Western Alliance Bank’s Jeff Richardson Named a National Law Journal Trailblazer
Co-Founder of Digital Disbursements Honored for Improving Settlement Distributions
PHOENIX – Western Alliance Bank today announced that Jeff Richardson, Co-Founder of Digital Disbursements, has been named a Class Action/Mass Tort Litigation Trailblazer by The National Law Journal. Richardson was recognized for developing new tools that have transformed class action and mass tort settlement payments.
“Jeff is truly a worthy recipient of this honor, not only because he has built trailblazing technology but because his work puts more settlement money in the hands of class members, helping to improve justice for those who have been wronged,” said Francesca Castagnola, Senior Managing Director of Juris Banking Solutions at Western Alliance Bank.
Richardson is the only 2023 Class Action/Mass Tort Litigation Trailblazer who does not represent a law firm. “I congratulate all of the law firm lawyers who were named, and I’m glad that The National Law Journal also recognizes, like we do here at Western Alliance Bank, that technology can have a major impact on the legal community,” said Richardson.
Digital Disbursements’ innovative payment platform facilitates the secure selection, disbursement and reporting of mass payments for clients across legal and other industries. Richardson, who practiced as a defense-side class action and mass torts attorney for nearly 30 years, co-founded the company, which is now part of Western Alliance Bank.
“We built Digital Disbursements based on a bone-deep desire to improve the delivery of payments to class members and mass tort victims,” added Richardson. This platform enables recipients to choose from a pay menu that includes direct to bank account options (such as Zelle and ACH), popular digital wallets (such as PayPal and Venmo), prepaid cards, and paper checks.
Through this payment solution, Richardson and the team at Western Alliance Bank significantly improve the deliverability, cost, and security of settlement payments. “I am honored to have this work recognized by The National Law Journal,” said Richardson.
A graduate of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Richardson served as a partner, chair of the Class Action Practice Group and member of the Governing Board of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP before founding Digital Disbursements, which was acquired by Western Alliance Bank in early 2022. He also founded and invested in a number of other innovative companies and organizations.
View Jeff Richardson’s profile, and the full list of winners, in The National Law Journal's Trailblazers 2023.
Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, is a leading national bank for business that puts customers first, delivering tailored business banking solutions and consumer products backed by outstanding, personalized service and specific expertise in more than 30 industries and sectors. With $90 billion in assets and offices nationwide, Western Alliance excels at helping businesses of all sizes capitalize on their opportunities to solve today and succeed tomorrow. Western Alliance Bank includes six legacy bank brands — Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank — that continue to be part of the company’s heritage. Western Alliance has ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker and Bank Director since 2016. In 2024, Western Alliance Bancorporation again was #1 for Best CEO, Best CFO and Best Company Board of Directors on Extel’s All-America Executive Team Midcap Banks list.