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.