Financial advisors and securities firms are trusted to act in the best interests of their clients at all times. In fact, it is your fiduciary duty to honor your clients’ wishes and act in ways that support their goals. However, this bustling industry can become overwhelming at times, and you may find yourself struggling with an unfair customer complaint or facing an investigation conducted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Any issues that take you away from serving your clients can be upsetting and stressful, but it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to navigate these challenges on your own. When you enlist the guidance of a highly experienced and knowledgeable securities law attorney, you can better understand your options for responding to the matter facing you.
When it comes to selecting a regulatory defense lawyer, you deserve the best. Attorney Tosh Grebenik has a substantial track record of successfully defending professionals in the financial and securities industries from customer complaints. Additionally, he has pursued expungement requests of wrongful complaints and helped his clients keep their professional reputations clear of baseless allegations. While you can discuss your concerns with Judex Law LLC at any time, let’s take a look at some of the key events that may present themselves where it’s especially important to seek legal counsel for optimal results.
Notification of Investigation by FINRA or the SEC
Learning that you are the subject of an investigation led by FINRA, the SEC, or another regulatory entity can be extremely concerning and stressful. However, before you picture the worst-case scenario, it’s essential to remind yourself that this is a slow process where you will have the opportunity to present your case and push back against any allegations. As soon as you receive a formal notice of investigatory action against you or your firm, reach out to a trusted and experienced regulatory defense lawyer to start strategizing on how to respond. The investigation process follows a strict timeline, so it’s important to honor all deadlines to avoid additional compilations or penalties. With your dedicated legal advocate by your side, you can move through every step of the FINRA investigation with greater clarity and poise.
Deciding Whether to Settle or Proceed to a Hearing
Enforcement-related processes can be considerably overwhelming and intimidating to navigate without legal counsel. It’s natural for the upcoming prospect of a hearing to be daunting, which is why working with an experienced securities law attorney can help you feel more comfortable and confident with your options. For instance, your attorney can work with you to examine the details of the situation and decide whether entering into settlement negotiations is worth it to avoid the considerable cost and stress of going to a formal hearing. In some cases, your firm may be able to reach a favorable settlement that allows you to avoid admitting fault or suffering any serious damage to your reputation. If you have questions about how to address or resolve an open dispute, reach out to Judex Law LLC at your earliest convenience to get started.
Navigating the Arbitration Process
Arbitration can be a complex and time consuming process, especially if there are multiple parties involved in the dispute. The arbitration process often requires several pre-hearing conferences, discovery requests, and other motions, which can take a substantial amount of time and effort to navigate. While arbitration is often preferable to going to trial, it is still a substantial endeavor that can be daunting and stressful to move through without legal counsel. Moreover, the other parties will likely have legal representation, so it’s worth hiring your own attorney who can represent your best interests and help you work toward a fair and equitable resolution. With a highly qualified attorney by your side, you can build a strong and compelling case that maximizes your chances of success.
Employee Termination Issues
Securities firms typically have clear termination policies and procedures in place to minimize costly disputes or other legal issues that may arise after a financial advisor is let go. However, unclear or overly vague policies can open the door to heated disputes or even allegations of wrongful termination. The termination or resignation of an investment adviser also triggers Form U5 disclosures, which require member firms to provide details about the circumstances surrounding the termination. Failing to report a termination or provide accurate information on the U5 form can lead to serious consequences, so it’s worth discussing your options and obligations with a knowledgeable and caring regulation compliance attorney to ensure that the steps you take sufficiently protect you from potential issues or enforcement action.
Ongoing Support When You Need it Most
There are certainly times when it’s crucial to hire an attorney to help you defend your professional reputation and career. However, it’s equally important to recognize the value of seeking ongoing support from an experienced securities law attorney who understands your specific needs and goals. Even if there is no immediate need for legal representation, discussing your current compliance plans or reviewing your regulatory reporting requirements can be a proactive way to minimize potential legal issues or complications from arising in the future. In many cases, taking steps well before a crisis arises ends up saving you considerable time, stress, and money in the long run. What’s more, you can build a meaningful and lasting relationship with your attorney over the years, allowing you to rely on them as needed throughout your career.
Get Started With a Trusted and Caring Securities Law Attorney Today
As a FINRA certified arbitrator, attorney Tosh Grebenik has personally handled more FINRA cases than any other attorney in the country. Whether you are struggling with an issue involving disclosures, state regulatory defense, broker or securities fraud or negligence, securities compliance, FINRA complaint expungement, or arbitration, you can rely on Judex Law LLC to serve you with the care and professionalism you deserve. Now’s the time to take action—reach out to our office today to get started.
If you are struggling with an unfair customer complaint or you’ve received notice that you are under investigation by FINRA or the SEC, it’s essential to enlist the guidance and support of a highly experienced and trusted securities law and regulatory defense attorney. Reach out to Judex Law LLC today at (303) 523-4022 to discuss your options.