Trending Now

NEW LITIGATION FINANCE FIRM – LEX FERENDA LITIGATION FUNDING – EXECUTES SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH; EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS AT FIRST CLOSE

Lex Ferenda Litigation Funding LLC “LF2” is pleased to announce that it recently launched commercial funding operations after completing the first capital close for its Lex Ferenda Litigation Funding Master Fund. The Fund, which will focus its investments on US litigation and domestic commercial arbitration, welcomed several institutional investors whose commitments to LF2 exceeded initial expectations, and brought the Fund substantially closer to its USD $100 million+ target.

LF2 is co-founded by Michael German, a veteran litigator and litigation funder with more than a decade of experience resolving high-value, complex commercial litigation, and Chris Baildon, a financial services expert with more than 30 years of industry experience.

“We are incredibly excited to officially announce our commercial launch and look forward to being disruptive to the litigation finance industry,” said Michael German, LF2’s Chief Investment Officer. “We have created an investment platform at LF2 that permits us to quickly assess and make informed, data-driven decisions about the potential litigation investments we consider. The resulting transparent, client-focused investment process, which is driven by true subject-matter experts, makes LF2 a trusted partner and advisor for our clients and the law firms that represent them,” said German. “In addition, our industry access and deep bench of seasoned litigators and investors make LF2 a trusted investment manager for the Fund’s investor-base as well,” said Chris Baildon, LF2’s Chief Operating Officer.

LF2 Differentiates Through Niche Focus and Veteran Team of Industry Professionals

LF2 is a privately held investment management firm, with a focus on the litigation, legal, and litigation support and technology markets. As manager, LF2 is primarily focused on single-case investments in US commercial litigation and domestic commercial arbitration, with sizes ranging between USD $1 million and $10 million, although LF2 retains discretion to make all manner of investments on behalf of the Fund. LF2 brings to market one of the most flexible funding mechanisms currently available, with the ability to assess and invest in claims at any point along the dispute resolution life cycle and with flexible guidelines on law firm and client co-investment.

“We created the investment program at LF2 to specifically address the lack of focus on the customer across the industry,” said German. “LF2 solves for this by creating a unique and individualized funding plan for each investment as assessed from the perspective of each of the investment’s underlying stakeholders. Our experience shows us that this yields the greatest outcomes for our clients,” said German.

Executive Team

Michael German – Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer

Michael is one of the co-founders of and the Chief Investment Officer at LF2. He is primarily responsible for the firm’s strategic direction, investments, and fund risk management. Michael is an experienced litigator, trial lawyer, and litigation funder with more than a decade of experience litigating, resolving, and investing in complex commercial litigation and arbitration matters.

Chris Baildon – Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Chris is one of the co-founders and the Chief Operating Officer at LF2. He is primarily responsible for the firm’s operational and compliance efforts as well as its capital raising and investor relations efforts. Chris brings three decades of global investment banking and finance experience, with substantial experience in management, business development, and capital raising across investment verticals, including litigation finance.

David Stickney – Managing Director, Underwriting and Risk

David is LF2’s Managing Director, Underwriting and Risk. He is responsible for the firm’s case underwriting, investment monitoring, and risk management programs, and supports the firm’s business development efforts. David is a renowned litigator and law firm leader who recovered billions of dollars for his clients through complex commercial litigation, earning him recognition as a “Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” and a “Litigation Groundbreaker.”

Advisory Board

Hon. Vanessa Gilmore (ret.) – Member of the Advisory Board

Judge Gilmore is a member of the Advisory Board at LF2. She primarily advises the leadership team on new and existing investments, but is also an important strategic advisor to the firm on various legal and dispute resolution matters. Judge Gilmore recently retired from the bench after more than 25 years serving as an Article III judge in the Southern District of Texas.

Scott Mozarsky – Member of the Advisory Board

Scott is a member of the Advisory Board at LF2. He is an important strategic advisor to the business on legal, data and technology issues. Scott currently leads the M&A and Capital Markets Advisory Practice for a leading middle market investment bank and previously served as a corporate and legal leader to several large multinationals and publicly-traded entities.

Institutionally Managed Capital Takes Long-Term View of LF2

LF2’s first close was led by a leading global financial investment manager with an alternatives portfolio AUM exceeding USD $22 billion. “We are thrilled to have an exceptionally strong investor, with substantial experience in the litigation finance asset class, show such confidence in LF2. With access to significant committed capital and the substantial reach of its industry-knowledgeable investors, LF2 is able to act quickly in meeting plaintiff funding needs, which is crucial to securing quality case investments,” said Baildon.

LF2 is structured with the objective of meeting the highest standards in investment process management, quality control, risk management, and compliance. For further information about Lex Ferenda Litigation Funding, please visit: www.lf-2.com. For Investor Relations or other questions, please contact: Chris Baildon.

Announcements

View All

Burford Capital Announces 2025 Investor Day

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Burford Capital Limited ("Burford" or the "Company"), the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law, today announces it will host an Investor Day on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in New York City, which will also be webcast live and available for replay. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 9.00am EDT.

Led by Burford's executive management team and other key leaders, the event will provide a comprehensive strategic update on Burford's business and will also serve as an immersive introduction for investors and analysts who are new to the Company.

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 it works with companies and law firms around the world from its offices in New York, London, Chicago, Washington, DC, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.For more information, please visit www.burfordcapital.com.

Counsel Financial Unveils Revamped Website, Modern Branding and Expanded Product Offerings

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Counsel Financial, the nation's leading provider of financing solutions exclusively for plaintiff law firms, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website and updated branding. The refreshed branding underscores the company's commitment to providing accessible capital solutions to the plaintiffs' bar while highlighting its expanded scope of services offered to capital providers who invest in law firms focused on contingent-fee litigation.

The updated website, CounselFinancial.com, features a streamlined design, enhanced functionality, and includes new sections detailing the company's tech-enabled, end-to-end solutions for banks and investment funds. Visitors can now explore the site with ease, accessing detailed information on Counsel Financial's array of financing solutions, resources and success stories from law firms nationwide.

"Counsel Financial has always been a pioneer in the legal funding space and this rebrand reflects our evolution while staying true to our mission of empowering plaintiff firms to achieve financial stability and success," said Paul Cody, CEO. "The new website represents our commitment to growth, accessibility and continuing to be the trusted partner for law firms and capital providers."

Unmatched Servicing Expertise

A standout feature of Counsel Financial's offerings is its comprehensive servicing capabilities, designed to meet the complex needs of capital providers investing in law firm financing. With expertise in collateral monitoring and case valuation, Counsel Financial provides unparalleled servicing for portfolios secured by contingent fee interests. The company's proprietary systems and dedicated team ensure accurate case tracking, timely reporting, and proactive management of legal fee receivables. Partnering with Counsel Financial allows capital providers to tap into the company's 25 years of legal funding expertise, enabling them to maximize portfolio performance and mitigate risk effectively.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded by attorneys for attorneys, Counsel Financial has provided over $1.5 billion in loans to plaintiff law firms since its inception. The company's industry expertise, combined with its commitment to client success, has positioned it as a trusted partner for firms looking to grow their practices and manage financial hurdles effectively.

Visit CounselFinancial.com to explore the new website, learn more about the expanded product offerings, and discover how Counsel Financial can help your firm achieve its goals.

About Counsel Financial

Counsel Financial is the premier litigation financing company in the U.S., founded by attorneys in 2000. We operate with the belief that opportunities should never be limited by resources. Counsel Financial is dedicated to helping law firms and capital providers succeed and grow together in the evolving world of contingency-fee litigation.

Arena Investors, LP and Fort Morgan Capital Partner to Launch $50 Million Litigation Finance Venture

By Harry Moran |

Arena Investors, LP ("Arena") and Fort Morgan Capital, a subsidiary of SimpleCITI Companies ("SimpleCITI"), are proud to announce the launch of a $50 million joint venture ("JV") focused on providing law firm finance solutions for US law firms. Targeting growth financing between $1 million to $15 million, the JV will offer capital secured by the value of a law firm's aggregate legal assets (cases).  Patrick Shannon will lead JV operations with a focus on diligence, underwriting, servicing, and originations.

About the Joint Venture

The JV has already started deploying capital, with the goal of delivering $50 million in tailored financing solutions.  Capital will be utilized to navigate growth by scaling operational infrastructure and investments in marketing.  This comprehensive approach ensures that law firms can focus on achieving successful outcomes without the financial strain of upfront costs.

Arena has a long history in legal asset investments, including its principals having helped build some of the earlier litigation finance platforms dating back to the late 1990s.  SimpleCITI builds on a proven track record of leadership and innovation across diverse industries, establishing itself as a trusted partner in solving complex financial challenges. Together, Arena and SimpleCITI leverage their unparalleled expertise to redefine client-focused solutions in litigation finance."

Strategic Collaboration

Arena Managing Director, Victor Dupont, noted that "Arena is very excited to expand and build upon our nearly decade-long relationship and successful track record with Patrick in this new joint venture.  Fort Morgan Capital will serve a critical role in working with select legal practices and market participants in navigating liquidity challenges amid this fluctuating market, while also promoting sustainable operational and marketing growth."

"This JV represents a strategic milestone for Fort Morgan Capital," said a SimpleCITI spokesperson. "By partnering with Arena, we're unlocking new opportunities for law firms to grow sustainably while maintaining financial stability.  This venture underscores our commitment to innovation and value creation in the litigation finance space."

Pat Shannon added, "Our focus on episodic opportunities within litigation finance aligns perfectly with this venture. Together, we are delivering a scalable platform that empowers law firms to thrive in a competitive landscape."

About Arena Investors, LP:

Arena Investors, a subsidiary of Arena Investor Group holdings, is an institutional asset manager founded in partnership with The Westaim Corporation (TSXV: WED). With approximately $3.5 billion of invested and committed assets under management as of December 31, 2024, and a team of over 180 employees in offices globally, Arena provides creative solutions for those seeking capital across all corporate, real estate, and structured finance investment areas, at all levels of the capital structure, and in all developed markets, alongside operational capabilities to manage and improve businesses.  The firm brings individuals with decades of experience, a track record of comfort with complexity, the ability to deliver within time constraints, and the flexibility to engage in transactions and business operations that cannot be addressed by banks and other conventional financial institutions. See www.arenaco.com for more information.

About SimpleCITI Companies:

SimpleCITI Companies is an operational-first platform specializing in real estate (SimpleEQUITIES), litigation finance (Fort Morgan), and fiduciary advisory services (SimpleADVISORY). The firm provides institutional-grade solutions across sophisticated markets. Fort Morgan, the litigation finance division, offers innovative funding solutions for law firms, blending conservative valuation with operational expertise. SimpleADVISORY ensures disciplined underwriting and compliance to support Fort Morgan's strategic initiatives.

About Pat Shannon:

Pat Shannon brings extensive industry expertise, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at Mustang Litigation Funding, a platform renowned for its proficiency across diverse litigation finance disciplines. With a focus on episodic and idiosyncratic opportunities in niche sub-sectors, Pat leads the JV's diligence, underwriting, and origination efforts.