We are coming for you: what corporates need to know about litigation finance
Speakers
- Gabriel Olearnik (Head of Legal, Apex Litigation Finance)
- Benjamin White (CEO, Crafty Counsel)
The top themes explored in this session were…
- What does litigation finance actually look like in practice, and who is using it?
- Why should in-house counsel see litigation funding as a strategic tool, not a threat?
- What are the mechanics behind using litigation funding, and how do you protect your organisation?
These are the top three things that attendees should take away from the session:
- Litigation finance is no longer niche – it’s mainstream and increasingly corporate-led.
Large businesses and private equity firms are treating litigation as an asset class, especially when internal teams are lean or under pressure. Claims are being structured, financed, and managed with the same sophistication as M&A deals. If you're not considering funding as part of your strategy, your competitors or counterparties might be.
- Funders do more than pay the bills – they help shape outcomes.
The best funders invest early, investigate thoroughly, and bring PR, asset recovery, and negotiation strategy into play from day one. They’re not passive observers, instead they’re active partners who help create pressure and accelerate settlement. Think beyond legal fees: you're buying tactical firepower.
- The right funding structure can create speed, leverage, and focus – if legal is ready.
In-house teams should be aware of how to structure claims (e.g. SPVs, assignments, co-investment models) and when to bring in funding. Funders can help you move faster and reduce internal strain, but only if legal has the foresight and internal support to act early.