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Validity Welcomes Marlon Becerra and Shao-Jia Chang for the 2021 Equal Access Fellowship

Validity Finance is pleased to welcome Harvard law students Marlon Becerra and Shao-Jia Chang for its 2021 Equal Access Fellowship. The program, in its third year, provides a 10-week paid summer fellowship to first-year law students of diverse backgrounds.

The Equal Access Fellows spend the first half of their summer at Validity learning basic principles of litigation funding, and the second half working at a legal non-profit of their choice. Validity, which covers Fellows’ salary for the entire 10-week program, is one of the only litigation funders to provide such a program for first-year law students.

Mr. Becerra and Ms. Chang will both work at Validity for the first five weeks of their fellowship, from June 1 through July 3. They will assist in analyzing potential case investments, participating in meetings with claimants and lawyers, and conducting legal research on topics related to litigation and dispute funding. Like many major law firms, Validity is introducing a hybrid return to work, mixing in-person visits to its New York office with remote work, as the rest of its team has been doing in recent months.

“We’re proud to have Marlon and Shao join us as Equal Access Fellows for the summer of 2021,” said Validity Finance founder and CEO Ralph Sutton. “Both have outstanding backgrounds, including personal histories that may not have suggested they’d end up at one of the nation’s top law schools. We’re also pleased to have arrived at a point in the pandemic where we can offer an in-person experience for Marlon and Shao.”

The two Fellows were chosen from a pool of 36 applicants from 18 top-tier law schools. Candidates submitted academic transcripts and essays addressing their interest in litigation funding and describing how they have overcome personal challenges.

Mr. Sutton commented, “Given the past year’s events — pandemic-related and in terms of social justice — there is a heightened need for young lawyers interested in helping to expand equal access to the civil justice system, which is one of Validity’s core mandates as a litigation funder.”

About Equal Access Fellow Marlon Becerra

A native of Jackson Heights, New York, Marlon was the first member of his family to attend college. He obtained his B.A. in Economics from Political Science from Hampshire College and is now a rising second year student at Harvard Law.

Having to return to New York in the middle of his first year of law school, Marlon created an initiative called Civic Engagement and Social Justice for Legal Outreach, Inc. The non-profit teaches New York City high school students of color how to be more proactive leaders in addressing social issues. “As many of the students come from the inner-city, they are particularly interested in addressing the obstacles preventing them from having an equal opportunity to succeed in high school and in college,” he wrote in his personal statement. “I partnered with attorneys from firms across the city to support the students’ efforts to develop and implement campaigns to address their social justice issues.”

During the summer of 2020, Marlon worked for the NYC Department of Social Services’ Employment Law Division. As he notes, “I had the opportunity to write a memorandum recommending how COVID-19 guidelines will impact the agencies’ accommodation policies. I saw the importance of considering people’s access to resources and justice, as we focused on urgent issues impacting one of the city’s largest agencies that both hires and serves primarily minority communities.”

At Harvard, Marlon is a member and Section Representative of the law school’s chapter of the American Constitutional Society for Law and Policy, which promotes progressive legal change in order to realize economic and social justice. He is also a member of La Alianza, a student-run organization composed of Latinx and Latin American students interested in issues affecting the Latinx community at Harvard Law, and a member of HLS First Class, a student affinity group for first generation law students.

About Equal Access Fellow Shao Chang

Shao Chang grew up in a rural Northern California town of only 4,500 residents, where she notes, “few families lock their front doors, and many people proudly leave their keys in the ignition.” She writes of frequent bias against her own parents and her own early struggles with proficiency in English.

Shao obtained her B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2017. She received Dean’s Honors and Highest Honors in Legal Studies, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Following college, Shao spent several years as a field representative and aide for Napa-area Congressman Mike Thompson. She recalled taking on projects and facing circumstances that were considered too difficult to accomplish in rural parts of the district, which included her hometown. Motivated by a desire to increase equity and access, she asserts, “I did not believe that infeasibility is a reason not to try, especially when it came to the neediest area in the district.”

At Harvard Law, Shao is the External Vice President of the school’s Mock Trial Association and Willem C. Vis Moot Team, and is a sub-citer for the Harvard Journal on Legislation and the Harvard Negotiation Law Review. She is also a member of the Social Committee of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association at Harvard, a member of the Reproductive Justice Team of the Mississippi Delta Project at Harvard, and serves on the board of the Women’s Law Association.

About Validity

Validity is a commercial litigation finance company that provides non-recourse investments for a wide variety of commercial disputes. Validity’s mission is to make a meaningful difference in our clients’ experience of the legal system. We focus on fairness, innovation, and clarity. For more, visit www.validityfinance.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.