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Key Takeaways from the LITFINCON Event

March 21, 2022

Key Takeaways from the LITFINCON Event

LITFINCON’s inaugural conference kicked off last week at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, with attendees flying in from all over the globe. Guests had a front-row seat to several thought-provoking conversations about the growing asset class from a variety of industry experts.

The LITFINCON event featured a variety of timely and insightful panel discussions. Below are some key takeaways from the two-day conference:

Day 1 highlighted current trends, the state of the industry, best strategies when seeking litigation finance, and the relationship between corporate legal departments and litigation finance.

The day kicked off with the “Views From The Judiciary On All Things Litigation Finance” panel, which was certainly a crowd favorite. Three distinguished judges shared their insights: The Honorable Charles R. Eskridge, III, of the United States District Court for the Southern District Court of Texas, The Honorable Andrew M. Edison, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and The Honorable Lauren Reeder of the 234th Judicial District, Harris County. They offered their unique views, as only active judges can, on a variety of issues affecting litigators, funders, and plaintiffs.

Day 2 highlighted what investors should know about this asset class, when and how to use a broker when looking for funding, technology trends in the legal field, and expert insights on fund formation. Day 2’s lunch break was something special, as it featured Chief Comedic Officer of Making Lawyers Laugh, LLC Sheng Weng, who most recently was seen touring with Ali Wong and was a featured stand-up on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special. Sheng also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” He kept guests entertained and roaring with laughter – a unique addition to the conference agenda.

Guests enjoyed rare in-person networking opportunities, and the opportunity to establish new business relationships. The attendee list included industry-leading firms, such as: Omni Bridgeway, Yieldstreet, Liti Capital, Law Finance Group, Polsinelli, Schulte Roth & Zabel, CAC Speciality, Parker Poe, 4 Rivers Legal, Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, Roche Freedman, Women of Litigation Finance (WOLF), Global Litigation Consultants, D. E. Shaw & Co., Arran Capital, Law Office of Philip A. Reale, Dunning Rievman, and Kerberos Capital Management.

Overall, attendees were delighted by how the event turned out. We received some sparkling reviews, a smattering of which is offered for you here:

“LITFINCON was a very positive experience. The range of speakers and panelists was impressive and a great deal of ground relating to the current trends in the industry was covered. The attendees were a good representation of the main industry players, namely funders, attorneys and advisors/brokers. Texas is still a relatively nascent third-party funding market and there are without doubt some exciting opportunities there, particularly in the energy and IP sectors. Siltstone did a great job in setting this up and I am already looking forward to the 2023 renewal!”

  • Peter Petyt (CEO and Co‑Founder, 4 Rivers)

“It was a pleasure to discuss how corporate legal departments can utilize litigation funding at the inaugural LITFINCON. The diversity of viewpoints and experiences of my distinguished co-panelists really contributed to a candid, free-flowing discussion of what more can be done to acclimate corporate legal departments to the exciting possibilities offered by litigation finance.”

  • Gaston Kroub (Partner, Markman Advisors)

“The litigation finance industry is growing rapidly, which makes networking at events like LITFINCON both important and exciting. We are building something together. It is particularly important that we share best practices and that we find ways to communicate those to stakeholders who may not be knowledgeable about them, such as litigation clients and members of the judiciary. LITFINCON did a great job of convening a diverse group and sharing that information.

I particularly enjoyed the “Crypto” panel, “How Will Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, And Other Technological Innovations Impact Litigation and the Legal Field.” It is nice to attend a conference that offers new information and perspectives.”

  • Lauren Harrison (Vice President/Investment Counselor, Law Finance Group)
According to Siltstone Capital, the organizer of the event, LITFINCON was such a rousing success that the second installation is already being planned.

“Our entire Siltstone Capital team was humbled to host industry leaders at our inaugural LITFINCON. LITFINCON attracted a global array of speakers and attendees to help promote best practices for the growing and still malleable field of legal private credit. Hosting the conference in Houston, Texas also helped advance the legal private credit field to one of the biggest legal markets in the country. We can’t wait to host LITFINCON II in March 2023.”

  • Mani Walia (Managing Director & General Counsel, Siltstone Capital)

“The inaugural LITFINCON was a tremendous success. It received rave reviews. I want to thank all the sponsors, panelists, and attendees, who came in from all over the world – London, Geneva, New York, Miami, San Francisco, and Austin. LITFINCON highlighted the growing field of litigation finance and the importance of Texas as a hub that unites all participants in the legal field. Siltstone Capital is excited about continuing the momentum and advancing the litigation finance field by hosting LITFINCON II in March 2023. We expect the event to be two to three times bigger!”

  • Robert Le (Founder & Managing Partner, Siltstone Capital)
We are equally excited for the 2023 version, and look forward to bringing you a recap of that event next year as well!
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However, arbitration also concentrates pressure into narrower scopes: document production, expert analyses (especially of trade secret scope, lost opportunity causation, and valuation), and the arbitrators’ evaluation. One point to watch is whether interim relief—protecting data, limiting competitive conduct, or preserving the status quo—will emerge in the arbitration or via court‑ordered relief prior to final proceedings.

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What’s the Smartest Growth Strategy for Law Firms in 2025? Client Service

By Kris Altiere |

The following article was contributed by Kris Altiere, US Head of Marketing for Moneypenny.

The legal sector is already operating against a backdrop of economic unpredictability, rising client expectations, and fast-moving advances in technology. For firms of all sizes, but especially small and mid-sized practices, the pressing question is: what’s the smartest and most sustainable path to growth?

The answer isn’t a new practice management system or a radical shift in service lines. It’s something more fundamental yet far more powerful: client service.

And not the kind that gets lost in endless phone menus or delegated to faceless chatbots. We’re talking about human-led, AI-supported service that’s fast, personal, and friction-free. In today’s legal market, client service isn’t just an operational necessity. It’s a growth strategy.

Trust as the new currency of growth

Clients navigating complex legal challenges are often anxious, risk-averse, and under pressure. In that environment, trust becomes the currency that drives engagement and retention.

It’s no longer enough for firms to offer technically sound legal advice at competitive rates. Clients want to feel heard, supported, and valued throughout their journey. Firms that can embed this into every interaction, whether it’s the initial consultation or a late-night update, are the ones that win loyalty, referrals, and long-term revenue.

This plays to the strengths of small and mid-sized firms. With leaner teams and flatter hierarchies, they’re often more agile and capable of delivering the personal, tailored support clients crave. A partner who picks up the phone, knows the client’s name, and understands the case context instantly builds credibility. In 2025, that credibility is the bridge between staying relevant and achieving meaningful growth.

Smart tech, human empathy

Yes, AI is everywhere. But the firms using it most effectively are those that integrate it where it adds real value while also keeping the human touch where it matters most.

AI can streamline administrative work, speed up intake, and automate repetitive tasks like document review or appointment scheduling. But it can’t replace the reassurance of a lawyer who listens carefully to a client in distress, or the receptionist who ensures urgent calls are routed to the right person immediately.

The winning formula is balance: let AI handle the heavy lifting, while people deliver the moments that build trust. Imagine a litigation funder using AI to flag cases requiring immediate attention, while a trained case manager provides the nuanced support clients need. Or a family law practice using chatbots for document collection but ensuring sensitive discussions are handled by a real lawyer with empathy and tact.

That combination of efficiency plus empathy is what cuts through the noise.

Service as a growth engine

When client service is done well in law firms, it doesn’t just fix problems it drives growth. Every answered call, prompt update, or thoughtful follow-up is a touchpoint that builds brand equity and deepens relationships. 

Great client service is about being reactive, for example, answering questions, but also it is about being proactive, through spotting patterns, identifying sales opportunities, and deepening client relationships. Your service team becomes a source of insight and influence. And often, they’re the difference between a one-time transaction and long-term loyalty.

Take funding conversations as an example. A firm that keeps clients informed on timelines, explains financing options clearly, and checks in regularly is positioning itself not just as a legal advisor but as a trusted partner. That kind of proactive, client-focused service often creates opportunities for cross-referrals and repeat work.

And thanks to modular, scalable tools—from virtual receptionist to live chat—these capabilities are no longer exclusive to the Am Law 100. Boutique firms and regional practices now have access to the same client service infrastructure as the industry’s largest players.

Connection builds resilience

With margins tight and competition fierce, the strongest legal practices in 2025 will be those that build loyalty through connection. That doesn’t mean over-promising or relying on outdated customer care models. It means meeting people where they are, and offering support that’s proactive, consistent and personal.

It also means supporting teams. When lawyers and staff are backed by smart systems that free them to focus on meaningful work, morale improves. And in a small or mid-sized firm, morale directly fuels performance.

Client service is where growth, loyalty and operational resilience meet. For practices looking to thrive this year, the message is clear: don’t see service as a back-office function. See it as a growth engine, a brand differentiator, and one of the most valuable assets a law firm has.

Because in a market full of uncertainty, the one thing that’s certain is this: customers will always remember how you made them feel. And that feeling might just be the difference between surviving and scaling.