Business Details
Your Trusted Securities Fraud Legal Team in Cleveland
We are a dedicated team of legal professionals specializing in securities fraud litigation and investor protection. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys transitioned from representing brokerage firms to exclusively advocating for investors harmed by financial misconduct. Our approach combines deep industry knowledge with a client-centric philosophy, ensuring transparent communication and personalized case strategies. We prioritize merit-based representation, conducting comprehensive preliminary case analyses at no cost to clients. Our team's unique background in defending brokerage firms equips us with insider insights to effectively challenge industry practices.We operate on a contingency fee basis, aligning our success with client recoveries. Our track record demonstrates consistent success in recovering investment losses through arbitration and litigation. We maintain affiliations with leading legal organizations and adhere to the highest ethical standards. Our national practice serves clients from California to Maine, providing accessible legal recourse for victims of financial fraud.
Services
Broker Misconduct
FINRA Arbitration
Investment Advisor Fraud
Margin Trading
Securities Class Actions
Hedge Fund Fraud
Structured Products
Unsuitable Investments
Variable Annuities
Insider Trading
Highlights and features
- We offer free preliminary case workups with actionable legal analysis
- Our team combines former brokerage defense experience with investor advocacy
- We guarantee transparent contingency fee arrangements with no upfront costs
- We maintain a 90%+ client recovery success rate in handled cases
- Our attorneys hold leadership roles in national investor protection organizations
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
What people say
Very professional
Stellar communication
Best interests
Immensely experienced
Happy with outcome
Services
Securities Fraud Litigation
We represent clients in court proceedings against financial professionals who committed securities fraud. Our team leverages deep industry knowledge to prove misrepresentation, omissions, and fiduciary breaches. With former defense attorneys on staff, we anticipate opposing strategies to maximize client recoveries.
FINRA Arbitration
Our attorneys handle investment disputes through FINRA's arbitration process. We prepare comprehensive cases against brokerage firms for unsuitable recommendations, churning, and unauthorized trading. Our success stems from understanding both sides of the arbitration process through prior defense experience.
Investment Advisor Fraud
We pursue claims against advisors who violated fiduciary duties by recommending unsuitable investments. Our team analyzes portfolio performance against stated objectives to prove negligence. We recover losses from misrepresentations about risk profiles and investment time horizons.
Broker Misconduct
We address various forms of broker misconduct including unauthorized trading, excessive commissions, and failure to supervise. Our cases target unethical practices that prioritize broker profits over client interests. We document patterns of misconduct across multiple accounts to strengthen claims.
Structured Products
We handle cases involving unsuitable structured product recommendations. Our team proves brokers misrepresented risks and liquidity constraints. We demonstrate how these complex instruments often fail to deliver promised returns while exposing clients to hidden fees and market risks.
People
Hugh D. Berkson
Lead Securities Attorney
With 20+ years specializing in investment fraud, Hugh represents clients nationwide in recovering securities losses. Formerly defending brokerage firms, he now uses that insider knowledge to advocate for investors. He teaches trial practice at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Questions
What legal options exist for securities fraud victims?
Victims can pursue FINRA arbitration or civil litigation against responsible parties. Our attorneys evaluate case merits and recommend appropriate venues based on contract terms and evidence strength.
How much does a securities fraud lawyer cost?
We work on contingency fees, collecting payment only after successful recovery. This ensures access to justice regardless of financial circumstances while aligning our interests with client outcomes.
What's the process for filing an investment fraud claim?
The process begins with document review and case analysis. We identify legal theories, calculate damages, and prepare claims. Most cases resolve through arbitration, though some proceed to court litigation when appropriate.
How long do securities fraud cases take?
Most cases take 15-18 months from filing to resolution. While some settle faster, we prepare every case for full arbitration to maximize settlement leverage while maintaining client readiness for trial if necessary.
Can I recover losses from unsuitable investments?
Yes, if brokers recommended investments misaligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. We prove unsuitability by analyzing portfolio composition against documented client profiles and investment objectives.
What's the statute of limitations for investment fraud?
Most claims require action within 6 years of the fraudulent act. However, specific time limits vary by state and claim type. Prompt consultation ensures preservation of legal rights and evidence.
