In this blog, we feature insights from Moshe Maimon, Managing Partner at Levy Konigsberg, who shares how his firm found a true law firm banking partner in Esquire Bank — and why traditional banks often fall short in understanding the needs of contingency fee law firms.

Why Traditional Banking Misses the Mark

For contingency fee law firms, traditional banking often fails to meet the moment. These firms operate on long case durations, invest heavily up front, and may wait years before realizing revenue. Commercial banks, focused on receivables and monthly billing, rarely grasp that reality. “Bankers love to see that data,” Moshe explains. “We have none of it to show anybody because our fees aren’t based on hours worked.”

Founded in 1985, NYC-based Levy Konigsberg has built a national reputation for high-impact cases—from the Flint Water lead contamination to asbestos litigation. But as its caseload grew, so did the need for a banking partner that understood the law firm’s irregular cash flow and could provide financial flexibility.

That disconnect can hinder a firm’s ability to invest in staff, experts, and technology. Without access to capital, even successful contingency fee law firms face constraints that limit their growth and, ultimately, their impact for clients.

“When you’re facing a large litigation—against a corporation, a government, or an institution—you have to be able to afford to staff the litigation and wait until your clients are compensated and you can realize fees,” Moshe adds. “The nature of our business requires a credit facility and a bank to partner with in order to achieve that.”

The Turning Point: Finding a True Law Firm Banking Partner

That partnership came with Esquire Bank. From the firm’s first conversations, Maimon recognized that Esquire did more than lend—they understood. “Relationships with other banks are more complicated,” says Moshe. “It’s not because they’re not well-intentioned—it’s simply because they don’t have the experience in the field that Esquire Bank has.”

“Once we were able to forge a partnership with Esquire Bank, we had the freedom to operate in the best interests of our clients and a financial institution that understood that we were going to borrow more,” he says. “We were going to pay it back—but not necessarily tomorrow.”

With Esquire Bank’s industry-specific expertise, Levy Konigsberg could make strategic decisions confidently, expanding capacity, investing in people, and maintaining momentum across long-running cases. “One of the refreshing things about Esquire was not only the understanding that they have for our business, but the encouragement and the attitude within the executives of Esquire for us to go further and to invest more in ourselves because they see the return on it,” says Moshe.

“Esquire understands that you need great lawyers, a great staff, and the resources to make your cases successful,” notes Moshe. “They understand the court system, and they understand the timing of everything.”

A New Relationship: A Seamless Transition

Many law firms hesitate to change banks for fear of disruption. For Levy Konigsberg, the move was smooth and immediate. “The transition to Esquire Bank was seamless,” Moshe recalls. “All of our accounts transferred easily, and we never had a problem.”

The collaboration quickly evolved into an enduring relationship. “The relationship our firm has with Esquire is based on mutual respect and trust,” says Moshe. “They respect what we do. We respect what they do. We trust them and they trust us.”

That relationship proved valuable when the firm opened a new office in Philadelphia. “Within a matter of hours, escrow and operating accounts were established through Esquire, and we were able to conduct all the business we wanted,” recalls Moshe.

Financial Confidence That Fuels Advocacy and The Fight for Justice

With Esquire Bank as its law firm financing partner, Levy Konigsberg can focus on advocacy and its fight to attain justice for its clients. The partnership provides the financial flexibility to invest in high-value litigation and to sustain the excellence that defines the firm’s legacy. “They’re there to really partner with you and to help you achieve your success,” notes Moshe.

For a law firm that fights for justice nationwide, Esquire’s support makes all the difference—allowing Levy Konigsberg to operate from a position of strength and serve its clients without compromise.

3 Keys that Led to Levy Konigsberg’s Successful Law Firm Banking Partnership

• Choosing a bank that understands the contingency fee business model.
• Fostering open, ongoing communication with Esquire Bank.
• Building a relationship that is founded on mutual respect and trust.

Learn More

Click the video above to watch the full testimonial and hear how Moshe Maimon and Levy Konigsberg succeeded to build a stronger, more scalable firm through a strategic banking partnership with Esquire Bank.