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Validity Finance Welcomes University of Chicago Law Student for 2020 Equal Access Fellowship

NEW YORK (June 24, 2020) – Leading litigation funder Validity Finance has selected University of Chicago Law School law student Amber S. Stewart for its 2020 Equal Access Fellowship. The program, launched last year, provides a 10-week paid summer fellowship to first-year law students of diverse backgrounds to spend the first half of their summer at Validity learning the basic principles of litigation funding before spending the second half working at the non-profit of their choice. Validity is one of the only funders to provide such a program for first-year law students.


Validity elected to maintain its full 10-week summer program, notwithstanding the logistical difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Stewart will work with the team at Validity for the first five weeks of her fellowship, beginning mid-July. She will assist in analyzing potential case investments, participating in meetings with claimants and lawyers, drafting articles and conducting legal research on topics related to litigation and dispute funding. Like the rest of the Validity team, she expects to be working remotely during these five weeks.

For the second part of her fellowship Ms. Stewart has elected to work at the Corporate Accountability Lab, a Chicago-based international human rights organization that develops legal tools for holding corporations accountable when they commit human rights and environmental violations.

“We’re looking forward to having Amber join us this summer as our 2020 Equal Access Fellow,” said Validity founder and CEO Ralph Sutton. “Despite constraints the pandemic has placed on businesses across the country, we’re happy to convene our program for a second year. Our team is enthusiastic about working closely with Amber, who has a remarkable academic resumé and background.”

A Florida native, Ms. Stewart had stiff competition from over three dozen applicants from top-tier U.S. law schools. Candidates were asked to submit academic transcripts, and submit essays addressing their interest in litigation funding and describing how they have overcome personal challenges.

As a rising 2L, Ms. Stewart is part of the University of Chicago Law School’s Doctoroff Business Leadership Program — a certificate-granting track for high-achieving students that blends an MBA curriculum into a three-year law school degree. She is also Vice President of the school’s Black Law Students Association (Earl B. Dickerson Chapter). Ms. Stewart obtained an A.B. in Art History and Gender & Sexuality Studies from Princeton University in 2015.

“I was motivated to apply for the fellowship program in part because of Validity’s mission of making the civil justice system more accessible and equitable, which especially resonated with me,” said Ms. Stewart. “I’m hoping the summer will help me better understand the economic and business case for litigation funding, and what kinds of disputes can best benefit from third-party finance solutions.”

Equal Access Fellows work an initial five weeks at Validity and have the option of spending the balance of the summer at the firm or a public service organization of their choice. Validity pays the fellows’ salary for the entire 10-week program.

Last year’s inaugural fellows, Jarrett Lewis and Amanda Gonzalez Burton, remain in touch with the Validity Finance team, and will be connecting with Ms. Stewart as part of her orientation. Mr. Lewis is a rising 3L at Georgetown University Law School and managing editor of operations for the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics; he will be participating in Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s summer associate program. Ms. Burton, a rising 3L at the NYU School of Law, will be summering at Cooley LLP. For more on last year’s fellows, visit: https://validity-finance.com/news/summer_fellowship_2019/

Mr. Sutton commented, “As our corner of the legal profession continues to evolve, we want to draw new entrants from diverse communities, who can bring important perspective on disparities in access to justice. Our fellowship program provides law students an excellent grounding in the fundamental best practices of litigation funding and an opportunity for our team to maintain a mentoring relationship as the fellows continue their path in the legal profession.”

About Validity

Validity is a commercial litigation finance company that provides businesses, law firms and individuals with non-recourse financing for a wide variety of commercial disputes. Validity was founded in 2018 with $250 million in committed capital, one of the largest first-round capital raises in the U.S. market. The firm announced an additional $50 million in committed capital in 2019. Validity believes that capital and legal expertise combine to help solve legal problems on behalf of clients. Validity’s mission is to make a meaningful difference for clients by focusing on fairness, innovation, and clarity.

Validity is committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce in its own offices and within the legal profession as a whole. Validity embraces a broad definition of diversity, encompassing race, gender, ethnicity, disability, and LGBTQ background, as well as individuals from underrepresented social, economic, religious, and geographic backgrounds.

Equal access to justice; equal access to opportunity— this is what Validity believes is fair and right.

For more, visit www.validity-finance.com.

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Manolete Partners Announces New Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC Bank

By Harry Moran |

Manolete Partners Plc (AIM:MANO), the leading UK-listed insolvency litigation financing company, is pleased to announce it has signed a new Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") with its existing provider, HSBC UK Bank Plc ( "HSBC"). 

The new RCF provides Manolete with the same level of facility as the previous arrangement, at £17.5m. However, the margin charged to Manolete by HSBC on the new RCF is at a reduced rate of 4.0% (previously 4.7%) over the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) and has a reduced non-utilisation fee, from 1.88% to 1.40%. 

The new RCF is a 3.25-year facility with an initial maturity of 27 June 2028. Manolete has the option to further extend the facility on its current terms by an additional year. 

The covenants remain unchanged except for the Asset Cover covenant which has been relaxed for the next six months. 

Steven Cooklin, CEO commented: "We are delighted to have secured a new long-term commitment to the business from HSBC, which is testament to the strong partnership we have established since 2018. The improved terms of the facility demonstrate confidence in the Manolete business." 

This announcement contains inside information as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). 

Angeion Group Expands Mass Tort Litigation Management Capabilities Through Merger with Case Works

By Harry Moran |

Angeion Group (“Angeion”), the industry leader in end-to-end group litigation support, announced today its merger with Case Works, a premier provider of case data management solutions, including client engagement, medical record retrieval, medical review, and inventory analysis. Neutral, but never passive, this strategic integration of Case Works reinforces Angeion’s forward thinking approach to providing seamless tech-enabled support for complex litigation firms and leading law departments, with efficiency and precision.

The merger of Angeion and Case Works follows majority investments into both companies by private equity firm Renovus Capital Partners (“Renovus”) in 2024. Angeion also acquired bankruptcy administration solutions provider Donlin Recano in late 2024. Renovus worked alongside the companies’ founders and management teams to unify the businesses and deliver a seamless experience for clients and employees throughout the integration.

Case Works has earned a reputation of excellence by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and applicability of case data to support legal requirements. By combining their core capabilities with Angeion’s advanced technology and data-driven approach, this merger further solidifies Angeion’s position as the most trusted partner for navigating complex, high-stakes litigation and settlements.

Effective large-scale litigation and settlements rely on comprehensive, well-organized data and the ability to apply that data effectively within the context of a particular project. Combining Case Works’ proven excellence in capturing and managing critical case information with Angeion Group’s expertise in technology, process efficiency and claims management, provides a more structured, more transparent, and more effective approach to large-scale litigation and settlement management.

“Case Works brings deep expertise and a proven track record of supporting firms with large data and medical record retrieval needs. They are known for their dedication to precision, care and bedside manner,” said Steven Weisbrot, CEO of Angeion Group. “Together, we are raising the bar for what clients can expect—faster, more accurate processes and a commitment to white glove service.”

Angeion Group and Case Works share a common vision: to set the new standard for how large-scale litigation and group settlement support can combine technological efficiency with thoughtful human interaction. Both organizations are driven by a commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency and are mindful that litigants should expect and receive compassion and respect throughout the group litigation process. This merger will elevate industry standards and ensure that all parties, their council, and the courts benefit from a more streamlined, thoughtful and effective process.

“We’re excited to join forces with Angeion Group,” said Susan Barfield, Founder of Case Works. “Their commitment to innovation and client service aligns perfectly with our own, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to the firms and clients we support.”

“We’re honored to have partnered with these leading companies, building upon our strong track record in tech-enabled legal services,” added Lee Minkoff, Managing Director at Renovus. “We’d also like to thank founders Steve Weisbrot and Susan Barfield for their leadership throughout this game changing merger for the group litigation support industry.”

Angeion remains steadfast in its mission to completely modernize and optimize complex litigation management to the benefit of all stakeholders.

About Case Works

Case Works is the leading provider of tech-enabled litigation support solutions to the country’s premier plaintiff law firms. Based in Austin, Texas, the Company was created with a single mission: To Help Lawyers Help People. Case Works provides a full suite of case management services including claims qualification, intake, medical records retrieval & review, case development, and ongoing plaintiff engagement.

About Angeion Group

Angeion Group is a leading provider of legal notice and settlement administration services, leveraging advanced technology, proven best practices, and expert consulting to manage class actions, mass torts, and collective redress administration. Recognized for its innovation, efficiency, and unwavering client commitment, Angeion Group continues to redefine industry standards.

Moneypenny Unites Under One Brand as It Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence

By Harry Moran |

Moneypenny, the world’s customer conversation expert, proudly marks 25 years of delivering exceptional service and innovation. As part of this milestone, Moneypenny is unifying all of its brands across the US, including VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, and Choice Voice, under one internationally recognized name. 

This transition reinforces Moneypenny’s dedication to a clear and dynamic future for its clients and people while reflecting the values and passion that have driven its success. Started in 2000 after a pivotal missed phone call resulted in a missed business opportunity, Moneypenny has since delivered world-class customer conversations to thousands of global businesses. Over the past 10 years, Moneypenny has expanded its presence across the US, growing under the Moneypenny, VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, andChoice Voicebrands. Now, all will operate under the beloved Moneypenny brand in its Atlanta and Miami offices, as well as virtually in hubs across the country. This unification enhances the ability to offer seamless customer communication solutions and strengthens Moneypenny’s position as the world’s customer conversation experts. 

“As we celebrate 25 years of service, we are excited to express more clearly and concisely our passion to those we serve. By bringing the best of all of our businesses together under one brand, we make it easier for businesses to see the full range of solutions we offer, while also enhancing opportunities for our people. This transition underscores Moneypenny’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and a unified global strategy.” said Richard Culberson, CEO of Moneypenny North America. 

"As a company proudly headquartered in Wrexham UK, a city with a rich history and a growing international profile, Moneypenny is proud to represent that same spirit of fellowship, excellence, and focus on what matters most, people,” said Jesper With-Fogstrup, Group CEO of Moneypenny. “Just as Wrexham soccer has captured hearts across the US, Wrexham’s own Moneypenny has captured hearts by connecting businesses, technology, and people on both sides of the pond. We couldn’t be more excited to have all our teams driven by this shared spirit."

To mark its silver anniversary, Moneypenny will celebrate with a throwback “year 2000” prom for its US teams – a tribute not only to Moneypenny’s remarkable quarter-century history, but also to a time before smartphones, live chat, and a global pandemic put companies on call 24-7By embracing a unified brand, celebrating its legacy, and continuing to invest in its people and AI-driven solutions, Moneypenny is setting the stage for an even stronger future.

About Moneypenny

As the world’s customer conversation experts, Moneypenny’s unique blend of brilliant people and AI technology integrates seamlessly to deliver customer conversations that unlock valuable opportunities for businesses, 24/7. Available across all voice and text channels, Moneypenny responds to and fulfils requirements for thousands of UK and US clients who value their reputation and recognize that the key to sustainable growth is working with a partner who allows them to scale in an agile way. This year, Moneypenny proudly celebrates 25 years of service, having been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” seven times and earning recognition as a Great Place To Work (GPTW). Moneypenny was also named as ‘Best Global Support’ in The Forbes Advisor - The Best Answering Services of 2024.