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Legal-Bay Pre-Settlement Funding to Begin Funding Hawaii Wildfire Claims After Major Supreme Court Decision

By Harry Moran |

Legal-Bay, the Pre Settlement Funding Company, announces today that they are committed to funding their clients in Hawaii who are dealing with wildfire claims. In light of the Aloha state’s Supreme Court ruling last week, a previously stagnant $4 billion settlement has now been allowed to proceed, providing financial assistance to numerous displaced Hawaiians still dealing with the after-effects of the deadly inferno.

The 2023 Lahaina wildfire on the island of Maui was the most devastating United States fire in over a century. It killed over 100 people and turned entire towns into ash. Thousands of lawsuits against those responsible for the blaze–including Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, the state of Hawaii, and Maui County—soon followed. While the $4 billion offer doesn’t come close to covering the $5 billion in property damage—not to mention the incalculable loss of life—attorneys accepted the offer amidst rumblings that the main defendant, Hawaiian Electric, might declare bankruptcy.

Between homeowners, renters, and businesses, insurance companies have already paid out $1.5 billion to victims and are expected to pay out close to $1 billion more. Monday’s ruling is a good way for insurance companies to receive reimbursement as well as victims to receive future payouts, paving the way for all parties to move forward with their claims. The case is scheduled to be sent back to a Maui judge to determine what comes next.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay, commented, “My personal connection to Lahaina and its residents makes seeing the devastation that much harder. We are committed to immediately funding wrongful death wildfire cases in large funding amounts for those families that need it. And we will be assisting renters who are displaced by getting cash advances to help them until a final settlement comes.  Our experience in California wildfire cases enables our underwriting team and staff to process approvals quickly for renters, homeowners, and commercial claims.”

If you are a lawyer or plaintiff involved in an active wildfire lawsuit and need an immediate cash advance settlement loan against an impending lawsuit settlement, please visit Legal-Bay HERE or call toll-free at 877.571.0405.

Legal Bay has a long history dealing with wildfire lawsuits, as they’ve been a leader in almost every case over the past seven years. They were one of the first companies to fund PG&E plaintiffs during the California Camp Fire lawsuits back in 2018, and they’ve remained involved throughout every wildfire and natural disaster since. They are dedicated to supporting their clients in need of financial assistance, specifically those that are dealing with the aftermath of natural wild fire disasters in places like Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and California.

Numerous renters, homeowners, and business owners have been temporarily displaced, or seen their homes and companies destroyed altogether. Amidst the devastation and uncertainty, people who have been affected by tragedy need help and they need it now. In these circumstances, legal funding—sometimes referred to as “lawsuit loans” or “settlement loans”—can be immensely beneficial. Legal-Bay is leading the charge to provide loans for settlements to affected residents as soon as possible.

As a leading lawsuit funding provider, Legal-Bay knows that relocation efforts can cost their clients money they don’t have. Some are looking into loan settlement options in order to fund basic living expenses while they get their lives back on track. A loan for settlement can also help bridge the gap of time it will take to receive that eventual check from the insurance company. Legal-Bay is proud of the numerous funding they’ve provided for their current crop of clients along with providing a multitude of loan on lawsuit options for any future financial needs.

If you’re the plaintiff in an existing wildfire lawsuit and need an immediate advance against your anticipated cash settlement award, you can apply HERE or call: 877.571.0405

Legal-Bay lawsuit funding remains vigilant in helping clients who have seen their homes and properties damaged by recent events. Additionally, any new clients that have an existing lawsuit and need cash now can apply for regular settlement funding to help them get through their own crises. Legal-Bay funds all types of loans for lawsuits including personal injury, slips and falls, car accident lawsuit, property damage, commercial litigation, and more.

Legal-Bay is one of the best lawsuit loan companies when it comes to providing immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff’s anticipated monetary award. The non-recourse law suit loans—sometimes referred to as loans for lawsuit or loans on settlement—are risk-free, as the money doesn’t need to be repaid should the recipient lose their case. Therefore, the lawsuit loan funds aren’t really a loan, but rather a cash advance.

To apply right now, please visit the company’s website HERE or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by.

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Harry Moran

Harry Moran

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Announcements Commercial Deals

New Burford Capital Research Reveals Significant Opportunities for Businesses Through Patent Monetization

By Harry Moran |

Burford Capital, the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law, today releases new research on patent monetization, a means for businesses with significant intellectual property to generate revenue from patent assets through licensing, direct enforcement and corporate divestitures. With high research and development costs, long development timelines and intense IP competition, CFOs and GCs are faced with the challenge of seeking greater value from their companies' patent portfolios without diverting capital from core business operations. Moreover, converting underutilized intellectual property into liquid assets enables companies to fuel ongoing innovation and drive future growth.

Despite substantial investments in securing and maintaining patents, many companies fall short in leveraging their intellectual property—resulting in missed financial opportunities and ongoing costs that could otherwise be offset through monetization. This research shows companies shifting to a more proactive stance toward patent monetization as they face mounting economic pressures, rising costs of maintaining large patent portfolios and headline-generating enforcements and divestitures by major brands that increase acceptance. Nearly 70% of in-house lawyers say their organizations are more likely to monetize patents today than a decade ago, and 73% report that patent monetization revenue has grown over the last 10 years.

"Patent monetization remains a significantly underutilized asset for many businesses," said Christopher Bogart, CEO of Burford Capital. "Companies frequently hold valuable patents that require substantial investment to enforce, incurring significant expense—risk we routinely finance for clients. In today's climate of intensifying global competition and rapidly evolving IP enforcement landscapes, legal finance empowers companies to strengthen their patent monetization strategies and take a more proactive, value-driven approach to IP management."

"Companies have a significant opportunity to unlock value from their intellectual property," said Katharine Wolanyk, Managing Director at Burford Capital and head of its intellectual property and patent litigation finance division. "In conversations with CFOs and general counsel across industries, we frequently hear that patent portfolios are viewed as cost centers rather than assets, and this research substantiates that assertion. Legal finance offers a powerful solution by transforming underutilized IP assets into a source of liquidity that can fuel business priorities and allow companies to continue the essential cycle of innovation."

Key findings from the study include:

  • Companies are missing revenue opportunities: Even as patent monetization is increasing, 79% of in-house lawyers say that more than a quarter of their patent portfolio is underutilized. The costs of maintaining patents without monetization include lost revenue, delayed market entry and reduced market share.
  • Revenue generated by patent monetization is growing: 73% of in-house lawyers report that revenue from patent monetization has increased over the last 10 years and 69% of in-house lawyers say their organizations have become more likely to monetize patents in the past decade.
  • Divestiture is a fast-growing monetization strategy: 71% of in-house lawyers have already divested patents or are actively exploring divestiture options.
  • Clients can de-risk direct enforcement with finance: 72% of law firm lawyers cite the high cost of litigation as a deterrent to clients pursuing meritorious patent claims.
  • Legal finance plays a growing role in patent monetization: 59% of law firm lawyers say clients use legal finance for patent monetization; 51% of in-house lawyers say they are actively planning or exploring the use of legal finance to support patent enforcement and monetization going forward.
  • Global patent monetization is active: The US remains the top market for patent monetization due to strong enforcement mechanisms. The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is driving change in Europe, with 74% of in-house lawyers expecting increased enforcement in the region.

This research, commissioned by Burford and conducted by GLG, captures insights from 300 in-house IP counsel and law firm partners involved in patent litigation in North America, Europe and Asia.

The research report can be downloaded on Burford's website.

About Burford Capital

Burford Capital is the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law. Its businesses include litigation finance and risk management, asset recovery, and a wide range of legal finance and advisory activities. Burford is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUR) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BUR), and works with companies and law firms around the world from its global network of offices.

For more information, please visit www.burfordcapital.com.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any ordinary shares or other securities of Burford.

Announcements Commercial People Moves

Court House Capital Appoints New CEO as Michelle Silvers Moves into Chairman Role

By Harry Moran |

Court House Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Hourn as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 14 April 2025. This strategic leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for the company as Michelle Silvers, who has served as CEO since 2020, steps into the role of Chairman of the Board. 

Michelle Silvers has been instrumental in Court House Capital’s growth, innovation, and performance since its inception. Her move into the Chairman position reflects the company's ongoing commitment to visionary leadership and long-term success. 

"Leading Court House Capital has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of what we've built. I look forward to continuing to support the company's future in a strategic capacity as Chairman." Michelle Silvers, Chairman, Court House Capital 

Incoming CEO Matt Hourn brings over 25 years of experience in commercial litigation and is cofounder of Court House Capital. His strong commercial insight and legal expertise, leadership capabilities, and innovative vision make him well-suited to drive the next phase of growth. 

"I am honoured to step into the role of CEO and build on the strong foundation Michelle has established," Matt Hourn, Chief Executive Officer, Court House Capital. 

This transition underscores the firm’s commitment to continuity and strategic evolution, positioning Court House Capital for sustained success. 

ABOUT COURT HOUSE CAPITAL 

Court House Capital is a leading litigation funder focused on cases in Australia and New Zealand. Led by industry founders, with Australian based capital, the team is renowned for expertise, agility and collaboration. courthousecapital.com.au 

Announcements People Moves

IQuote Limited Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with New Director Appointment

By Harry Moran |

Manchester-based litigation finance firm IQuote Limited has bolstered its senior leadership team with the appointment of a new Director of Campaigns, reinforcing its commitment to expansion and innovation in the sector.

Stepping into the role is Katie Doherty, an experienced litigation finance specialist with a track record of driving growth and operational success. 

She has held senior positions at various law firms prior and has worked alongside IQuote CEO Craig Cornick for over 15 years across multiple roles.

Katie said she was both delighted and grateful for the opportunity and expressed a keen desire to get started as soon as possible. 

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for IQuote as we continue expanding our legal tech partnerships and investing in new opportunities,” Katie said.  “This is a fast-moving industry, and I’m looking forward to leading campaigns that will drive the firm’s next stage of growth.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in. IQuote has evolved massively in respect of its business offerings, the firms we are investing in, and the different campaigns we are now exploring. You have to be constantly thinking on your feet; there’s never a dull moment.”

Originally aspiring to become a solicitor, Doherty began her career in legal administration before transitioning into finance and business strategy.  She first collaborated with Craig in 2010, playing a key role in business operations, asset management, and claims handling. 

Katie thanked her team at IQuote for all their help and support.

“They have all been fantastic, and I have so much admiration for Craig,” she said.

“For him nothing is impossible; if you say, ‘it can’t be done,’ he will immediately tell you that it can and how you can make it happen.”

Craig Cornick, CEO of IQuote Limited, said: “Katie has been instrumental in the success of multiple businesses I’ve led, and her ability to think strategically while keeping operations running smoothly is unmatched.

“She knows how to build and execute campaigns that deliver real results, and that’s exactly what we need as we continue to scale. Her expertise in litigation finance, combined with her hands-on leadership style, makes her a perfect fit for this role.

“She’s got an incredible work ethic also. From the very start, Katie has always been willing to roll up her sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

“Whether it was managing complex operations or jumping in to solve unexpected challenges, she’s always been a problem-solver. That kind of determination is what sets her apart and why I’m confident she’ll drive real impact in this position.”