Burford Capital has taken a minority stake in UK legal consultancy Kindleworth, in a move that signals the firm’s intention to grow its investments beyond litigation.
Kindleworth has helped to launch more than 50 law firms since it was founded in 2012, among them arbitration boutique Three Crowns and Pallas Partners, the disputes firm founded by former Boies Schiller Flexner deputy chair Natasha Harrison.
Earlier this year, it helped to set up Rosenblatt Law, after Ian Rosenblatt pulled the firm from RBG Holdings following its collapse.
Post-launch, Kindleworth’s 50-strong team helps law firms manage key functions including finance, compliance, technology, HR, operations and marketing.
Burford said in a statement that “together, they will provide the scale and support entrepreneurial lawyers need to launch and grow successful firms”, adding that the investment will create opportunities for it to invest capital in support of Kindleworth-backed firms.
“At Burford, we seek opportunities to invest in businesses that are reshaping the legal landscape and creating lasting value,” said Travis Lenkner, Burford’s chief development officer. “Our minority investment in Kindleworth is a prime example of that strategy in action – expanding how we deploy capital, supporting innovation and creating value beyond traditional legal finance.”
Lenkner rejoined Burford last year as its first CDO with a remit to focus on areas including law firm equity investments, the alternative delivery of legal services to corporate and individual clients, and legal tech, including AI.
Burford began in 2009 as a litigation funder but has since expanded its services, including by moving into asset recovery. The dual-listed firm, which has a $7.5bn group-wide portfolio and describes itself as the world’s leading finance and asset management firm dedicated to the business of law, also took a minority stake in London disputes boutique PCB Byrne back in 2020.
Terms for the Kindleworth investment, which closed in August 2025, were not disclosed, though according to records filed with Companies House, Burford has taken a stake of between 25% and 49%. Consideration for the minority ownership stake was made in cash and does not represent a material investment for Burford.
Burford noted that Kindleworth has achieved consistent profitability since its founding and, although the investment is expected to be accretive to Burford immediately, it is not expected to have a material impact on Burford’s earnings per share.
“The future of the legal profession belongs to entrepreneurial lawyers and forward-thinking legal professionals who can adapt and lead in a rapidly changing market,” said James Hacking, Kindleworth co-founder and partner. “By providing the resources, expertise and infrastructure they need to thrive, we help turn ambition into market-leading law firms. Burford shares our vision, and this partnership strengthens our ability to help exceptional lawyers and firms reach their full potential.”
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