James Batson, Investment Manager and Legal Counsel in Bentham’s New York office, is one of the most experienced professionals working in the United States litigation funding industry. In addition to having spent two years with Bentham IMF, Jim formerly held roles as Chief Operating Officer and Consultant for two commercial litigation finance companies. Jim helps companies and individuals obtain non-recourse financing for commercial lawsuits. He monitors a multi-million-dollar investment portfolio, managing the process from initial review through final resolution.  Jim serves as a strategic partner for the lawyers handling the cases in his portfolio, providing consultation as needed, without directing the course of the litigation. His guidance is drawn from 20 years of experience as a trial lawyer and senior partner with a prestigious plaintiff’s law firm that brought many of its cases on a contingent-fee basis. An accomplished litigator, Jim represented the plaintiff in Zubulake v. UBS Warburg, a case widely regarded as redefining parties’ e-discovery obligations in litigation. Jim proves to be a valuable resource for lawyers appearing in various jurisdictions. He has tried cases in federal and state court and before the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, FINRA and the Chicago Board of Trade. He also handled regulatory proceedings before the SEC, the NYSE and FINRA.  Jim frequently speaks about litigation finance at conferences, law firm seminars and other events. Jim received a B.A. in Economics and English from Cornell University, a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, and an M.B.A. from Fordham University School of Business.