In October 2021, Burford announced the second phase of its Equity Project initiative with an additional $100 million pool of capital earmarked to back commercial litigation and arbitration matters led by women and by racially diverse lawyers.
The Equity Project was first launched in late 2018 with a $50 million pool of capital earmarked to fund commercial litigation and arbitration led by women. With $56.7 million committed as of December 31, 2020, Burford is building on this success with an expanded Equity Project initiative that augments and enhances companies’ and law firms’ existing DEI and ESG efforts.
Matters will qualify for Equity Project funding if any of the following criteria are met:
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A female or racially diverse lawyer serves as first or second chair
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More than 50% of the equity in the firm representing the client is owned by female or racially diverse lawyers
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A female or racially diverse lawyer receives origination credit for the matter or the client relationship
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A female or racially diverse lawyer serves as chair of the plaintiffs’ steering committee or as plaintiffs’ lead counsel
When Equity Project investments resolve successfully and generate Burford’s expected returns, we will contribute a portion of Burford’s profits to organizations focused on advancing women and diverse lawyers’ careers. Companies and law firms can thus feel doubly good about utilizing Equity Project capital.