Solomonic & Burford Capital

Settle smarter: How data and valuation reframe high stakes disputes

Panellists from Burford Capital, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Pallas Partners and Dectech

17th October 2025, 12:00pm–1:00pm

Webinar (Zoom) | Panel discussion

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Overview

Misjudging a high stakes dispute can lock corporates into years of litigation, spiralling costs and reputational disrepair. Yet too often, decisions rely on instinct rather than hard data. This webinar will expound on how data, valuation methodologies and behavioural science should play a crucial role in decision making and explore the role of the lawyer in translating legal risk into business metrics.

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 corporate dynamics: factors beyond the courtroom that can bring parties to the table — or push them further apart.

Bringing together perspectives from across the litigation ecosystem, spanning elite law firms, behavioural science and data analytics, our speakers will discuss 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 Capital

James is a Director in Burford’s EMEA Investments team, where he is responsible for assessing and underwriting legal investments in the UK, Europe and Asia. James manages several of Burford’s key investments in international arbitrations, and situations affected by legal risk. He has advised financial institutions, individuals and corporate clients on high-value, complex disputes in the financial, energy and technology 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 Kramer’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 litigator specialising in complex dispute resolution strategies. She has a strong track record in commercial, financial, and restructuring & insolvency litigation, and regularly appears before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Her quality and work is consistently recognised by the leading legal directories.

Dr. Henry Stott, Director, Dectech (Decision Technology)

Henry has over 30 years of commercial decision-making experience across retail, finance, telco and energy. Starting out as an early Partner at Oliver Wyman, where he helped create their risk practice, at Dectech he has helped high-profile clients, such as Tesco, British Gas and Sky, forecast consumer and competitor behaviour to identify their optimal strategy. He also spent ten years working for Spurs, where he developed the expected goal metric.

Agenda

Friday 17th October 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM

11:55am Zoom room open & audience log on

12:00pm Welcome and panel introduction from Edward Bird, Solomonic CEO

12:05pm “Settle smarter” panel discussion

12:45pm Panel Q&A

12:55pm Closing remarks