Industry figures report a rise in fraud litigation, asset-tracing and insolvency work.
Although sovereigns that borrow abroad waive their immunity to litigation, their assets are mostly either out of the reach of foreign courts or protected by treaties.
By 2004, says Essner, American Home will have $20 billion in sales, a 50% increase over 2000, and $4.6 billion in profit, up from $2.5 billion last year (before adjusting for one-time litigation charges and asset sales).
The company settled the litigation and its assets were sold before its charter was revoked.
Adler's diverse industry background includes arranging debt and equity transactions, consulting and asset management, litigation support, and strategic planning for owners, investors, and lenders.
Even though the LJM2 investors have gotten the bulk of their money back, they still have millions at stake -- and whether that money will be lost in litigation or recouped through asset sales remains an open question.
Debt collection agencies are infamous for aggressive collection tactics, which can include harassing customers and threatening them with litigation, wage garnishment and asset seizures.
London is full of lawyers experienced in asset-recovery litigation, and well versed in exploiting the difficulties of linking this pool of money to that crime.
The city noted as well that in the 60 cases in litigation this year, the total assets of the couples averaged $533,000.
"If money is not paid, Queensland Nickel's position is worse than perilous and Mineralogy's prospects of continuing litigation and maintaining valuable assets in its subsidiaries are seriously at risk," Couper said.
