News & Insights

Practice Area: Securities

Finra Seeks Comment On The Efficacy Of Allowing Compensated Non Attorneys To Represent Parties In Arbitration

The FINRA Codes of Arbitration and Mediation Procedure currently allow compensated non-attorney representatives (“NAR”) to represent clients in securities arbitration and mediation subject to some exceptions.  Some parties are represented by relatives or friends who assist with case preparation or presentation.  NAR firms typically provide public investors an alternative to representation by attorneys in disputes…
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The Alabama Supreme Court Confirms Discovery Must Be Limited In State Court While A Motion To Compel Arbitration Is Pending

In Ex parte Locklear Chrysler Jeep Dodge, LLC and Locklear Automotive Group, Inc., the Alabama Supreme Court granted a Petition for Writ of Mandamus (“Petition”), finding that the trial court exceeded its discretion when it granted a Motion to Compel discovery on issues unrelated to arbitration while a Motion to Compel arbitration was presently pending….
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October Is Finra Mediation Settlement Month

Every October, FINRA’s Office of Dispute Resolution significantly reduces mediation prices in order to encourage mediation and settlement of customer and industry disputes.  The goal of Settlement Month is to encourage parties to experience the benefits of mediation for the first time and to reinforce its value and effectiveness for those who have been through…
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The Department Of Labor Seeks An 18 Month Delay On The Fiduciary Rule’s Exemptions

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) recently submitted a proposal to delay implementation of the remaining parts of its fiduciary rule from January 1, 2018 until July 1, 2019.  Two provisions of the rule, which greatly expands the definition of who counts as a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue…
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Arbitration Panel Grants Eligibility Motion To Dismiss And Expungement In Recent Case

Our firm recently obtained an award from a FINRA panel denying all of Claimant’s claims and finding for Respondents.  The panel also granted our Motion for Expungement.  The claim (Arbitration number 16-03568) was filed in December, 2016.  Claimant alleged claims of breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, failure to supervise, violation of the Alabama…
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Finra Arbitration 2016 Statistics

Arbitration case filings for year-end 2016 reflected a 7 percent increase compared to cases filed in 2015 during the same time frame.  More specifically, 3,435 cases were filed in 2015, but 3,681 cases were filed in 2016.  Of the 3,681 cases filed, 68 percent or 2,519 were customer disputes and 32 percent or 1,162 were…
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Highlights From The Finra 2017 Regulatory And Examination Priorities Letter

FINRA released its Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter for 2017.  The letter provides information about areas FINRA plans to review in its 2017 exams based on observations from their regulatory programs, as well as input from various stakeholders, including broker dealers, other regulators and investor advocates. According to its letter, FINRA will be increasing its…
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Recent Case Involving Alternative Investments Receives Award For Respondent

Our firm recently obtained an award from a FINRA panel denying all of Claimant’s claims and finding for Respondents.  The claim (Arbitration number 16-01352) was filed in May, 2016.  Claimant alleged claims of unsuitability, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, failure to supervise, violation of the Alabama Securities Act, violation of securities regulatory rules,…
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