CHICAGO — Statera Capital’s Andy Woltman and Chip Hodgkins recently visited the University of Chicago Law School as guest speakers for a course entitled, “Legal Finance: The Theory, Practice and Ethics of Financing Legal Claims and Transactions.” The course, which covers litigation finance and its implications for the next generation of commercial litigators, is taught by Michael Kelley, a Band 1 Chambers-ranked deal counsel in litigation finance and one of the leading legal practitioners in the industry.
The visit reflects a broader evolution in legal education. More law schools are incorporating litigation finance into their curricula, giving future lawyers a practical understanding of how complex commercial disputes are managed from a business perspective — not just as abstract legal matters. When students learn to think about the economic dimensions of litigation alongside law and procedure, they are better equipped to advise clients on risk tolerance, budgetary requirements, and how different engagement structures can serve the broader business. These skills help lawyers develop deeper client relationships and a more strategic approach to practice from the earliest stages of their careers.
For Andy and Chip, the UChicago visit is part of Statera’s sustained commitment to legal education. Chip and Matt Blumenstein, Statera’s Head of Underwriting, have served as adjunct professors at Vanderbilt University Law School since 2022, teaching a course on commercial litigation finance. Statera is proud to contribute to this practice-ready approach to legal education and grateful to Professor Kelley and the University of Chicago Law School for the opportunity to engage with the next generation of lawyers.
About Statera Capital
Statera Capital is a leading legal financing source for commercial disputes of nearly any size. With proprietary case origination and evaluation strategies, the firm deploys capital responsibly and flexibly across a breadth of commercial claims, including breach of contract, business torts, intellectual property, insolvency, and unfair competition. Statera invests at all dispute phases from pre-suit through trial, appeal, and monetization. While the firm will consider financing needs of any size, it particularly focuses on disputes requiring approximately $500,000 to $4 million in financing. More than just capital, Statera is a reliable partner that delivers creative and responsible solutions to its clients.
