About the Bairs Foundation

The Bairs Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people suffering as a result of a catastrophic accident. We provide financial assistance to families that need help paying for basic living expenses during the course of litigation.

The for-profit, non-recourse industry is unregulated. Many participants in the litigation finance industry have business models that make the cost of capital exorbitant for plaintiffs. But access to capital for families in emergencies or in dire circumstances (even at very costly rates) is still better than letting go of their sole asset: their lawsuit. Funding families in need during the course of litigation is critical to the civil justice system. The Bairs Foundation provides low-cost access to capital so families have the resources to go the distance with their lawsuit. We offer low, simple interest in the name of the Seventh Amendment.

Life keeps happening even in the face of a personal trauma or illness. Bills, expenses, medical costs, student loans, and everything else are mounting. The Bairs Foundation brings together the resources, expertise and vision to find the right funding and front-end counseling to help people throughout the legal process. Clarity is critical to success. The team communicates with families on a level that ensures they are making informed decisions about their financial future.

Click here to apply for funding through the Bairs Foundation.

Our Team

John BairCo-Founder

John Bair has 20 years of diverse experience in the settlement management industry and the civil justice community. A graduate of West Point, John went on to serve for seven years as a U.S. Army Captain and Aviator before starting his career in settlement planning and management. John has tapped into his network of experienced trial lawyers from across the U.S. for advice and guidance, and is proud to have formed Bairs Foundation.

Amy BairCo-Founder

Amy has participated in the civil justice community for two decades, supporting the American Association for Justice and other public justice events and organizations. Amy has her master’s degree in elementary education, and as a mother of three, she brings family planning experience and perspective.

Brooke KibrickExecutive Director

Brooke Kibrick is the Executive Director of the Bairs Foundation. Brooke oversees all operations, fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and finances for the organization. Brooke has a diverse background and robust experience in non-profit work and marketing and communications roles.

John RichmondBoard Member

John is proud to serve on the board of the foundation. Since 2009, John has devoted his legal career to the representation of those who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. John is a founding partner of Richmond Vona, LLC, a plaintiff’s personal injury firm in Buffalo, NY.

Ashleigh ThenBoard Member

Ashleigh has over eight years of experience in the non-profit sector, focusing on community empowerment and economic development. Currently a consultant for Cubex LLC, a software development company, Ashleigh is eager to merge her non-profit and start-up experience to continue to help serve families in need.

Chris KellerBoard Member

Chris Keller has over eight years in the growth marketing space, spending the majority of his time growing start-up companies, internally, for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Chris is currently the CEO of Rightly Marketing, a marketing agency focused on building attention through customer experience.

John AbeelBoard Member

As a trial lawyer for fifteen years, John has seen many additional harms caused to vulnerable people by the for-profit, pre-settlement-funding industry. That’s why John has applauded and supported the Bairs Foundation’s mission since its inception. Now as a member of its Board of Directors, John is passionate about helping the Foundation continue to provide affordable financial assistance to injured people and their families during the course of litigation.

Rachel MathewsBoard Member

Rachel served as the Foundation’s first Executive Director, from 2017 through 2020. Her time with the organization was invaluable, and she will continue to be actively involved as a board member, providing guidance to Brooke and assisting with marketing initiatives.