Securities Litigation Lawyers │ Bakhtiari & Harrison

Bakhtiari & Harrison are securities litigation lawyers representing investors and financial professionals in state and federal court securities cases nationwide. The firm’s attorneys are admitted in multiple federal districts and has served as lead class action counsel in federal and state court. Initial consultations are free.

When securities disputes go to court

Most investor disputes with FINRA-registered brokerage firms are resolved through FINRA arbitration due to pre-dispute arbitration clauses in account agreements. However, securities litigation in state or federal court is appropriate — and sometimes necessary — in the following situations:

• The dispute involves an investment adviser not registered with FINRA
• The account agreement does not contain a pre-dispute arbitration clause
• The claim involves a public company’s false or misleading disclosures (federal securities fraud under Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5)
• The case is more suitable for a class action than individual arbitration
• Emergency injunctive relief is needed before an arbitration panel can convene
• The respondent is a party not subject to FINRA jurisdiction

Securities litigation encompasses a range of disputes, including allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, insider trading, and breaches of fiduciary duty. The attorneys at Bakhtiari & Harrison are well-versed in these areas, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both state and federal securities laws to their practice. Their expertise allows them to handle complex cases that involve intricate financial products and detailed regulatory issues, distinguishing them in a field that demands both precision and strategic acumen.

Securities litigation lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison are tasked with more than just representing clients in court. They analyze the legal aspects of financial transactions and advise on the potential litigation risks. When disputes arise, they develop strategies tailored to the specifics of each case, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients. Whether defending a client accused of regulatory violations or pursuing justice for investors harmed by securities fraud, these attorneys are meticulous in their preparation and fierce in their advocacy.

Federal courts — Bakhtiari & Harrison admissions

The firm’s attorneys are admitted to practice in the following federal courts, enabling the firm to litigate securities cases across all major financial markets:

• S. District Court, Central District of California (Los Angeles)
• S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco)
• S. District Court, Eastern District of California
• S. District Court, Southern District of New York
• S. District Court, District of Colorado
• S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Published court decisions

Bakhtiari & Harrison has litigated cases resulting in published federal opinions, including:

• Hosier et al. v. Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. — U.S. District Court, District of Colorado (2011). Confirmation of $54.1 million FINRA arbitration award, including punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.
• Brezden et al. v. Associated Securities Corp. — U.S. District Court, Central District of California (2009). Petition to vacate $8.9 million arbitration award successfully denied.
• Coutee v. Barington Capital Group, LP — Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (2003). Confirmation of arbitration award of punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.
• Goodman v. CIBC Oppenheimer & Co. — U.S. District Court, Central District of California (2001). Federal Arbitration Act does not provide an independent basis for federal subject matter jurisdiction.

Securities class actions

Bakhtiari & Harrison has served as lead class action counsel in both federal and California state court securities class action proceedings. Class actions are appropriate when a large group of investors suffered similar losses from the same fraudulent conduct — for example, false and misleading financial disclosures by a public company that artificially inflated a stock price.

For individual investors considering whether to join a class or file an individual claim, the firm can advise on which approach is likely to produce a better outcome given the specific facts and the size of the claimed losses. Generally, individual FINRA arbitration is preferable for claims above $100,000, while class participation may be appropriate for smaller individual losses from the same widespread fraud.

California securities litigation

California investors have access to additional remedies under California’s Corporate Securities Law of 1968 (the Blue Sky laws), which may provide longer limitations periods and broader remedies than federal law. The Central District of California — the federal district court for the Los Angeles area — is one of the most active federal securities litigation venues in the country, and Bakhtiari & Harrison’s attorneys have practiced there throughout their careers.

Navigating Complex Legal and Financial Landscapes

The complexities of securities litigation require not only legal knowledge but also an understanding of financial markets and instruments. Lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison are adept at navigating these complexities, equipped to handle the multifaceted nature of securities cases. They work closely with financial experts to ensure that every angle of a case is thoroughly examined and that their legal strategies are grounded in solid financial understanding.

Bakhtiari & Harrison’s Client-Centric Approach

What sets securities litigation lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison apart is their commitment to a client-centric approach. Recognizing that each client’s needs and goals are different, they provide personalized service, adapting their legal strategies to meet the specific demands and objectives of each case. This tailored approach not only enhances the firm’s effectiveness in the courtroom but also ensures that clients feel understood and valued throughout the litigation process. Bakhtiari & Harrison also represent parties in arbitral forms such as AAA and FINRA.

Why Choose Bakhtiari & Harrison for Securities Litigation?

Clients choose securities litigation attorneys at Bakhtiari & Harrison for their needs because of the firm’s proven track record, its lawyers’ deep expertise, and their proactive approach to client service. The firm’s attorneys are not only advocates but also advisors who aim to protect their clients’ interests and guide them through the complexities of securities disputes. With Bakhtiari & Harrison, clients have a powerful ally in their corner, ready to tackle high-stakes litigation with confidence and expertise.

Securities litigation lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison stand out as a leader in securities litigation, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to navigate this challenging and complex field. For anyone facing securities litigation, partnering with Bakhtiari & Harrison means enlisting a team of skilled lawyers committed to delivering results and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.