Bentham IMF Adds Another Top Litigator to its US Platform

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bentham IMF Ltd, the world's most successful litigation funder, continues to expand its U.S. platform with the addition of James A. Batson as an Investment Manager.  Mr. Batson joins the company's New York office, now located in the landmark Lipstick Building at 54^th Street and Third Avenue.

Prior to joining Bentham, Mr. Batson played important roles at two litigation finance firms.  For more than 20 years before that he was a trial lawyer with a top contingency boutique.

Bentham is expanding to stay abreast of growing demand and opportunity for litigation funding in the U.S. and abroad.  Mr. Batson's appointment follows that of Allison Chock, who opened Bentham IMF's Los Angeles office in September 2013.  In March, Bentham IMF announced a joint venture with a renowned investment firm to fund cases in the United Kingdom and Europe.   

"Law firms and corporate law departments increasingly want to share the risks and costs of lawsuits," said Ralph Sutton, Chief Investment Officer at Bentham IMF.  "Our pipeline is robust with exciting opportunities. Jim is a successful and tenacious litigator who has tried 20 years of cases in federal and state court, and handled innumerable arbitrations before FINRA, AAA, and JAMS.  He will make a fantastic contribution to our investment process and his vast trial experience will be invaluable."

Prior to his work in litigation finance, Mr. Batson was a partner with Liddle & Robinson.  At Liddle & Robinson, he focused on high-profile financial services, employment and other commercial suits.  Among his more celebrated cases, Mr. Batson litigated Zubulake v. UBS Warburg, which resulted in several precedent-setting e-discovery rulings and a $29 million trial verdict.  

"I am excited to join the global leader in litigation finance," said Mr. Batson.  "Bentham IMF's 90% success record is unmatched by any other litigation funder.  I am delighted to join such distinguished colleagues to provide financing for meritorious claims and worthy plaintiffs." 

About Bentham IMF

Bentham IMF provides access to justice for companies and individuals who would otherwise have difficulty funding expensive commercial cases against larger defendants.  Bentham adheres to its own highly selective "Australian funding model," which enjoys a better than 90% success rate. Bentham has reviewed thousands of commercial cases in the past 13 years and invested in more than 180. Its 153 completed cases have generated over $1.4 billion in recoveries for its clients. The American Lawyer magazine recognized the company among the Top 50 Law Innovators in September 2013.  For more information, please visit www.benthamimf.com.

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SOURCE Bentham IMF