Why it matters: The International Legal Finance Association is bringing on a new lobbying firm with direct House Financial Services Committee experience as Congress considers multiple bills targeting the litigation funding industry. The move adds Checkmate Government Relations LLC to ILFA’s already extensive lobbying roster that includes six other firms, signaling an escalation in advocacy efforts during a critical legislative period.

By the numbers: ILFA has been lobbying since 2017 and currently employs seven lobbying firms. The organization has historically spent money across multiple firms including S-3 Group, West Front Strategies LLC, Miller Strategies LLC, and others. Checkmate’s team includes Frederick Watson Vaughan and Charles Franklin McDowell IV, both former Senior Counsel for the House Financial Services Committee.

The agenda: ILFA consistently lobbies on financial institutions/investments/securities, law enforcement/criminal justice, taxation, banking, and constitutional issues related to commercial legal finance and the rule of law. The organization has previously lobbied on specific legislation including the “Litigation Funding Transparency Act of 2021” and various tax measures affecting litigation financing.

Between the lines: The timing is crucial as Congress actively considers several bills targeting litigation finance. The Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act would impose new taxes on litigation funders, while the Litigation Transparency Act would require disclosure of third-party beneficiaries. The Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act aims to restrict foreign funding of litigation. Recent hearings have examined court backlogs and CFPB regulatory practices, both relevant to ILFA’s interests. Republican lawmakers like Rep. Darrell Issa and Sen. Thom Tillis are leading transparency and taxation efforts, while industry opponents including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are spending heavily on related lobbying.

The bottom line: ILFA is strengthening its lobbying capabilities with experienced financial sector advocates as legislative pressure on litigation funding intensifies. The addition of former House Financial Services Committee staff suggests the organization recognizes the need for specialized expertise to navigate an increasingly hostile regulatory environment.