The Slarskey Brief

In this episode of The Slarskey Brief, Guest Host Adam Hollander (Partner, Slarskey LLC) brings together an elite panel to probe the fast-changing landscape of state regulatory and enforcement agencies. Featuring Tom Miller, former Iowa Attorney General and the longest-serving state AG in U.S. history; Dan Seligman, certified fraud examiner and investigative attorney; and Vin DiCianni, Founder and President of Affiliated Monitors, the episode unpacks the new realities state and federal regulators face in 2026 and beyond.Highlights include:The shifting regulatory climate: Analyzing recent DOJ, SEC, and CFTC policy changes, federal resource constraints, and how these shifts create new risks and openings for state-level enforcementHow state attorneys general are asserting leadership—banding together across party lines, coordinating nationwide actions, and driving oversight in antitrust, consumer protection, and health care fraudThe rise of independent monitors: State AGs experimenting with new compliance and probationary remedies, especially in areas like Medicaid fraud, antitrust, and private equity’s impact on local healthcare systemsWhat’s different—and what isn’t—about emerging enforcement challenges: From AI, cybersecurity, and digital assets to the explosive growth of prediction markets and the regulatory tug of war between states and federal agenciesThe investigative lens: How journalists, whistleblowers, and the press are catalyzing new waves of enforcement and why risk-taking among corporations is evolvingPractical advice for companies: Assessing risk tolerance, the importance of proactive compliance, and why public scrutiny is at an all-time highPredictions: Where state AGs are heading in antitrust, consumer, and investor protection—and why the credibility and resources of state regulators are poised to surgeWhether you’re a corporate executive, compliance professional, litigator, or simply interested in the future of public enforcement, this episode delivers essential takeaways directly from frontline practitioners.Resources:Learn more about Affiliated Monitors: https://www.affiliatedmonitors.com/Learn more about Dan Seligman's work: https://danielseligman.com/Explore Slarskey LLC: https://www.slarskey.com/Subscribe for more conversations at the forefront of risk-based litigation, plaintiff strategy, and legal innovation.

In this episode of The Slarskey Brief, partner Evan Fried explores the intersection of commercial litigation, social impact, and corporate accountability with two leaders in the field: Joe Slaughter of Hunterbrook and Times Wang of Farah Wang. Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of for-profit social impact litigation and the practical realities of doing well while doing good.The conversation covers:Unique professional journeys into social impact litigation by Joe Slaughter and Times Wang—from traditional big law to trailblazing plaintiff practices, contingency cases, and complex investigationsThe business and ethics of impact-driven litigation: how plaintiff firms decide which cases to pursue, balancing financial sustainability with a commitment to meaningful changeCase studies including forced labor class actions, corporate misconduct, consumer protection, antitrust, and environmental claims—plus investigations against foreign sovereigns and the challenges of litigating against the Chinese governmentThe role of investigative journalism in uncovering wrongdoing, partnering with plaintiff-side firms, and fueling both market responses and systemic reformFree speech on the front lines: firsthand stories about defending the First Amendment, the chilling effects of fear and litigation risk, and the unique pressures facing media and protestors—both in the U.S. and abroadReflections on the limited but crucial role of the courts and the vital importance of rule of law in sustaining the possibility of accountability and changeWhether you’re a litigator, journalist, legal entrepreneur, or law student, this episode delivers unfiltered insight and practical lessons from professionals using the courts as a force for public good—without sacrificing commercial success.Resources:Learn more about Hunterbrook: https://www.hunterbrook.com/Discover Farah Wang: https://farahwang.com/Explore Slarskey LLC: https://www.slarskey.com/Subscribe for more conversations at the forefront of risk-based litigation, plaintiff strategy, and legal innovation.

In this episode of the Slarskey Brief,“Building Advocates: Plaintiff Practice & Developing Trial Talent,” host Evan Fried, Partner at Slarskey LLC, dives deep into the evolving landscape of plaintiff-side litigation, litigation funding, and talent development with two leading voices in the field: Collin Cox, Partner at Gibson Dunn, and Andrew Woltman, Co-Founder of Statera Capital.Together, they explore:The strategic rise of plaintiff-side practices at “big law” firms and the factors driving industry-wide changeHow trial teams are transforming—prioritizing roles for associates to match modern juror and judge expectationsKey generational shifts in associate motivation and the move away from traditional “grind” models, with a focus on ownership, responsibility, and career satisfactionThe growing leverage of litigation finance for both senior partners and junior lawyers to win and service clients—even as traditional firms weigh opportunities against legacy practice areasThe interplay of funding, alternative fee arrangements, and the business realities of running a litigation-centric practicePredictions for the future: how technology, AI, and creative legal models will further disrupt the landscape—and open up new opportunities for lawyers at every levelWhether you’re a senior litigator, junior associate, law firm leader, litigation funder, or simply curious about how the practice is changing from the inside, this episode is packed with practical insights on client service, attorney development, and the business of law.Resources: Learn more about Statera Capital: https://stateracapital.com/ Discover Gibson Dunn: https://www.gibsondunn.com/Explore Slarskey LLC: https://www.slarskey.com/Subscribe for future conversations on the business, risk, and practice of litigation.

In this series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried explores cutting-edge topics in risk-based commercial litigation and litigation funding. Today’s episode features an international panel: Rosie Wild (Partner at Cooke, Young & Keidan in London) and Katie Pearson (Co-Founder of Claritas in the Cayman Islands), as they join Evan for an in-depth discussion on global asset enforcement.The conversation covers:- Judgment enforcement, asset tracing, and the use of freezing injunctions and disclosure orders across borders- War stories and case examples spanning 15+ jurisdictions, including landmark asset recovery efforts and coordinated multinational litigation- Unique features of the asset recovery landscape in New York, Cayman, and the UK—including personal versus in rem jurisdiction, the rise of freezing orders, and discoveries under the Norwich Pharmacal jurisdiction- The evolving role of risk-sharing models like contingency fee, hybrid arrangements, and third-party litigation funding in each jurisdiction- How boutique firms are shaping the future of international disputes through flexibility, collaboration, and creative legal strategies- Predictions for the asset recovery field, including the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on cross-border litigation Whether you’re an attorney, investor, litigation funder, or practitioner navigating global enforcement challenges, this episode provides practical insights and strategies from three advisors who’ve built their careers in the trenches of international litigation.Resources:Learn more about Claritas: https://claritas.ky/ Discover Cooke, Young & Keidan: https://cyklaw.com/ Explore Slarskey LLC: https://www.slarskey.com/Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on the risk-based litigation landscape.

In this episode of The Slarskey Brief, Slarskey LLC Partner Evan Fried is joined by Charles Agee (Founder & CEO, Westfleet Advisors) and Dai Wai Chin Feman (Managing Director & Corporate Counsel, Parabellum Capital) for a deep dive into the numbers behind litigation finance. The wide-ranging discussion breaks down the realities—and myths—of the legal funding industry using the latest research and market data, including:- How Westfleet and others are working to bring transparency and data-driven insight to a historically opaque litigation funding market- The meaning and limitations of headline figures like the often-cited "$16.1 billion" in AUM—and what numbers actually matter for understanding the market- Recent academic and industry articles placing the litigation funding market in context, including the difference between AUM and annual deployment, and why the scale of the industry is often overestimated- Disclosure, transparency, and efforts by industry players and trade groups to illuminate how litigation funding arises in court dockets, including federal and state disclosure orders, and the impact of bankruptcy and receivership proceedings- Trends in industry growth and selectivity, the challenges of new market entrants, the acceptance rate for funding applications, and what makes a case attractive to funders- The ongoing evolution of pricing litigation risk and the intersection with contingency fees- Predictions on transparency, potential regulation or disclosure requirements, and what’s next for industry performance metrics…and much more!

In this episode, host Evan Fried is joined by Roy Moran, (a partner in Cooley's Private Companies Group) who represents startups, emerging companies, and the venture capitalists that support them. and Dave Kerstein (Founder & Managing Director at litigation finance firm, Arcadia Finance)The discussion focuses on "Raising Capital for Legal Ventures," and covers: best practice for those looking to raise capital for legal tech and litigation funding ventureshow to ensure a match between capital raiser and investor in this complicated spacewhat we're seeing in terms of new legal technology  non-attorney ownership of law firmspredictions for what's to come with AI, capital raising, and legal tech.…and much more! The team covers a lot of ground in just 24 minutes - check it out!

In this episode, Host Evan Fried is joined by fellow Slarskey LLC Partner Adam Hollander, and Becca Hogan, Partner at Signature Litigation in London. The group discusses developments within the British cost and funding market, and how they contrast with what’s happening in the U.S.The conversation covers:A comparison between the U.S. style contingency fee model and the U.K. cost regimeThe growing appetite for U.S.-style mass actions in the U.K. and the factors influencing this trendThe intricacies of third-party litigation finance on both sides of the AtlanticThe impact of the PACCAR decision on the U.K. litigation marketFuture predictions for legal financing and class actions in the U.K. and the U.S.…and much more!

In this episode, host Evan Fried is joined by industry veterans Lee Buchwald, President of Buchwald Capital Advisors, and Joe Sarachek, Founding Principal of the Sarachek Law Firm, for a dive deep on the intricacies of funding within bankruptcy and receivership contexts.The discussion covers:Innovative approaches to litigation finance in bankruptcy scenarios, such as Lee Buchwald's seminal Magnesium Corporation of America case.Joe Sarachek's involvement in cases, like a recent high-stakes judgment enforcement against a prominent senator's companies.The evolving market of litigation finance, its impact on bankruptcy proceedings, and the role of funders as gatekeepers.Insights into crafting creative funding mechanisms to litigate substantial claims with minimal initial assets.And much more!

In this episode, host Evan Fried sits down with David Slarskey and Derek Ho of Kellogg Hansen to delve into the complex world of litigation finance disputes. Join us for a lively discussion that covers:-Early legal challenges in litigation funding, including champerty concerns and the protection of confidential information shared between funders and plaintiffs.-Ethical considerations and potential perverse incentives associated with non-recourse structures in litigation funding.-Projections on regulation and transparency in the litigation funding market, including the implications of potential federal legislation.-The nuances of sharing work product with funders and the associated implications of attorney-client privilege and mental impressions.-Concerns about legislative efforts addressing foreign influence in American litigation and the real impact of such issues.…and much more!

In this series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried delves into hot topics in the world of litigation funding. Today's episode features Evan's conversation with Professor Tony Sebok, Co-Director at the Jacob Burns Center for Ethics in the Practice of Law at Cardozo Law School. The discussion centers on the intersections of legal ethics and litigation funding.The conversation covers:  the ethical responsibilities of attorneys in both client-directed and lawyer-directed legal funding Model Rule of Professional Conduct 5.4 and Alternative Business Structures (ABS) and their implications, including the impact of the first case dealing with a disciplinary issue related to an Arizona ABS and what the new rules mean for attorneys admitted to practice in New York predictions for what’s to come re: ethical issues in litigation funding…and much more!Resources: Click here to learn more about Aspen Publisher's Third-Party Litigation Finance:Law, Policy, and Practice, written by Professor Sebok Click here to learn more about Bloomsbury's The Law and Business of Litigation Finance, for which Evan Fried co-authored the chapter on U.S. legislation.

In this series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried explores hot topics in the world of litigation funding. Today's episode features Evan's conversation with Nicole Silver, Head of U.S. Operations & Lead Underwriter at Ignite Specialty Risk; and Michael Perich, Director & Head of Litigation Insurance at Lockton Companies. The group discusses the evolution of litigation insurance from its origins in the UK to its growing presence in the U.S. market. The group provides insights into how insurance can help manage rising litigation costs and create more efficient financial solutions for law firms, investors, and funders, and explores how litigation insurance offers innovative tools for risk management, making legal investments more appealing and efficient.

In this series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried explores hot topics in the world of litigation funding. Today's episode features Evan's conversation with Benjamin F. Blum, Managing Director at Flexpoint Ford; and Joshua Meltzer, Managing Director & Head of IP Finance Group at Finitive. The group discusses the evolution of investors interested in the litigation finance space, the types of investment profiles available within litigation finance, and the different ways deals are structured - including single cases, portfolios, and the use of insurance. The group also explores the impact of recent rate hikes, how to create scale in litigation funding, and other market forces at play.

In this series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried explores hot topics in the world of litigation funding. Today's episode features Evan's conversation with Michael P. Kelley, a Partner at Parker Poe whose practice focuses on creative solutions in complex transactions, particularly in regard to litigation finance and investment funds. Evan and Michael discuss the evolution of litigation finance and how the financial structures of deals have evolved in the last 15 years; the role of insurance, including after the event (ATE) and judgment preservation policies; the role of disclosure; and legislation that may impact the way litigation funding works. Make sure to stay tuned for part two, which concludes with Michael's predictions for what's to come in the industry!

In this series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried explores hot topics in the world of litigation funding. Today's episode features Evan's conversation with Larry Rosenberg, Managing Director at West U Capital. Evan and Larry discuss the role of litigation funding in the intellectual property space, from how it works to recent court cases likely to influence how the market and the courts approach funding. Stay tuned to hear Larry's predictions for what's to come with litigation funding for intellectual property claims at the episode's conclusion!

In this new series from Slarskey LLC, Partner Evan Fried explores hot topics in the world of litigation funding. Today's episode features Evan's conversation with Ted Farrell, Founder of Litigation Funding Advisers, LLC. Evan and Ted discuss the role of litigation funding in the mass tort space, from how it works to recent court cases likely to influence how the market and the courts approach funding.