Meyer Wilson Werning has recovered over $350 million for clients facing financial losses due to negligence and misconduct. Our FINRA arbitration lawyer serving clients in New Orleans represents investors seeking to recover damages caused by financial advisors or firms.Â
Our team focuses on holding financial professionals accountable for unsuitable investments, failure to disclose risks, and other improper practices. Cases involving financial advisor misconduct require careful preparation and attention to detail.Â
Our New Orleans investment fraud lawyers guide clients through the FINRA arbitration process to pursue compensation. Contact our firm for a free consultation about your options for recovering losses through FINRA arbitration.
How Does FINRA Arbitration Work?
FINRA arbitration is often mandatory for resolving disputes between investors and financial advisors or firms, as most advisor agreements include arbitration clauses requiring disputes to be handled through this process instead of court litigation.Â
Arbitration is not mediation. It is similar to a court trial since it allows both sides to present to a panel of one to three arbitrators. The arbitrators then issue a decision that is typically final and binding, much like a jury verdict.
The process follows these steps:
- Filing a statement of claim: FINRA arbitration begins with submitting a document that outlines the allegations against the advisor or firm, the actions that caused the financial losses, and the damages being sought.
- Selection of arbitrators: The involved parties select a neutral arbitration panel from FINRA’s roster, based on their qualifications and impartiality.
- Discovery process: Both parties exchange evidence, including account records, communications, and expert reports, making all relevant information available for the hearing.
- Evidentiary hearing: The hearing is formal and includes opening statements, direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, documentary evidence submissions, legal arguments, and closing statements. Hearings are private and not generally open to the public, unlike court trials.
- Arbitrators’ decision: After reviewing the evidence and arguments, the arbitrators issue a decision that is usually final, with very limited options for appeal.
Because FINRA arbitration differs significantly from court litigation, having experienced legal representation helps. Meyer Wilson Werning’s Louisiana investment fraud lawyers have the experience to guide investors through this process and build cases to recover their financial losses.
We Have Recovered Over
$350 Million for Our Clients Nationwide.
Why Is FINRA Arbitration Mandatory?
Most agreements between investors and financial advisors include mandatory arbitration clauses, which require disputes to be resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than in court. This means there is little to no opportunity for court litigation or jury trials.Â
At Meyer Wilson Werning, our investment fraud lawyers are experienced in preparing and presenting cases effectively in this private forum, working to help investors recover their losses.
Advantages of FINRA Arbitration
FINRA arbitration offers several advantages for resolving disputes between investors and financial advisors or firms, such as:
- Faster resolutions: Arbitration often moves more quickly than traditional court litigation. This allows investors to resolve their disputes and potentially recover financial losses in a shorter time frame.
- Private process: Arbitration hearings are private, meaning sensitive financial details are not made part of the public record. Arbitration provides a level of discretion for both parties.
- Knowledgeable arbitrators: Arbitration panels typically include individuals who understand the legal aspects of investment disputes and can focus on the specific details of the case.
Meyer Wilson Werning’s New Orleans FINRA arbitration attorneys are well-versed in this process and work towards the most favorable outcomes for investors.Â
Types of Claims Handled in FINRA Arbitration
Some of the specific types of claims we handle through FINRA arbitration include:
- Failure to diversify portfolios: Concentrating your investments in one asset, sector, or type of investment increases risk. Advisors who fail to diversify portfolios may be held responsible for the losses caused by this negligence.
- Misrepresentation or omission of material facts: Misleading statements or the failure to disclose important information about an investment’s risks or performance can lead to significant harm.
- Excessive trading or churning: Excessive buying and selling of investments for the purpose of generating commissions is a common form of misconduct that can drain an investor’s account.
- Unauthorized trading: Executing trades without the investor’s permission is a direct violation of trust and fiduciary responsibility.
- Over-concentration in risky assets: Placing too much of a portfolio in speculative or high-risk investments without regard to the client’s financial goals or risk tolerance can lead to devastating losses.
Our lawyers are nationwide leaders in investment fraud cases.
What Sets Our FINRA Arbitration Attorneys in New Orleans Apart?
Meyer Wilson Werning is nationally recognized for its dedication to protecting investors and holding negligent financial advisors accountable. Founding partner David Meyer has served as president of three bar associations, including PIABA (Public Investors Advocate Bar Association).
In this leadership role, he worked alongside the SEC, FINRA, Senate offices, and policymakers to advocate for stronger enforcement of securities laws and investor protections. Our firm has recovered over $350 million for clients and brings over 75 years of combined experience to every case.Â
By maintaining a low caseload, we dedicate the time and resources necessary to prepare each case thoroughly. We approach every case as though it will proceed to a full evidentiary hearing, ensuring we are ready to present a strong argument before the arbitrators.
We Are The firm other lawyers
call for support.
Our FINRA Arbitration Attorneys Do Not Charge Upfront Fees
We know what’s at stake for our clients, which is why all cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.Â
In most cases, our New Orleans FINRA arbitration lawyers also advance the necessary expenses, so you can focus on moving forward without stressing over the financial burden of pursuing your claim. At Meyer Wilson Werning, our priority is helping you recover what you’ve lost.
Call Us for Help With FINRA Arbitration
Financial advisor misconduct can have a lasting impact on your financial future, but Meyer Wilson Werning is here to help. With over $350 million recovered for clients and decades of experience handling FINRA arbitration cases, our attorneys are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to get started with a free consultation.
Recovering Losses Caused by Investment Misconduct.