The Securities Arbitration process begins with the filing of the Statement of Claim before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA. Filing a Statement of Claim before FINRA can be done electronically.

A Statement of Claim will generally contain the relevant facts and legal theories under which the “investor” beleives is entitled to relief or the recovery of their damages. Examples would include the violaton of the federal securities laws, state securities and/or blue sky laws, fraud, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, the failure to supervise, etc.,

Depending upon the size of the claim, the FINRA filing fee and the required initial hearing deposit can range from $50 to $2,000. Presently all cases before FINRA are administered throught a Portal.

Respondents are served electronically and have 45 days from the date of service to answer or otherwise respond to the Statement of claim.   An Answer filed by Respondent will generally offer a counter-version of the facts, and reasons as why investors claims are legally flawed.

An Answer filed by Respondent may also include documents, such as the customer’s new account forms.

Guiliano Law GroupAlthough, generally, motions to dismiss are limited in arbitration under Code, a Respondent can file motions to dismiss if the panel determines that:  (A) the non-moving party previously released the claim(s) in dispute by a signed settlement agreement and/or written release; (B) the moving party was not associated with the account(s), security(ies), or conduct at issue; or (C) The non-moving party previously brought a claim regarding the same dispute against the same party that was fully and finally adjudicated on the merits and memorialized in an order, judgment, award, or decision.

Generally, within twenty days following the entry of appearance by counsel or the filing of an Answer, the FINRA Dispute Resolution Staff will provide a supposedly randomly generated neutral list of arbitrators.  The list will contain the educational and occupational background of each arbitrator, potential conflicts of interest, prior awards that they have rendered, and a brief narrative about the arbitrator. Parties are provided 20 days to complete and submit their arbitrator rankings to FINRA.

Among thirty arbitrators, the parties may strike all ten of the industry or non-public arbitrators, (which at least with respect one commentator, significantly effects the outcome of these cases).   Among the remaining ten qualified public chair arbitrators and the other ten public arbitrators, the parties are allowed to strike up to four four arbitrators from each list.

The remaining arbitrators are ranked, and chosen by FINRA supposedly based upon the parties combined rankings or preferences.

The Initial Pre-hearing Conference

Typically,  an Initial Pre-hearing Conference will be scheduled within 30 days of the submission of their arbitrator rankings by the parties.

At the Initial Pre-hearing Conference, according to a script, the arbitrators and the parties will select dates for the completion of discovery, the filing of any discovery motions, or other motions, and any telephonic hearings or conferences with respect to these motions, the filing of pre-hearing briefs or memoranda, and the final hearing dates.

The Disccovery Processs

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA has developed a “Discovery Guide,” which has now been incorporated into the FINRA Arbitration Code, that sets forth the categories of documents each party, Claimant(s) and Respondent(s) are required to produce to each other, and are otherwise “presumptively discoverable.”

Lawyers taking noticesCases are won and lost, or more accurately settled, as a result of discovery. Cases are won and lost, or more accurately settled, as a result of discovery. Respondents’ counsel, will generally, employ every device and ingenuity to avoid the production of highly relevant documents, hidden gems that can be found on inter-office e-mails, responses to exception reports, regulatory submissions, and sometimes documents contained in a broker’s employment files.

Respondents’ counsel also, typically, want unbridled discovery into every aspect of a claimant’s personal financial life, has referred to as the financial colonoscopy, and what I characterize support the two most traditional defenses:   The You Should Have Know Better than to Trust Us; or The You Could Afford to Lose the Money Anyway.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA has developed a “Discovery Guide,” which has now been incorporated into the FINRA Arbitration Code, that sets forth the categories of documents each party, Claimant(s) and Respondent(s) are required to produce to each other, and are otherwise “presumptively discoverable.”  Discovery Guide is not “intended to remove flexibility from arbitrators or parties in a given case.” Discovery Guide at 2, Notice to Members 11-17.  Discovery Guide, “Consideration should be given to the type of controversy and the issues involved in a particular case. Before ordering that a party produce a particular document, the arbitrator(s) should weigh a party’s ability to fully develop his/her case against the reasonableness of the burden to produce the document.” Arbitrators Manual (SICA 2007 at 12)(emphasis added). In addition to those categories of documents set forth in the Discovery Guide, the parties are allowed to propound addditional discovery requests.

lawyer meetingProblems in discovery are frequently encountered because parties believe that relevant, and often highly probative documents, are sometimes not produced by the opposing party because the discovery request, itself, either in whole or in part,  was subject to some form of general objection, or because the withheld documents are somehow privileged, or the documents sought could not be “located” or were purported not to exist (because someone did not look for them).

Problems in discovery are frequently encountered because parties believe that relevant, and often highly probative documents, are sometimes not produced by the opposing party because the discovery request, itself, either in whole or in part,  was subject to some form of general objection, or because the withheld documents are somehow privileged, or the documents sought could not be “located” or were purported not to exist (because someone did not look for them). Most responses to discovery contain the “the familiar litany that interrogatories or document requests are overly broad, burdensome, oppressive and irrelevant will not suffice” and are improper.

“Privilege” is also a re-occurring theme or an issue. However, Discovery is a search for the truth and restrictions on discovery impede the search for the truth. Hickman v. Taylor, 329 U.S. 495 (1947). It is well established that the scope of discovery is to be construed broadly, and limitations on discovery are to be construed narrowly. Herbert v. Lando, 441 U.S. 153 (1979); Edgar v. Finley, 312 F.2d 553 (8th Cir. 1963). The test for relevancy is not whether the information sought is in itself admissible, but whether the information sought may reasonably lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Oppenheimer Fund, Inc. v. Sanders, 427 U.S. 340 (1978)(discovery not limited to merits of case for variety of fact oriented issues may arise during litigation).

Inevitably in many cases, Motions to Compel Discovery are necessary, and the time to file and respond to discovery, the time or deadline for the parties to file and respond to motions to compel, and the time for a hearing with the arbitration chair to generally hear and determine outstanding discovery issues is scheduled at the intital prehearing conference.

The Final Evidentiary Hearing

Generally, from the date a Statement of Claim is filed to a final hearing the process generally takes between 12 and 15 months. Upon receipt of a Statement of Claim, the Respondent (i.e. the brokerage firm’s lawyers) have 45 days to respond. Generally, within twenty days following the entry of appearance by counsel or the filing of an Answer, the FINRA Dispute Resolution Staff will provide a list of proposed arbitrators from which the parties are provided 20 days to complete and submit to FINRA.

arbitration noticeHearings generally last three days. However, three day hearings can easily turn into three week hearings, dispersed over a series of hearing dates over several months, because of recalcitrant witnesses, over-zealous counsel, or inattentive arbitrators, who like to start late, leave early, and take long lunches. Within 30 days, and often sooner, the Arbitration Panel will render an Award.

Accordingly, it is generally agreed, that in most cases, from the filing of the Statement of Claim to the rendering of an Award, from start to finish, it takes approximately 12 to 15 months in most securities arbitrations.

Guiliano Law Group

Our practice is limited to the representation of investors. We accept representation on a contingent fee basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we make a recovery for you. There is never any charge for a consultation or an evaluation of your claim. For more information, contact us at (877) SEC-ATTY. For more information concerning common claims against stockbrokers and investment professionals, please visit us at securitiesarbitrations.com.

 

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OUR PRACTICE AREAS

FINRA Arbitration

The litigation of individual and group investor claims against securities broker-dealers and investment professionals adjuducated in arbitration before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Defective Financial Products

Alternative Investments, Promissory Notes, Structured Products, High Yield Bond Funds, Non-Marketable Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inverse and Leveraged ETFs,  the Failure to Conduct Due Diligence.

Unsuitable Investments

Speculative or High Risk Investment Recommendations, Unsuitable Investment Strategies, Low Priced Securities, Customer Specific Unsuitability, Inappropriate Investment Recommendations.

Stockbroker Misconduct

Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Churing, Unauthorized Trading, Fraud, Stockbroker Theft, Ponzi Schemes, the Sale of Unapprovied investments.

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I had questions and sought a consultation regarding what I believed to have been inappropriate treatment by my brokerage firm. He took the time to give me a clear understanding of what was involved and clearly described next steps to resolve the matter. He did this in a concise, complete and friendly manner. Although in the scheme of things my matter was small. From what I have seen, if I ever had need of a securities lawyer or was asked to refer one to a friend, Nicholas would undoubtedly be the first name I would mention.

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I had a problem with a dishonorable Financial Adviser! So I contacted Mr. Guiliano to see what I could do. Nick said I can't very well charge you for something you can do on your own! Then proceeded to tell me what to do. Because of the short amount of time and my untrustworthy financial adviser's not crossing tee's and dotting I's my life's savings is in the process of being transferred into 3 separate accounts. One's that will work best for me. Instead of one account that kept my money out of my reach! You will have a hard time finding a more upstanding Attorney then Mr. Guiliano!

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"Successful in Achieving Results"
    

I was the one who contacted Nick through his website as my ex-wife had little or no knowledge of investments, and depended completely on the advice of the investment firm. Without specifics I can say that Nick (and his wife) were not only successful in achieving results in the case, but in the process were all that one could expect (and more) as shown in my overall ratings above. I would highly recommend him.

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Excellent Attorney!

Nick represented my wife and I in a recent lawsuit. He was the best attorney we have ever used! Communication was great, he kept us updated regularly, he explained everything in great detail, gave us all our options, and most importantly we always felt he represented our best interest throughout the entire process. We would highly recommend Nick!

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"One In A Million"
    

Nicholas is extremely knowledgeable regarding many facets of the sometimes complicated securities business. This comes from his first hand experience in the business prior to his decision to practice law. Nick is also very dedicated to staying abreast of the ever changing environment that is so prevalent in the investment world. Combine that with his drive and determination to get things done and you have one in a million!!!

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"Excellent Expertise In Securities Fraud"
    
Nick handled a securities fraud case for me. He is an expert in this field. He is extremely responsive with all forms of communication. Very competent and professional.
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My case was taken on a contingency basis. Even though it lasted about two years, the Guiliano law firm kept in contact with me, continued to research the case and brought it to a successful conclusion. They were very supportive of me in my first such experience and were very good to work with.

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Personable and professional, he is the one to go to when investors are defrauded by Brokerage houses and Investment banks. Somebody you want on your side when things go wrong. He takes personal interest in every case and tries his best. Although I could not recover all my losses due to Fed/SEC action which was beyond his control, I would give Mr. Guiliano full marks on every count. He even worked with my accountants to help me write off losses due to fraud.

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My husband and I were lucky to find Nick after losing a substantial amount of money due to poor investing from a prominent company. He made us feel at ease right away and was always accessible for questions and concerns. Nick and his team were wonderful with gathering up all the pertinent information needed for our case, constantly in contact with us, answering all of our questions, which helped to make the process a lot less stressful. We are so very grateful to have had The Guiliano Law Firm represent us and the fact that they did it on a contingency basis made it possible to follow through. If not for them, we would never have been able to pursue this, financially or emotionally.

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"Man Of Integrity"
    

Nick is an incredibly decent Atty. He's a man of integrity, fairness, and honesty. You could see that it's wasn't just me who noticed, it was opposing counsel, at the end of the Zoom! I'm completely impressed with Nick and will keep him in my prayers. Thanks again!

"Fights for his clients like a bull dog"
    

I contacted Nicholas Guiliano for my 90 year old mother, who lives in Oregon to assist her in recovering from an unscrupulous financial manager who talked her into investing in some very high risk and speculative securities to reap high commissions. Mr Guiliano worked very hard to recover what he could for my mother. He is the best and fights for his clients like a bull dog to uphold their rights and protect their interests. I highly recommend Mr Guiliano and his firm when it comes to securities issues.

"Finest Litigation Attorneys"
    

I have been a Corporate Counsel for over 30 years having worked with Banks and large public companies. Nick is one of the finest litigation attorneys in the country.

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"Best Of The Best"
    

I have employed Nick Guiliano personally and on behalf of my clients in the past. Nick is absolutely the best securities lawyer in Philly if not the country. The best of the Best!

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I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere congratulations for your awesome results. I want to acknowledge my appreciation and respect for their splendid professionalism and knowledge you have shown in handling the laws (previous and present), for arbitration over fraud litigations.

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Mr. Guiliano is highly accomplished securities lawyer. He helped us secure a wonderful result in case where my husband and I lost almost all our lifesavings. He is also high compassionate, and did more than most lawyers have ever done for us, as he seems that he cares.

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"Incredibly Resourceful"
    

Nick was incredibly resourceful and professional. His understanding of securities and investment fraud is unparalleled. He is indeed connected with all the powers to be , and is able to provide intellectual and cogent insights. He is tenacious in fighting for his clients, and will never relent. I was able to follow his recommendations and am glad I did.

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Mr. Guiliano (Nicholas) represented my mother and I in an investment case where it appeared the agent was preying on elderly people and steering them to improper investments to reap commissions. Mr Guilano did an excellent job of preparing the case and representing us. Although the case settled out of court, it was the best outcome expected for several technical reasons out of his control. He always kept us informed and provided sound recommendations. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Guiliano for any investment related case.

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I used Mr. Guiliano for a investment fraud case and he did a very good job. I got a good deal of my money back that had been lost due to risky investments I was put into by a prominent company. It was not a really big case, yet Mr. Guiliano was interested and responsive and kept on top of things for me. I would recommend him strongly.

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We called Mr. Guiliano after reading his article in Forbes magazine. Although we though the statue of limitations might have run out on our case, we were thrilled when he took our case. Against the odds, he was able to get a settlement for us. He kept us informed and advised us on the proper course of action. We always felt confident with his ability and advice and it paid off. Highly recommend.

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"Ability To Think Outside The Box"
    

Nick Guiliano came highly recommended to me and I was very fortunate that he agreed to take my case. His knowledge of the law and his ability to think outside the box amazed me more and more as my case progressed. His aggressive style and total dedication to me and my case gave me the confidence that we were going to prevail and we did. He is one of the few Attorneys that does not finish his work at end of the day. He was always thinking of ways to use his expertise and knowledge on my behalf. On a personal note, he is a very down to earth guy who makes you very comfortable and at ease. He gave me the ability to sleep at night knowing that my case was in his hands. I will always recommend him without any reservations. In my book he is “the Best”

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Nicholas Guiliano was successful in winning a case against one of the firms where I had invested. I had a safe investment until a young eager stock broker took over my account and slowly kept putting my money in risky stocks, all while I was on disability. Nick was able to get me a portion of my money back within 2 months. He always was available to speak, and very courteous. I am so grateful to have found Nick. Thank you Nick!
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Nick represented me when a stock broker took advantage of the money I had in my portfolio. He did an unbelievable job because most people thought I did not have a leg to stand on. He really knows his field. I am really thankful that I met Nick because he did a phenomenal job. I would highly recommend him.

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Philadelphia has lived up to it's reputation as having the best attorneys in the Country. I had been told I had a problem of having a Hedge Fund investment. He went to a lot of time and trouble to not take my case. What I really appreciate is his work ethic. He was very kind to me not only with the generosity of his time, but with his words of support. No civilian, like myself, wants a lawsuit but if I ever needed one, it is Mr, Guiliano who I would call upon to represent me. He is a good man.

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