How Plaintiffs Law Firms Gain Access to Greater Capital

Access to greater capital for law firms is a defining factor in how plaintiffs firms manage risk, pursue complex litigation, and sustain long-term growth. At Gibbs Mura, A Law Firm, Managing Partner Eric Gibbs has built a practice focused on high-stakes class actions, mass torts, and catastrophic injury cases, where capital is not optional but essential.

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What You’ll Learn

• Why access to greater capital is critical for plaintiffs firms
• Why working with a bank that understands litigation matters
• How capital supports infrastructure and client experience

Why Access to Greater Capital for Law Firms Is Critical

For plaintiffs firms, the need for capital is constant and unavoidable. “One of the primary challenges our firm faces and trial lawyers face in general is one of capital,” says Eric.

Based in Oakland, California, the firm handles matters that require significant upfront investment and extended timelines. “Our cases are expensive and they’re time consuming. And you need capital to [litigate] those cases.” Eric explains.

Cases often span several years and demand ongoing investment in experts, staffing, and operations. Without access to greater capital, law firms may face constraints that impact how they allocate resources or pursue opportunities.

This challenge is not limited to firm size. It is inherent to the contingency fee model, where revenue is delayed but expenses are immediate and substantial.

Working With a Financial Partner That Understands Litigation

A key factor in overcoming capital challenges is working with a strategic banking partner that understands how contingency fee litigation works. Eric emphasizes the significant difference working with a bank that is experienced and knowledgeable makes. “You realize that they’re sophisticated evaluators of complex litigation. They understand the risks, they understand delays.”

Traditional lenders may interpret delays or adverse rulings as increased risk. In contrast, a knowledgeable financial partner recognizes these as part of the litigation process. Eric notes, “The last thing you want is having your bank call you and bug you about why did this happen? Why did that happen? You don’t get that with Esquire because they get it.”

This level of understanding allows plaintiffs firms to stay focused on case strategy rather than managing lender expectations.

Investing in Infrastructure to Better Serve Clients

Gaining access to greater capital extends beyond funding individual cases. It also supports the firm’s talent, processes, and systems that improve client experience and operational efficiency. “To do that, you have to build systems within a firm, and you have to pay for those,” Eric explains.

Over time, Gibbs Mura, A Law Firm has expanded its internal capabilities, including specialized communications teams and technology resources. “We have tons of people who specialize in those types of communications. We have a technology group that specializes in leveraging technology to make those communications more beneficial for the clients and less costly for us.” Investing in these business areas allows the firm to provide a more personalized experience, which benefits both clients and the organization.

Sustaining Growth With Access to Greater Capital

The long-term impact of access to greater capital for law firms is reflected in sustained growth and expanded capabilities. “In the last 11 and a half years, we’ve grown from a 12-person firm to an 80-person firm,” Eric says. “That required a lot of capital.”

The firm has expanded into multiple states and taken on increasingly complex and resource-intensive cases. “Our case docket now includes the biggest cases in the world that you know lawyers at this firm are working on every day,” noted Eric.

Throughout this evolution, the financial relationship has remained steady. “It’s a reciprocal relationship, 100%. And the bank has an expertise that I haven’t found in any other lending institution,” remarks Eric.

Greater Client Experience and More Attainable Justice

For plaintiffs firms, access to greater capital for law firms is not just about funding. It is about maintaining financial stability, supporting operational investment, and enabling sustainable growth. As Gibbs Mura’s experience demonstrates, working with a banking partner that understands contingency fee litigation can reduce uncertainty and allow firms to focus on delivering consistent results for the firm, and justice for its clients.