Litigation Funding: Types, Benefits, and Costs Explained

Explore litigation funding, its types, benefits for businesses, covered expenses, and how it works, including the key elements of a funding agreement.
Lawyer Loan
4 min
19 November 2024
The journey of litigation can be long and costly. For many businesses, navigating the financial strain of legal battles can be overwhelming. Enter litigation funding, a rescue boat in the stormy seas of legal disputes. But what is litigation funding? Understanding its inner workings, types, benefits, and associated costs is crucial. From the support it offers to its extensive utility, litigation funding eases the burden on businesses. Let us learn more about litigation funding through this article.

What is litigation funding?

Litigation funding refers to the financial support provided by a third party to help cover the costs of legal services. Typically, litigation funding involves a funder, who is not directly involved in the dispute, financing a litigant's legal fees and expenses in exchange for a share of the proceeds from the lawsuit. This form of funding can be a lifeline for businesses lacking the resources to pursue meritorious claims. It also ensures that justice is not denied due to financial constraints.

Types of litigation funding

Litigation funding comes in various forms. Below are the common types:

  • 1. Single case funding: This is where a funder supports a single legal case2. Portfolio funding: A funder finances multiple claims from the same business, often with diverse outcomes3. Seed funding: Initial financial assistance to initiate the litigation process4. Debt-based funding: Loans are provided specifically for legal proceedings, to be repaid irrespective of the case outcome5. Equity-based funding: The funder receives an equity stake in the business in return for the investment in litigation


Benefits of litigation funding for businesses

Engaging in litigation funding can be significantly advantageous for businesses:

  • 1. Risk mitigation: Shifts the financial risk of litigation to the funder2. Improved cash flow: Businesses can retain their capital for operations rather than diverting it to litigation costs3. Access to justice: Ensures that businesses can pursue rightful claims without financial constraints4. Enhanced settlement opportunities: With financial backing, businesses can negotiate from a position of strength, often leading to better settlements


What expenses can be covered by litigation funding?

Litigation funding can cover an array of costs, including:

  • 1. Legal fees: Payment for solicitors, barristers, and other legal professionals2. Expert witness fees: Costs associated with hiring expert witnesses and their reports3. Court fees: Filing fees and other court-related expenses4. Investigation costs: Expenses related to gathering evidence and preparing the case5. Disbursements: Miscellaneous costs such as travel expenses and document preparation


How does litigation funding work?

The process of litigation funding typically involves:

  • 1. Assessment: The funder reviews the case for its merits and potential outcomes2. Agreement: A funding agreement is drafted outlining the terms, including the share of proceeds for the funder3. Provision of funds: Upon agreement, the funder provides the necessary funds for the litigation4. Litigation process: The case proceeds with financial backing5. Outcome: If the case is successful, the funder's share is paid from the proceeds. If unsuccessful, the loss is absorbed by the funder in most cases


Litigation funding agreement

A litigation funding agreement is a legal contract between the funder and the litigant. It outlines the terms and conditions, such as the scope of funding, the funder’s share of the proceeds, risk management clauses, and termination provisions if the funder decides to cease funding. This agreement ensures clarity and aligns the interests of both parties.

Conclusion

Litigation funding is a powerful tool for businesses to manage legal costs and risks effectively. By leveraging this mechanism, businesses can stay focused on their core operations without the distraction of financial strain from legal battles. If you are a lawyer seeking additional financial support, consider the lawyer loan from Bajaj Finance to optimise your practice.

Frequently asked questions

Can litigation funding cover adverse costs?
Yes, litigation funding can cover adverse costs, which are the expenses you might need to pay if the case is lost. This often includes the opponent's legal fees and other related costs, ensuring that the litigant is not left in a financially vulnerable position should the decision not be in their favour.

How to choose a litigation funder?
Choosing a litigation funder involves evaluating their track record, understanding their terms and conditions, assessing their financial strength, and determining their level of involvement in the case. It is crucial to ensure that the funder aligns with your specific needs and can support your case effectively.

What is the ratio for litigation funding?
The ratio for litigation funding can vary based on the agreement but typically ranges from 20% to 50% of the proceeds recovered from the litigation. The exact ratio depends on factors like the risk involved, the amount funded, and the potential return.

How long has litigation funding been around?
Litigation funding has been around for several decades, but it gained significant traction and formal recognition in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its growth has been driven by the increasing costs of litigation and the need for businesses to manage legal risks more efficiently.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv App for All Your Financial Needs and Goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.

  • Explore and apply for co-branded credit cards online.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements, and even get quick customer support—all on the app.
Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.