Southwick, Stephanie

I am a former first-chair commercial litigator who now partners with companies and law firms to unlock the strategic value of litigation through legal finance.
 
Over 15+ years in the courtroom—including serving as managing partner of my firm. I led high-stakes commercial and trade secret matters through mediation, trial and settlement. I saw firsthand how capital constraints shape legal strategy, influence risk tolerance and impact outcomes.

Over the past seven years in legal finance (across multiple funders) and now at Burford Capital, I have evaluated opportunities and structured investments with a focus on merits, damages, budget discipline, risk allocation and incentive alignment. My background as lead trial counsel and firm leader informs how I assess not only legal strength, but also the real-world drivers of value: timing, collectability, settlement dynamics and decision-making under uncertainty. I also understand what law firms need from funding arrangements—from portfolio management to economics and partnership.