What is FINRA arbitration?

FINRA arbitration is a method of resolving disputes between investors and brokerage firms or financial advisors outside the court system. It involves a neutral third party, an arbitrator, who reviews the case and makes a binding decision.

Why choose arbitration over litigation?

Arbitration is typically faster, less formal, and more cost-effective than litigation. It also provides a final resolution to disputes, with limited grounds for appeal. Most relationships with financial advisors are formalized by entering into a contract which contains a dispute resolution clause. Nationally, most dispute resolution clauses provide for FINRA arbitration.

Who can file a FINRA arbitration claim?

Investors, brokerage firms, and financial advisors can file a FINRA arbitration claim if they have a dispute related to securities or investment activities. FINRA arbitration is normally the forum for disputes among registered persons, brokerage firms and the public customer clients of the firms.

How do I start the FINRA arbitration process?

To start the arbitration process, Bakhtiari & Harrison will file a Statement of Claim with FINRA, detailing the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the relief sought.

What is a Statement of Claim?

A Statement of Claim is a written document submitted by the claimant outlining the facts of the dispute, legal claims, and the desired outcome.

What happens after filing the Statement of Claim?

After filing, the respondent has 45 days to answer the Statement of Claim. The answer must address the claims and may include counterclaims or other relief sought.

What fees are involved in FINRA arbitration?

Fees include filing fees, hearing session fees, and possibly member surcharges or process fees, depending on the specifics of the case.

Can I represent myself in FINRA arbitration?

Yes, you can represent yourself, but many choose to hire an attorney with experience in securities arbitration due to the complexity of the process. Investors and industry professionals who choose to represent themselves do so at a substantial disadvantage, Wall Street firms typically retain experienced professional counsel to represent their interests.

How are arbitrators selected?

Arbitrators are selected through the Neutral List Selection System (NLSS), which provides a list of potential arbitrators. Both parties rank and strike names to agree on a panel.

What qualifications do FINRA arbitrators have?

FINRA arbitrators include attorneys, accountants, financial professionals, and public members who have undergone training and meet FINRA’s qualification standards.

How long does the arbitration process take?

The process typically takes 12-18 months from filing to the final award, but this can vary based on case complexity and scheduling. Preference may be given to investors that are seriously ill or elderly.

What is a prehearing conference?

A prehearing conference is a meeting between the parties and the arbitrators to discuss procedural issues, set a schedule, and address preliminary matters including final FINRA arbitration hearing dates.

What is discovery in arbitration?

Discovery is the exchange of documents and information between the parties to prepare for the hearing. It is more limited than in litigation.

What happens during the arbitration hearing?

During the hearing, both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The arbitrators then deliberate and render a decision.

Is the arbitration hearing open to the public?

No, arbitration hearings are private and confidential. Only the parties, their representatives, and the arbitrators may attend.

Can I settle my case before the hearing?

Yes, parties can settle at any time before the arbitrators render a decision, often through negotiation or mediation.

What is mediation in the context of FINRA arbitration?

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate a settlement. It is separate from arbitration and non-binding.

What happens if I lose in arbitration?

If you lose, the arbitrator’s decision is final and binding. There are limited grounds for challenging the award in court.

Can I appeal an arbitration decision?

Generally, you cannot appeal an arbitration decision. However, you can seek to vacate the award on very narrow grounds, such as arbitrator misconduct.

What types of disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration?

Disputes include claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, breach of contract, and other issues related to securities and investments.

How are damages determined in arbitration?

Damages are determined based on the evidence presented, including financial records, expert testimony, and the specifics of the case.

Can arbitrators award attorney’s fees?

Arbitrators can award attorney’s fees if provided for by law, contract, or if both parties request it.

How do I enforce an arbitration award?

An arbitration award can be enforced in court through a confirmation process, making it a judgment that can be collected.

What is expungement in FINRA arbitration?

Expungement is the process of removing information from a broker’s record on the Central Registration Depository (CRD) system. It is only granted under specific conditions.

What are the grounds for vacating an arbitration award?

Grounds for vacating an award include arbitrator bias, fraud, corruption, or misconduct, as well as exceeding their powers.

Are arbitration awards public?

Yes, arbitration awards are published on FINRA’s website, providing transparency and access to past decisions.

What is the role of the Office of Dispute Resolution?

The Office of Dispute Resolution administers arbitration and mediation cases, ensuring that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

What is a Simplified Arbitration?

Simplified Arbitration is for cases involving claims of $50,000 or less, allowing for a quicker and less expensive resolution without a hearing.

Can I request an expedited hearing?

Yes, in certain circumstances, such as elderly or seriously ill parties, you can request an expedited hearing.

What is the role of an arbitrator?

An arbitrator acts as a neutral decision-maker, reviewing evidence, hearing testimony, and issuing a binding decision on the dispute.

How do I prepare for an arbitration hearing?

Preparation involves gathering evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing a clear case strategy to present to the arbitrators.

What types of evidence are admissible in arbitration?

Evidence can include documents, emails, financial records, expert reports, and witness testimony, subject to the arbitrators’ discretion.

Can I request documents from the other party?

Yes, through the discovery process, you can request relevant documents and information from the other party to support your case.

How does FINRA handle conflicts of interest with arbitrators?

FINRA requires arbitrators to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and parties can object to arbitrators they believe are biased.

What happens if a party does not comply with discovery?

If a party does not comply, the other party can file a motion to compel, asking the arbitrators to order compliance and possibly impose sanctions.

What is a motion in arbitration?

A motion is a formal request for the arbitrators to make a ruling on a specific issue, such as compelling discovery or dismissing a claim.

Can I request interim relief in arbitration?

Yes, you can request interim relief, such as temporary restraining orders or injunctions, to preserve the status quo pending the final decision.

How are hearing locations determined?

Hearing locations are typically determined by the location of the claimant unless both parties agree to a different venue.

What is a telephonic or virtual hearing?

Telephonic or virtual hearings are conducted via phone or video conference, allowing parties to participate remotely.

How are arbitration awards paid?

Awards are typically paid by the losing party within 30 days of the decision, unless otherwise specified by the arbitrators.

What if the losing party does not pay the award?

If the losing party does not pay, you can seek enforcement through the courts, turning the award into a legally enforceable judgment.

Are there any limits on the types of claims I can bring in arbitration?

FINRA arbitration covers a broad range of claims related to securities, but there are some statutory and regulatory limits on certain types of claims.

Can I bring a class action in FINRA arbitration?

No, class actions are not permitted in FINRA arbitration. However, you can join other claimants in a single arbitration if the claims are similar.

What is the role of expert witnesses in arbitration?

Expert witnesses can provide specialized knowledge and opinions to help explain complex financial issues to the arbitrators.

How are hearing dates scheduled?

Hearing dates are scheduled based on availability of the parties and arbitrators, with consideration for the complexity of the case.

Can I request a different arbitrator if I believe one is biased?

Yes, you can challenge an arbitrator if you believe they have a conflict of interest or bias that affects their impartiality.

What is a “chairperson” in a FINRA arbitration panel?

The chairperson is the lead arbitrator who manages the procedural aspects of the case and ensures the hearing runs smoothly.

How does FINRA ensure fairness in arbitration?

FINRA has rules and procedures in place to ensure a fair and impartial process, including arbitrator training and disclosure requirements.

How do I learn more about the FINRA arbitration process?

For more information, you can visit FINRA’s website, contact their Office of Dispute Resolution, or consult with experienced attorneys like those at Bakhtiari & Harrison.

How can Bakhtiari & Harrison help with FINRA arbitration?

Bakhtiari & Harrison can assist with filing claims, responding, selecting arbitrators, discovery, hearings, and ensuring the best possible outcome through skilled representation and strategic advice.

Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo Investment Fraud Attorneys

Has Your Financial Dream Turned into a Morro Bay Nightmare?

For many in Morro Bay and the wider San Luis Obispo County, the serene beauty of the Central Coast is not just a backdrop for picturesque sunsets and the iconic Morro Rock; it’s a place where life unfolds at a cherished pace, where community ties run deep, and where financial security is often seen as the cornerstone of a peaceful retirement or a comfortable future. You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and placed your trust in financial advisors to help you navigate the complex world of investments. You believed they had your best interests at heart, that their guidance would lead you toward your financial goals, not away from them.

But what happens when that trust is broken? What happens when the promise of growth dissolves into a painful reality of unexpected losses, not because of market fluctuations, but because of negligent advice, unsuitable recommendations, or outright misconduct by the very person you relied upon?

If you’re a resident of Morro Bay or the surrounding San Luis Obispo area and you’ve recently discovered significant losses in your investment portfolio, losses that don’t make sense given your stated financial goals and risk tolerance, you’re not alone. At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we understand the unique challenges faced by investors in our community, and we are here to help you understand your rights and explore avenues for recovery.

The Morro Bay Investor: A Unique Profile and Why You Might Be Vulnerable

Morro Bay, with its charming coastal atmosphere and vibrant community, attracts a distinct demographic. Many residents are retirees or those nearing retirement, drawn by the relaxed lifestyle and the promise of a peaceful golden age. This often means a significant portion of their wealth is tied up in long-term investments, intended to provide income and preserve capital for their later years. Others are small business owners or families who have diligently saved and are now looking to grow their assets responsibly.

What makes Morro Bay investors uniquely susceptible to negligent financial advice?

Trusting Community Spirit: Morro Bay thrives on its close-knit community. This inherent trust, while a beautiful aspect of life here, can sometimes be exploited in financial relationships. Many people prefer to work with advisors recommended by friends or neighbors, or those who present themselves as pillars of the local community, without fully vetting their practices.
Focus on Preservation: For retirees, the primary investment goal is often capital preservation and steady income, rather than aggressive growth. A negligent advisor might push high-risk, speculative investments that are completely unsuitable for someone focused on maintaining their principal, leading to devastating losses.
Less Experience with Market Volatility: While some Morro Bay investors are highly sophisticated, many have built their wealth through traditional means – home equity, pensions, or long-term savings – and may have less direct experience navigating the nuances of the stock market or understanding complex investment products. This can make them more reliant on their advisor’s guidance and less likely to question unsuitable recommendations.
Geographic Proximity and Limited Options: While the internet has expanded access to financial services, many Morro Bay residents still prefer to work with advisors within a reasonable driving distance in San Luis Obispo County. A limited pool of local advisors, if not carefully scrutinized, can mean a client might inadvertently settle for an advisor who is not truly acting in their best interest.
Retirement Savings as Primary Asset: For many, their retirement savings represent the culmination of a lifetime of work. When these vital funds are put at risk due to negligent advice, the emotional and financial impact is profound, making swift and decisive action crucial.

We understand these unique aspects of the Morro Bay investor. We live and work in this community too, and we are committed to protecting our neighbors from those who would take advantage of their hard-earned savings.

When Trust Turns to Treachery: Identifying Negligent Financial Advice

You placed your trust in a financial advisor, and now your portfolio is in disarray. But how do you know if it’s simply market volatility, or if something more insidious – like negligent advice or outright misconduct – is at play?

Negligent financial advice occurs when a financial advisor fails to act with the care, skill, and diligence that a reasonably prudent professional would exercise in similar circumstances. It’s not about an investment simply losing money; all investments carry risk. It’s about whether the advice given was appropriate, transparent, and in your best financial interest, given your unique situation.

Here are some common signs that you may have been a victim of negligent financial advice:

Unsuitable Investments: Did your advisor recommend high-risk, speculative investments like penny stocks, volatile options, or illiquid alternative investments (such as certain Real Estate Investment Trusts – REITs or private placements) when your stated goal was conservative growth or capital preservation? A core duty of a financial advisor is to recommend investments that are “suitable” for your age, financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. If they pushed products that were clearly out of sync with your stated goals, this is a major red flag.
Excessive Trading (Churning): Has your account been bought and sold repeatedly, generating high commissions for your advisor but leading to minimal or negative returns for you? Churning is a practice where an advisor engages in excessive trading in a client’s account primarily to generate commissions, rather than for the client’s benefit.
Misrepresentation or Omission of Facts: Did your advisor fail to fully disclose the risks associated with an investment? Did they misrepresent the potential returns or guarantee specific outcomes that are simply not possible in the stock market? Advisors have a duty to provide complete and accurate information.
Failure to Diversify: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is a fundamental principle of investing. If your advisor concentrated your entire portfolio in a single stock, industry, or highly risky asset class, and you suffered significant losses as a result, they may have acted negligently. Proper diversification is crucial for effective risk management.
Unauthorized Trading: Did your advisor make trades in your account without your explicit permission? Unless you have granted discretionary authority (which should be clearly documented and understood), all trades must be authorized by you.
Failure to Supervise: If your financial advisor works for a larger brokerage firm, that firm has a legal obligation to supervise its brokers and ensure they are acting ethically and lawfully. If your advisor engaged in misconduct, the firm itself may also be liable for failing to adequately supervise them.
Ignoring Your Financial Goals and Risk Tolerance: Did you clearly communicate your financial goals – whether it was saving for retirement, a child’s education, or a down payment on a home – and your comfort level with risk, only to find your advisor steered you into investments that completely ignored these crucial parameters? Your advisor should have thoroughly assessed your financial profile and consistently acted within those parameters.
High Fees and Hidden Costs: Were you placed into investment products with excessively high fees, surrender charges, or other hidden costs that significantly eroded your returns? While fees are a part of investing, excessive or undisclosed fees can be a sign of negligence or self-serving advice.
Pressure to Invest Quickly: Did your advisor pressure you into making investment decisions without giving you adequate time to consider the options or review the associated risks? Legitimate advisors prioritize your understanding and comfort, not a quick sale.

If any of these scenarios resonate with your experience, it’s critical to seek legal counsel promptly. The longer you wait, the more challenging it can become to gather evidence and pursue a claim.

The Fiduciary Standard: The Bedrock of Trust

At the heart of every responsible financial advisory relationship in California lies the fiduciary duty. In this state, all stockbrokers and financial advisors are legally required to adhere to fiduciary standards, meaning they must always act in the best interests of their clients. This obligation ensures that advisors prioritize their clients’ needs above their own financial gain, fostering a relationship built on trust and integrity.

What does a fiduciary duty mean for you, the investor?

It means your financial advisor has the highest legal obligation to act in your best interest, always. This is a much stricter standard than the “suitability” standard that applies to many brokers, which only requires them to recommend investments that are suitable for your situation, even if a better, less costly option exists that benefits the client more than the advisor.

A fiduciary must:

Act with undivided loyalty: They must put your financial interests above their own, or those of their firm. This means avoiding conflicts of interest or fully disclosing them.
Exercise the utmost care: They must conduct thorough due diligence on any investment they recommend and monitor your portfolio diligently.
Provide full and fair disclosure: They must be transparent about all fees, risks, and potential conflicts of interest.

When a financial advisor breaches their fiduciary duty, and you suffer financial harm as a result, you may have a strong case for recovery. Understanding whether your advisor was truly a fiduciary, and if they upheld that vital responsibility, is a crucial first step in evaluating your situation.

The Importance of Risk Management and Asset Allocation: Tools for Proper Investment Management

While the focus of this discussion is on negligent advice, it’s equally important for investors to understand the fundamental principles that underpin sound investment management. A competent financial advisor should thoroughly discuss and implement these concepts with you. When they fail to do so, or implement them improperly, it can contribute to a claim of negligence.

Risk Management: Understanding and Mitigating Your Exposure

Every investment carries some level of risk. The goal of effective risk management is not to eliminate risk entirely (which is impossible in investing), but to understand, quantify, and mitigate it in a way that aligns with your individual circumstances and objectives.

Defining Your Risk Tolerance: Before any investment is made, a good advisor will work with you to clearly define your risk tolerance. This isn’t just about how much money you can afford to lose; it’s also about your emotional capacity to withstand market fluctuations. Are you comfortable with significant swings for potentially higher returns, or do you prefer stability, even if it means lower potential gains? Your advisor should have a clear, documented understanding of this.
Understanding Investment-Specific Risks: Different investments carry different risks. Stocks are generally more volatile than bonds. Investing in a single company carries more risk than a diversified mutual fund. Illiquid investments, like certain private placements or non-traded REITs, carry the risk that you may not be able to sell them easily or at a fair price when you need to. Your advisor has a duty to explain these specific risks to you in an understandable way.
Mitigating Concentrated Risk: As mentioned earlier, diversification is a key risk management tool. An advisor who puts a disproportionate amount of your assets into one or two investments, or into a single industry, is exposing you to unnecessary concentrated risk. This is particularly problematic if those investments are speculative or volatile.
Regular Review and Adjustment: Risk management isn’t a one-time event. Your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance can change over time. A diligent advisor will regularly review your portfolio with you, discuss any changes in your life circumstances, and adjust your investments as needed to ensure they remain aligned with your current risk profile.
“Know Your Customer” Rule (KYC): FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), which oversees brokerage firms and brokers, has a “Know Your Customer” rule. This rule requires brokers to have a reasonable basis for believing that a recommendation is suitable for a customer. This means they must gather information about your financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other relevant information. If your advisor failed to properly “know” you, they couldn’t possibly give suitable advice.

Asset Allocation: The Strategic Blueprint for Your Portfolio

Asset allocation is the process of deciding how to divide your investment portfolio among different asset categories, such as stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents. It is one of the most critical decisions in investment management and has a far greater impact on your long-term returns than individual stock picking.

The Power of Diversification: Asset allocation is the fundamental tool for diversification. By spreading your investments across various asset classes that tend to behave differently under various market conditions, you can reduce overall portfolio volatility and potentially enhance returns over the long term. A balanced portfolio can cushion the impact of a downturn in any single asset class.
Aligning with Goals and Time Horizon: Your asset allocation should be directly tied to your investment goals and time horizon. If you are saving for retirement decades away, a more aggressive allocation with a higher percentage in stocks might be appropriate. If you are nearing retirement and need stable income, a more conservative allocation with a higher percentage in bonds or cash might be more suitable. A negligent advisor might ignore your time horizon and put you in an allocation that is fundamentally mismatched.
Long-Term Strategy, Not Short-Term Speculation: Proper asset allocation is a long-term strategy, not a speculative tactic for short-term gains. It requires discipline and adherence to a well-thought-out plan. An advisor who frequently changes your asset allocation without a clear, justifiable reason, or who chases hot trends, may be acting negligently.
Considering Your Entire Financial Picture: Asset allocation should not occur in a vacuum. A comprehensive financial advisor will consider your entire financial picture, including your income, expenses, debt, insurance, and other assets (like real estate), when determining the most appropriate allocation for your investable assets.
Rebalancing: Over time, the performance of different asset classes can cause your portfolio’s original asset allocation to drift. A good advisor will periodically “rebalance” your portfolio – selling some of the overperforming assets and buying more of the underperforming ones – to bring your portfolio back to its target allocation, maintaining your desired risk level.

When an advisor fails to implement sound risk management principles or creates an asset allocation strategy that is fundamentally inappropriate for your circumstances, they are breaching their duty to you. These are not minor missteps; they are often at the core of significant investment losses due to negligence.

The Path to Recovery: Your Next Steps

Discovering that your financial advisor’s negligent advice has caused you significant losses can be emotionally devastating and financially crippling. It’s a betrayal of trust that can leave you feeling helpless and angry. But you are not helpless. You have rights, and there are legal avenues available to pursue recovery.

Step 1: Recognize the Problem – You Are Not Alone

The first and often hardest step is acknowledging that something went wrong beyond normal market fluctuations. Many investors feel embarrassed or blame themselves for trusting the wrong person. This is precisely what negligent advisors count on. Understand that victims of financial misconduct are often intelligent, diligent individuals who were simply led astray by someone they believed was acting in their best interest.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents – The Evidence Speaks

Once you suspect wrongdoing, start compiling all relevant documents. This includes:

Account Statements: Monthly or quarterly statements from your brokerage firm or investment company.
New Account Forms (NAF): These forms outline your stated investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation when you first opened your account.
Correspondence: Emails, letters, and any written communications with your financial advisor.
Investment Agreements: Any contracts or agreements you signed with your advisor or their firm.
Notes: Any notes you took during meetings or phone calls with your advisor.
Tax Documents: K-1s or 1099s related to your investments.

Even if you don’t have everything, gather what you can. Our team can help you obtain missing documents.

Step 3: Seek Knowledgeable Legal Guidance – Your Advocate in Action

This is where Bakhtiari & Harrison comes in. We are Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo Investment Fraud Attorneys who focus on helping investors recover losses due to financial advisor negligence and misconduct. We are not general practitioners; we possess a deep understanding of securities law, FINRA arbitration, and the complex strategies employed by brokerage firms to defend against claims.

Why is legal guidance crucial?

Complex Legal Landscape: Investment fraud and negligence cases involve intricate legal and regulatory frameworks, including state and federal securities laws, and FINRA rules. Navigating these without legal counsel is virtually impossible.
Unequal Footing: Brokerage firms and financial advisors have vast resources and teams of lawyers dedicated to defending against claims. You need someone on your side who can level the playing field.
Statutes of Limitations: There are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for bringing claims. Waiting too long can permanently bar your ability to recover losses.
Arbitration vs. Litigation: Most disputes with financial advisors are resolved through FINRA arbitration, not traditional court litigation. This is a specialized process with its own rules and procedures, and it requires a different approach than a typical lawsuit. Our firm has extensive experience in FINRA arbitration.
Calculating Damages: Accurately calculating your investment losses, including lost opportunity costs and other potential damages, is complex and requires a thorough financial analysis.

Step 4: Our Plan: Your Clear Path to Potential Recovery

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we understand you’re looking for answers and a clear path forward. Our process is designed to be transparent, empathetic, and effective:

Complimentary and Confidential Case Evaluation: Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review the initial details of your situation, and provide an honest assessment of the viability of your claim. This is a safe space to share your concerns without judgment.
In-Depth Investigation and Evidence Gathering: If we believe you have a strong case, we will conduct a thorough investigation. This involves meticulously reviewing all your investment documents, analyzing your advisor’s trading history, assessing the suitability of the investments, and identifying all potential breaches of duty. We will handle all communication with the financial firm and gather any additional necessary records.
Strategic Claim Filing and Negotiation: Once we have a comprehensive understanding of your case, we will meticulously draft and file a formal claim against the financial advisor and/or their firm. While we prepare for arbitration, we will always explore opportunities for negotiation or mediation to achieve a favorable settlement outside of a formal hearing, if it is in your best interest.
Arbitration Hearing and Award Collection (If Necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will aggressively represent you in a FINRA arbitration hearing. Our team will present compelling evidence, argue your case before an arbitration panel, and tirelessly advocate for the maximum possible recovery. Once an award is granted, we will assist you in the collection process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Avoiding Failure: What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Ignoring the problem or delaying action after discovering significant investment losses due to negligent advice can have severe consequences:

Permanent Loss of Funds: Without legal intervention, the losses you’ve incurred may become permanent. The financial advisor and their firm will have no incentive to compensate you voluntarily.
Statute of Limitations Expiry: As mentioned, there are time limits for bringing these types of claims. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your right to pursue recovery, regardless of the merits of your case.
Continued Financial Strain: The financial impact of investment losses can ripple through your life, affecting your retirement plans, your ability to meet current expenses, and your overall financial security.
Empowering Misconduct: By not holding negligent advisors accountable, you allow them to continue their harmful practices, potentially affecting other unsuspecting investors in our community.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

You don’t have to face the fallout of negligent financial advice alone. Bakhtiari & Harrison is here to guide you through this challenging time and fight for the recovery you deserve. We understand the emotional toll these situations take, and we approach every case with compassion, dedication, and a fierce commitment to our clients.

Don’t let another day pass in uncertainty.

If you are a Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo resident who has suffered significant investment losses due to negligent advice from your financial advisor, reach out to us today.

Here’s how to take the first step towards reclaiming your financial peace of mind:

Contact us for a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation: Fill out our online contact form. There’s no risk, and no obligation, just a conversation about your situation.
Share Your Story: During our consultation, tell us what happened. The more details you can provide, the better we can understand your circumstances.
Let Us Guide You: We will explain your legal options, outline the potential recovery process, and answer all your questions. We handle most investment fraud and negligence cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us attorneys’ fees unless we recover money for you.

Your Financial Recovery Starts Here

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we are passionate about protecting investors and holding negligent financial advisors accountable. We are deeply rooted in the San Luis Obispo County community and committed to helping our neighbors navigate these complex legal waters. Let us be your steadfast advocate in securing the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

We represent defrauded investors in all the cities in San Luis Obispo County, including San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Templeton, Nipomo, Baywood-Los Osos, Grover Beach, Cayucos, Santa Margarita, Oceano, San Simeon, Lake Nacimiento, San Miguel, Creston, Shandon, Harmony, Blacklake, Whitley Gardens, Woodlands, Garden Farms, Los Ranchos, Oak Shores, and Edna.

Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo investors: Your financial future is worth fighting for. Contact Bakhtiari & Harrison today.