Are Investors Able to Enter the Big Law Market? Burford Capital Thinks So.

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: Reuters

Updated: Aug 21 2025

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Source: Reuters

Burford Capital's Investment Plans: Burford Capital is in discussions to invest in U.S. law firms, exploring options through Arizona's alternative business structure (ABS) and managed service organizations (MSOs) to modernize legal practices.
Ethical Considerations: Current U.S. ethical rules generally prohibit non-lawyers from owning law firms or sharing in their profits, but Arizona has created a workaround allowing co-ownership under specific conditions.
Growing Interest in MSOs: The managed service organization model is gaining traction among law firms, allowing them to outsource administrative tasks while attracting outside investment without violating ownership rules.
Legal Fees Controversy: The U.S. Trustee is challenging fees awarded to Jackson Walker law firm due to an ethics scandal involving a former bankruptcy judge, seeking a trial to address multiple proposed settlements totaling over $2.3 million.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.