Do You Need an Attorney for Securities Arbitration?

Most interactions between investors and investment professionals are positive. However, when a problem occurs that the parties can’t resolve on their own, further measures are sometimes needed. One such measure is securities arbitration. Arbitration is an alternative to litigation that is usually faster and less expensive than going to court. Disputes between investors and investment professionals are arbitrated before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The FINRA arbitration process proceeds as follows:

• A FINRA arbitrator or panel of arbitrators listens to arguments from both parties

• The arbitrator or panel examines the evidence presented by the parties

• The panel renders a decision, which is called an award

As you begin the arbitration process, one decision you must make is whether to hire an experienced investor representation attorney to handle your case. Since arbitration isn’t as complex as traditional litigation, some people believe they can handle it on their own. However, it’s important to remember that arbitration is a legal proceeding and, as such, experienced legal representation is advisable. Some of the benefits of hiring an investor representation attorney to represent you at your arbitration proceeding include:

Experience – Most investors are unfamiliar with the arbitration process. However, an experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process and prepare your case for presentation before FINRA.

Guidance – An attorney’s guidance can begin far before the actual arbitration process begins. An experienced investor representation attorney can assist you in determining whether you have a viable arbitration claim in the first place. This alone is invaluable, as investors sometimes waste time and money pursuing claims with little to no chance of success.

Assistance choosing an arbitrator or panel – FINRA provides the parties to an arbitration proceeding with a list of potential arbitrators to choose from. An experienced attorney can help you choose the arbitrator or arbitrators that are the best fit for your case.

Privilege – All communications with your attorney are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. This allows investors to be upfront with their attorneys without fear of having their personal information used against them.

Fort Lauderdale Investor Representation Attorney

At Simms Law, P.A., one of our primary focuses is the representation of investors—including those investors who believe they’ve been the victims of financial fraud. Securities fraud can occur in a number of ways, including when a broker or financial advisor misrepresents the risks and key characteristics of an investment. At Simms Law, we take your concerns seriously, and we are fully prepared to fight for your right to receive compensation for your losses. Therefore, if you suspect that any suspicious activity has occurred in any of your investment accounts, or if you believe that you have been misled about the nature and risks of any of your investments, please contact us today for a free consultation.