Solomonic & Burford
Settle smarter: How data and valuation reframe high stakes disputes
Panellists from Burford, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Pallas Partners and Dectech
17th October 2025, 9:00am–10:00am
Webinar (Zoom) | Panel discussion
Overview
Misjudging a settlement can lock corporates into years of litigation, spiralling costs and reputational disrepair. Yet too often, settlement decisions rely on instinct rather than insight. This webinar will show why that approach is no longer good enough and how data, valuation methodologies and behavioural science must play a crucial role in decision making.
Our expert panel will explore:
Data-driven insight: how predictive analytics can reveal likely win rates, settlement windows and claim length trajectories.
Valuation methodologies: tools to assess the real value of dispute and guide “how much” and “when” to settle.
Commercial and reputational dynamics: factors beyond the courtroom that can bring parties to the table — or push them further apart.
Bringing together perspectives from across the disputes ecosystem, spanning elite law firms, behaviour science and data analytics, our speakers will deliver practical strategies for those navigating high-stakes commercial disputes. If you’re advising clients, managing litigation or making board-level decisions, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.
Speakers
James MacKinnon, Director, Burford
James is a qualified solicitor on Burford’s EMEA investments team, where he is responsible for assessing and underwriting legal risk across Asia, the UK and Europe. Throughout his career, he has advised individual and corporate clients on high-value, complex disputes in the oil and gas, construction, financial and real estate sectors.
Alexander Oddy, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Alex leads the contentious Insurance and Professional Risks team in London. He is particularly recognised for assisting policyholders in major insurance claims to recover billions of dollars. Alex also leads HSF's ADR practice and Decision Analysis service which supports clients to make better decisions in disputes.
Fiona Huntriss, Partner, Pallas Partners
Fiona is a highly experienced legal professional specialising in litigation and dispute resolution strategies. She regularly appears before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, with a strong track record in commercial litigation. Her quality and work is recognised by longstanding rankings in the major directories.
Dr. Henry Stott, Director, Dectech (Decision Technology)
Henry has over 25 years of commercial experience across various sectors including retail and finance telecoms. Before founding Dectech he was the director of Oliver Wyman, where he helped create their risk practice. At Dectech he has worked with various high-profile clients including Tesco, British Gas and Sky. He spent ten years working for Spurs F.C, where he invented the expected goal metric to assist with scouting.
Agenda
Friday 17th October 2025, 9:00-10:00 AM
8:55am Zoom room open & audience log on
9:00am Welcome and panel introduction from Edward Bird, Solomonic CEO
9:05am “Settle smarter” panel discussion
9:45am Panel Q&A
9:55am Closing remarks