The launch of The Architected Settlement Law Group (ASLG) by attorney Michele Fuller represents a significant development in the legal industry, addressing critical vulnerabilities that emerge after courtroom victories. For trial attorneys, obtaining a favorable verdict often marks the start of a complex administrative phase fraught with risks, including Medicaid clawbacks, lien resolutions, and tax liabilities, which have become primary sources of legal malpractice exposure. Fuller, who served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General in designing the settlement process for the historic $600 million Flint Water Crisis, has established ASLG as a dedicated business-to-business partner to navigate these challenges.
The firm operates as a "Settlement Architect," creating comprehensive legal blueprints to safely conclude complex injury, mass tort, and class action cases. This initiative is important because it directly tackles the administrative burdens that can undermine both law firm legacies and client futures. Fuller explains that trial lawyers focus on winning cases, but the "finish line" of settlement distribution requires specialized expertise to prevent post-litigation issues. The firm's services are designed to insulate plaintiff firms from failure-to-advise claims related to government benefits and tax exposures, thereby reducing malpractice risks.
ASLG's "Master Blueprint" process includes establishing Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) to provide attorneys and claimants with planning time without immediate tax consequences, and creating Plaintiff Recovery Trusts (PRTs) to mitigate taxable recoveries from interest or punitive damages. The firm also offers specialized trusts, such as special needs trusts, domestic asset protection trusts, and settlement preservation trusts, tailored to client goals. By leveraging Fuller's national expertise, including her advisory role with the Academy of Special Needs Planners, ASLG can handle cases across jurisdictions, ensuring consistent support for attorneys nationwide.
The implications of this launch extend beyond individual law firms to the broader legal system and vulnerable claimants. Fuller's methodology, proven in high-pressure cases like the Flint Water Crisis and the $13 million Hawthorn class action, emphasizes protecting claimants' long-term security while safeguarding attorneys from liability. This approach could set a new standard for settlement planning, potentially reducing legal disputes and enhancing outcomes for those affected by mass torts or personal injuries. For more information on the firm's services, visit https://architectedsettlement.com.
In summary, the establishment of The Architected Settlement Law Group addresses a critical gap in the litigation process, offering specialized support that benefits both legal professionals and the individuals they represent. By focusing on the structural needs of settlement distribution, Fuller's firm aims to transform courtroom victories into lasting justice, mitigating risks that have historically plagued the post-verdict phase. This development highlights the growing importance of settlement planning in ensuring ethical and effective legal outcomes, with potential impacts on industry practices and client protections nationwide.
