Executive Director of The Milestone Foundation

Full-time employment Buffalo, NY office Description The Milestone Foundation was founded in 2016 to be an alternative for plaintiffs seeking financial support while they proceed through litigation. In an industry full of predatory lending companies, the Milestone Foundation emerged as the only non-profit organization, with a goal of providing fair, low-interest funding to families

Fair Pre-Settlement Funding – An Oxymoron or a Viable Alternative?

The following article was contributed to Litigation Finance Journal by Julia DiCristofaro, program administrator at The Milestone Foundation. “I have a good client who is in need of pre-settlement funding, which I almost always advise against. But she is desperate, and this case will settle soon. Do you think you can help?” As program

What Happens When an Advance Repayment is Neglected?

In the pre-settlement funding world, a non-recourse advance only needs to be repaid if and when a plaintiff obtains a settlement. But when miscommunications occur, it’s possible that funding can go unpaid, and what happens then? Law360 published a story about an Ohio attorney who is now facing legal repercussions after failing to notify

Takeaways from Impact Litigation Funders Symposium

As a national nonprofit based in Buffalo, NY, The Milestone Foundation is committed to building meaningful relationships with attorneys and related organizations around the country. Thus, we jumped at the opportunity to attend the inaugural Impact Litigation Funders Symposium in February 2023. This symposium was held directly before the Impact Fund’s annual Class Action

2023 Co-founders’ Letter

Dear friends, It’s no secret that we are all living in increasingly uncertain economic times. With rising interest rates and inflation, many individuals are more desperate for financial assistance than ever. At the same time, banks are tightening their lending standards, making it harder for people to stay above water financially during their lawsuits.

Our Inaugural Compassionate Counsel Awards Ceremony Was a Success!

The Milestone Foundation began 2023 by celebrating the humanitarian efforts of a group of outstanding attorneys. Honorees were awarded our inaugural Compassionate Counsel Award in Miami, FL, at our Cocktail for a Cause event. We are grateful for the support from our attendees and sponsors, as this celebration would not have been possible without them.

Reflections on World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is February 4. The day acknowledges the heartache and triumph of cancer survivors across the globe, and its slogan close the care gap aims to diminish the inequalities of patient care across the world. This campaign specifically highlights the differences in prognoses and treatments across one’s county, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic

This Season of Giving, Help Families Keep Their Homes for the Holidays

As we make plans to travel or welcome guests this holiday season, it’s difficult to imagine that many plaintiffs and their families are facing the threat of homelessness. Injured and often out of work, they have been tapping into their savings to keep the lights on, put food on the table, and stay in

The Significance of Having Trauma-informed Staff

By Julia DiCristofaro Even with the fiercest legal team behind them, a plaintiff can be overwhelmed by litigation. Talking about their traumatic incident forces them to relieve painful memories. And, as the legal battle continues for months or years, the plaintiff could face a dwindling bank account. Then, if needed be, reaching out

Lending a Hand to Our Western New York Neighbors

The Milestone Foundation offers low-interest funding to plaintiffs across the country, but what makes us extra proud is the work we’ve done to support families here in our own backyard. Over the past five years, The Milestone Foundation has provided over $300,000 to Western New York residents to help them make ends meet while