BRIDGING THE GAP
Ignitis emerged to bridge the challenging gap between legal case concepts and the crucial funding they require to proceed. The founding vision of Ignitis was shaped by a recurring challenge our partners encountered in their prior professional experiences: the need for initial capital to develop viable cases before attracting litigation funders. Essentially, to secure funding, one must first invest capital. Ignitis addresses this vital need by providing the early-stage capital, guidance, and expertise necessary to initiate consumer redress litigation in Europe, the UK, and beyond.
Our team boasts a combined wealth of nearly 30 years in litigation and over 15 years in institutional investment and litigation financing. With our comprehensive background, we have contributed to the development of over 30 collective redress claims in the UK and EU alone. We possess a deep understanding of the intricacies of international collective redress, covering every phase from case inception to the final stages of claims administration. While our primary focus is on the crucial early stages of case preparation and funding, we also extend our expertise to later-stage funders, ensuring seamless management through the entire case lifecycle.
Our services are tailored to support claimants, consumer associations, and law firms during the early stages of case development. We provide assistance with securing funding through both capital injection and sourcing additional funding, procuring expert opinions, counsel advice, and book building as needed. Our approach also emphasizes the importance of cross-border collaboration to enhance financial efficiency and maximize the impact of each case. Understanding the pressures of time in litigation development, Ignitis strives to disrupt the market with our swift and efficient solutions.
The name “Ignitis” draws from the Latin words for “ignite” or “to set on fire,” encapsulating our mission to spark and advance consumer redress claims globally. Our partners and resources stand ready to ignite potential legal claims across the globe and to drive those claims to successful resolution.
CAROLINE TAYLOR
Caroline Taylor is a Founding Partner of Ignitis where she focuses on operations, case development, execution, and litigation funding. Prior to starting Ignitis, Caroline was a partner at Milberg, an international collective redress firm. While at Milberg she was instrumental in developing its European operations, including opening offices in various countries, assembling teams, spearheading case development and management, and acquiring litigation funding. Caroline’s ability to bridge the operations between the U.S. executive committee and the European offices allowed Milberg to pushing initiatives from both sides of the firm. Her knowledge of collective redress procedures in various European countries, as well as the process of getting a case from idea to resolution, perfectly positions her for her role within Ignitis.
Prior to merging into Milberg, Caroline was a partner at Whitfield Bryson LLP where she focused on class action, complex litigation, and personal injury. Through that role she was able to see first-hand how corporate actions can harm individuals, along with how the legal system can and should be effectively used to right those wrongs. She was a member of various trial teams and was able to develop critical litigation skills which are helpful in her current role. This time only underscored her commitment to justice and honed her skills in navigating the complexities of the legal system.
While in private practice, Caroline served in numerous leadership positions, including serving as a Board Member with the American Association for Justice, chairing the Railroad Section of AAJ, and serving as a Board Member and on the Executive Committee of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. She has been recognized for numerous awards including The National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers. She also frequently speaks at national and international legal conferences about various aspects affecting collective redress across the world.
Caroline graduated magna cum laude from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, where she completed law school in just two and a half years. While in law school she was on the University of Louisville Law Review (Volume 50) and was also a member of Law Students for Justice (law school division of AAJ). She received her undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication and a minor in Marketing. She was president of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, involved in many other leadership roles on campus, and did an internship with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Caroline is admitted to practice in Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky state courts, numerous federal and appellate courts within the United States, as well as England and Wales.
In her off time, Caroline has a passion for exploring the world, culinary adventures, dining out, and is a novice wine enthusiast.
DREW HATHAWAY
Drew Hathway is a Founding Partner of Ignitis where he focuses on case development, business development, and funding. Drew’s path to Ignitis was shaped by a significant career pivot from defending medical malpractice cases to advocating for plaintiffs as a Partner at Milberg, an international plaintiff firm – a change driven by his desire to seek justice for those wronged. While at Milberg, he significantly contributioned to expanding justice on an international scale, specifically in Europe, where he played a critical role in the firm’s growth and in promoting international collective redress. Drew’s expertise spans across various facets of legal procedures in Europe, from opt-in and opt-out mechanisms to the intricacies of claim foundations, funding, taxation, and claims management. His hands-on involvement in setting up Milberg’s European offices has endowed him with a keen insight into the regulatory landscape of litigation. He is also a frequent speaker on international collective redress.
As a U.S. trained class action lawyer, Drew uses his skills and knowledge of the American system to advance the collective redress market in Europe and beyond. He is passionate about providing access to justice to individuals who have been harmed through no fault of their own and truly enjoys being at the forefront of European developments.
Drew has been on the board of directors for Vidas De Esperanza, a non-profit that provides free health care and educational opportunities to the underserved in North Carolina and in Mexico. He is also a member of the Public Justice Foundation, the American Association for Justice, and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.
Drew graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003. He earned his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law in 2007. While at Campbell, he was a member of the National Moot Court Team, inducted into the Order of Old Kivett and was an editor for the Campbell Law Observer.
Drew is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, numerous federal and appellate courts within the United States, as well as England and Wales.
When he is not working, Drew enjoys cooking, photography, and cherishing moments with his wife and kids.