With the coronavirus pandemic creating economic pressure on law firms and their clients, litigation funder Validity Finance is experiencing a surge in demand, and adding talent in Texas.

Validity added to its Houston office, bringing Kirkland & Ellis litigation partner Sarah Williams as portfolio counsel, as the litigation funder reports demand up 50% nationwide. Williams, who started work at Validity on Monday, joins investment manager Laina Hammond and portfolio counsel Wendie Childress in the Houston office.