ILFA unveils winners of first Legal Finance Awards at London Gala

The International Legal Finance Association has named the winners of its inaugural Legal Finance Awards, marking a significant milestone for the commercial legal finance sector and drawing senior figures from across the global market to a gala dinner at the Law Society in London. The event spotlighted standout achievements across litigation finance, collective actions, IP disputes, arbitration, advisory services, and emerging legal technologies. ILFA said the awards reflect the growing sophistication of a sector that is increasingly recognized as a critical component of modern dispute resolution.

Irell and Manella took the Exceptional IP Litigation Firm Award, while CAC Group earned recognition as Outstanding Insurance Brokerage. Hausfeld secured the Most Effective Collective Action Award, underscoring its success in group litigation strategies across multiple jurisdictions. Advisory excellence was honored through two regional categories, with Versaras winning for the United Kingdom and Europe and Westfleet Advisors taking the United States award. Darrow AI received the Most Innovative Legal Technology Provider Award for its role in deploying advanced analytics and risk assessment tools in complex litigation.

Commercial and arbitration practices also featured prominently, with Kobre and Kim named Exceptional Commercial Law Firm and Boies Schiller Flexner winning Outstanding Arbitration Firm or Team. ILFA further recognized the expanding ecosystem that supports litigation funders by honoring Addleshaw Goddard as the Exceptional Legal Services Provider for Funders in the United Kingdom and Europe, and McDonald Hopkins in the equivalent United States category. The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Neil Purslow, who received the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Finance Sector Award for his long-standing leadership and influence in shaping global market standards.

ILFA described the awards as a celebration of excellence, integrity, and innovation across a growing industry. The organization noted that the winners exemplify how responsible commercial legal finance improves access to justice, enhances efficiency in dispute resolution, and provides critical support for clients seeking to manage litigation risk.