and acquisitions. She advises founders, owners, and C-Suite executives at emerging and mature businesses. She counsels them on venture capital, equity financings, and debt financings. Banks engage her on lending, workouts, and forbearance. She guides owners through ESOP transactions and succession planning. She earned her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 2013. She holds a B.A. from Colby College. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly named her a Go To Lawyer for Business Transactions in 2026. She serves as Vice-Chair of Hinckley Allen's Privately Held & Family-Owned Businesses practice.
Who is a good fit for Libbie Howley O'Keeffe
- Owners of a family-owned company planning an ESOP or a succession transfer.
- Founders of an emerging company who are raising venture capital.
- Mature companies arranging a debt financing or a securities offering.
Education and admissions
- Education
- Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 2013
- Colby College, B.A.
- Bar admissions
- Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Recognition
- Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch (2022-2025), Corporate Law
- Boston Magazine, Top Lawyers (2023-2025), Corporate Law
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Go To Lawyer for Business Transactions (2026)
- Super Lawyers, Massachusetts: Rising Stars (2020-2025), Business/Corporate
Specialties
Representative matters
As described on the firm’s website.
- Represented a life sciences consulting firm in establishing an ESOP and subsequently represented the estate of the founder, in the sale of the company, which was partially owned by the ESOP, to a global provider of comprehensive healthcare services. (seller side)
- Represented the owner of a union drywall company in the sale of 100% of its ownership to an ESOP, including pre-transaction restructuring and lender financing. (seller side)
- Represented a marine construction company in its strategic asset acquisitions to fulfill business division expansion goals.
- Represented the owners of a company specializing in the distribution and installation of accessories, equipment, and furnishings for the construction industry in the sale of its assets to a private equity buyer. (seller side)
- Represented an electric, HVAC, and plumbing contractor in the sale of its business, including equity rollover, to a private equity company. (seller side)
- Represented a hardware distributor in the sale of its business, including equity rollover, to a private equity company. (seller side)
- Represented a flooring distributor in a strategic acquisition involving buyer financing. (buyer side)
- Represented an alcoholic beverage distributor in a strategic acquisition and related licensing matters.
- Negotiated and closed the sale of two fast food franchises to a nationally recognized strategic buyer.
Deal profile
- Typical deal size
- Any deal size
- Remote work
- In-person / regional