Sophie Lamb QC delivers the Harbour Lecture

The liquidator of a group of investment funds (IF) wanted to bring a claim against the auditors of the IF for failing to identify frauds perpetuated by the former manager of the IF.

A group of well capitalised organisations, including FTSE 100 constituents, were keen to remove from their financial statements the costs of a £400m shareholder action which they had brought.

Litigation funding can provide access to justice for the economically disadvantaged. This is demonstrated by the AU$ 250 million+ Australian class action funded by Harbour and brought by some 15,000 seaweed farmers against PTTEP Australasia (Ashmore Cartier) Pty Ltd,

Harbour’s funding allows corporates to take the necessary steps to protect their shareholders’ interests.

Harbour funded an US$80 million dispute between the liquidator of Pioneer Iron & Steel Group and its sole former shareholder and director, who was based in China.

In late 2016 an AU$85m class action was filed against a large marketing group for sham contracting. This occurs where an individual described as an independent contractor actually holds a relationship of employment.

Even in a case where limitation was approaching and where the defendant was a financial institution, Harbour’s funding and introduction of a leading law firm led to a successful outcome for the claimants.

A breach of trust of an investment management agreement led to proceedings in the Channel Islands. Harbour’s funding ensured the claimant had the resources to meet every diversionary tactic deployed by the defendant in the litigation.

This case demonstrates how even claimants with sufficient capital like to call upon Harbour.