Legal funding is often referred to as litigation financing or third-party funding. It’s where a third party provides funding to a plaintiff involved in a lawsuit in exchange for a share of the settlement.
Understanding the essence of legal funding Australia becomes essential as the legal domain adapts to evolving financial models.
If you’re in Australia and considering legal funding, there are key aspects you should be aware of.
Understanding Legal Funding
Legal funding is a financial arrangement where a third party, known as a litigation funder. It provides funding to cover the legal costs and expenses associated with a lawsuit.
In return, the litigation funder receives a portion of the settlement or judgment if the case is successful. This arrangement allows you to pursue legal claims without the financial burden of legal fees.
Here’s how it works:
- Case Assessment: They evaluate the merits of the case, its potential for success, and the expected damages.
- Funding Approval: If the case meets the criteria set by the litigation funder, they approve the funding application. This approval includes determining the amount of funding required.
- Legal Representation: With funding in place, the plaintiff can hire legal representation and proceed with the lawsuit. The litigation funder typically covers legal fees, court costs, and other legal expenses.
- Case Outcome: Legal funding is not a loan but rather an investment in a legal case. In traditional loans, borrowers are required to repay the borrowed amount regardless of the case’s outcome. However, legal funding is contingent on the success of the lawsuit. If the case is unsuccessful, you typically do not owe anything to the funding company.
What to Expect When You Apply
The litigation funding landscape in Australia has experienced significant growth, attributable to factors including:
Regulatory Framework
Litigation funding in Australia operates within a regulatory framework designed to safeguard the interests of plaintiffs. These regulations typically mandate licensing for litigation funders. Also, these adhere to certain codes of conduct.
Diverse Case Coverage
Australia’s legal funding industry caters to an array of cases. However, the availability of funding may vary depending on the nature and potential of the case. Also, not all cases qualify for legal funding.
Funding companies carefully evaluate cases before providing financial assistance. Generally, they look for cases with a strong likelihood of success and a significant potential settlement or judgment.
Personal injury claims, employment disputes, and commercial litigation are some common types of cases that may be eligible.
Costs and Fees
Funding is not free, and companies in funding Australia charge fees for their services. These fees can vary significantly. So, it’s crucial to understand the terms of the funding agreement.
Common fees include:
- Origination fees. These are one-time fees charged when the funding is provided.
- Interest rates. Some funding companies charge interest on the funded amount, while others do not.
- Contingency fees. This is the percentage of the settlement or judgment that the funding company will receive if your case is successful.
If the case is successful, the litigation funder receives a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or judgment amount. If the case is unsuccessful, the funder typically does not seek repayment. This litigation funding is generally non-recourse.
Factors When Choosing a Litigation Funder
When contemplating legal funding in Australia, choosing the right litigation funder is vital.
Here are some key factors to consider:
Experience in litigation funding
When choosing litigation funders, it’s best to check experience.
An experienced funder will have a deep understanding of the legal landscape and the challenges that litigants face. They also have a great track record of successful legal investments. Look for a funder with a proven history of funding cases similar to yours.
Transparent terms and fees
Litigation funding agreements can be intricate, with various terms and fees. It’s imperative to work with a funder who maintains transparency throughout the process.
Ask for a clear breakdown of all costs. These include interest rates, administrative fees, and any other charges that may apply. Avoid funders who are vague or evasive about their fee structures. This includes hidden costs that can quickly erode the value of your settlement or judgment.
Adequate financial resources
The financial stability of a litigation funder is a critical factor to consider. Make sure the funder has the necessary financial resources to support your case through its entirety.
A well-funded funder can provide you with the security that they won’t pull out of the agreement prematurely. This leaves you in a vulnerable position.
Client reviews
Ask for references from those who have worked with the funder. Research the litigation funder’s reputation. Then, seek feedback or testimonials from previous clients.
Wrap-Up
For some Australians seeking justice through the judicial system, legal financing can be useful. However, it’s best to weigh the financial risks and benefits cautiously. Choose funding solutions that work with a trustworthy approach.
