Securities Arbitration and Securities Litigation Attorney

If you believe your investment funds and securities have been mismanaged or inappropriately handled, contact our Pittsburgh securities fraud lawyer at Betts, Hull & Klodowski in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Attorney Michael Betts has considerable experience helping clients recover funds from investment losses. At our securities law firm, we represent both individuals and institutions in matters such as:

• Investment fraud
• School district investment losses
• Pension plan and retirement fund losses
• Broker misconduct or misrepresentation
• An investment firm’s failure to supervise its brokers

For additional information about why you should consider retaining the services of the securities fraud attorney at Betts, Hull & Klodowski for legal representation on your securities / investment litigation matter, read our “Why Choose Us?” section.

Securities Arbitration

Most claims against brokerage firms and brokers for account mishandling are required to be submitted to arbitration, rather than filed in the court system. This is because customers, when they open a brokerage account, are normally required to sign a contract containing an arbitration provision stating that any disputes arising out of the relationship are required to be arbitrated. Most securities arbitrations are filed with, and administered by, the National Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD").

Michael J. Betts and Betts, Hull & Klodowski have substantial experience in the handling of securities arbitration claims through NASD. Mr. Betts is a member of the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association ("PIABA"), an association of lawyers dedicated to the representation of aggrieved investors. Through his membership in PIABA and as a result of his experience in handling these types of matters, Mr. Betts has access to an extensive network of information about brokerage firms, individual brokers and expert witnesses, all of which contribute to helping us develop and present the strongest possible case in your favor.

Securities Arbitration and Litigation Encompasses Many Types of Fraud and Wrongdoing

There are many complex types of lawsuits involved in investment litigation. Our Pennsylvania securities lawyer has a thorough understanding of how federal and Pennsylvania laws regulate the areas of:

Securities Fraud – using deceptive or fraudulent means to sell a stock, bond, mutual fund or margin accounts

Misrepresentation / Failures to Disclose – such as understating risks or overstating the value of a security

Churning or Excessive Trading – when a broker makes an excessive number of trades in a customer's account for the purpose of increasing commissions

Unsuitable Trades – failing to follow rule 2310 of the NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) Rules of Fair Practice that require brokers to determine a customer’s needs and risk tolerance before recommending a trade of investment strategy

Breach of Fiduciary Duties – when brokers and financial advisors fail to perform the broad fiduciary duties owed to their clients, as described in the Pennsylvania Superior Court case of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith v. Perelle , 514 A.2d 552 (1986)

Unauthorized Trading – when a broker makes trades in a customer’s account without prior approval

Margin Accounts – when a brokerage firm or broker fails to disclose the risks and/or costs of margin, when a broker uses a margin account to facilitate excessive trading, or when the firm or broker fails to adhere to the terms of the margin agreement

Failure to Supervise – brokerage firms that do not adequately supervise the activities of their brokers (“registered representatives”) may be liable for losses if wrongful conduct was involved

Life Insurance / Variable Annuities – recent widespread abuse has occurred in connection with the sale of these products to unsuitable customers for the sake of high fees and commissions by the brokers

Pittsburgh Securities Fraud Lawyer
Call Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation

For a free consultation and case evaluation to discuss whether we can help you recover investment funds and other monies, contact our Pittsburgh securities fraud lawyer at Betts, Hull & Klodowski today. We will review the particular facts of your case and advise you about the process involved in pursuing a claim through securities and investment arbitration.

Evening and weekend appointments are available by request, and we can travel to meet with clients at a location convenient to them. For more detailed information, please see our practice center on securities and arbitration litigation.