FINRA Attorneys — Bakhtiari & Harrison

What Bakhtiari & Harrison’s FINRA attorneys do

Bakhtiari & Harrison provides FINRA attorney representation across two distinct client groups, each with different needs and legal strategies.

For investors, the firm files and prosecutes FINRA arbitration claims to recover losses caused by broker fraud, unsuitable investments, misrepresentation, churning, unauthorized trading, and financial mismanagement. The firm has represented individual investors, high-net-worth clients, entertainment industry professionals, and institutional investors in complex FINRA proceedings against major Wall Street firms.

For financial professionals — including registered representatives, brokers, and RIAs — the firm defends against customer complaints, represents clients in FINRA regulatory investigations, pursues expungement of meritless CRD disclosures, and handles employment disputes including compensation claims, promissory note defense, and wrongful termination.

Why FINRA arbitration requires specialized counsel

FINRA arbitration is not the same as court litigation. It operates under its own procedural rules, its own discovery framework, and its own standards for arbitrator selection. Awards are binding and virtually unreviewable on the merits. The quality of representation — from the Statement of Claim through the evidentiary hearing — determines the outcome.

Brokerage firms are represented by experienced, well-resourced defense counsel who handle FINRA arbitration cases every day. Investors and financial professionals deserve equally specialized representation.

Ryan Bakhtiari served as Chairman of the FINRA National Arbitration and Mediation Committee — the advisory body that makes rules and policy for FINRA arbitration — and presently serves as a FINRA arbitrator. This is a level of institutional knowledge of FINRA arbitration that no general practice firm can offer.

How FINRA arbitration works — step by step

1. File a Statement of Claim. The claimant files with FINRA’s Dispute Resolution Services, describing the dispute, identifying the parties, and specifying damages. Filing fees range from $50 to $1,800 depending on claim size.
2. Respondent files an Answer. The brokerage firm or broker has 45 days to respond.
3. Arbitrator selection. Both parties receive lists of potential arbitrators and have the opportunity to rank and strike candidates. For claims over $100,000, a three-person panel is typically used.
4. Pre-hearing conferences and discovery. The parties exchange documents and information. FINRA’s discovery rules are more limited than federal court but still require careful management.
5. Evidentiary hearing. Both sides present evidence and argument before the arbitration panel. Hearings typically last one to several days.
6. The panel issues a written award, usually within 30 days of the close of the hearing. Awards are binding and enforceable in federal court.

Bakhtiari & Harrison’s FINRA track record

• $54.1 million FINRA arbitration award against Citigroup Global Markets (2011): the largest FINRA award of that year, confirmed by the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The award included $17 million in punitive damages. Reported by the Wall Street Journal as the largest FINRA arbitration award ever levied against a major Wall Street brokerage in favor of individual investors.
• $8.9 million arbitration award defended on petition to vacate: Brezden v. Associated Securities Corp.
• High-net-worth and entertainment industry representation: the firm has represented professional athletes and entertainment industry professionals in claims involving significant investment losses.
• Lead class action counsel: in federal and California state court securities proceedings.
• $250 million+ total recovered: for clients in FINRA arbitration and litigation over four decades.

FINRA hearing locations — we go where you are

FINRA operates 69 hearing venues across the United States, including at least one in every state. Hearings are held at the venue closest to the claimant’s residence or business, which means the firm’s Studio City attorneys represent clients at FINRA hearing locations nationwide without requiring clients to travel to California.

Key FINRA hearing offices include Los Angeles (300 South Grand Ave), New York (One Liberty Plaza), Chicago (55 West Monroe St), Houston (1980 Post Oak Blvd), Miami (100 SE 2nd St), and Dallas (12801 N Central Expressway).

Frequently asked questions — FINRA attorneys

Do I need a FINRA attorney to file a FINRA arbitration claim?

You are not required to have an attorney to file a FINRA arbitration claim — but it is strongly advisable. Brokerage firm respondents are represented by experienced FINRA defense counsel in virtually every case. The procedural and substantive complexity of FINRA arbitration — from the Statement of Claim through arbitrator selection, discovery, and the evidentiary hearing — puts unrepresented claimants at a significant disadvantage. Bakhtiari & Harrison offers a free initial consultation and represents investor claimants on a contingency fee basis.

How is a FINRA attorney different from a general securities lawyer?

A FINRA attorney has specific experience and expertise in FINRA’s arbitration rules, procedures, and processes — as distinct from general securities law or court litigation experience. Ryan Bakhtiari’s service as FINRA NAMC Chairman and his current role as a FINRA arbitrator give the firm institutional knowledge of FINRA arbitration that no amount of general securities law experience can replicate. When evaluating a FINRA attorney, ask specifically how many FINRA arbitration hearings they have handled and what their familiarity is with the specific FINRA hearing location and arbitrator pool that would apply to your case.

How long does FINRA arbitration take?

FINRA arbitration typically takes 12 to 18 months from filing to award for standard cases. Complex cases involving larger damages, multiple parties, or sophisticated financial products may take longer. Bakhtiari & Harrison manages the complete process from initial claim evaluation through the evidentiary hearing and award enforcement.

What does a FINRA attorney cost?

Bakhtiari & Harrison represents investors in FINRA arbitration on a contingency fee basis — the firm is only paid if it recovers money for the client. If the firm does not recover, the client owes nothing. Initial consultations are free. For financial professional matters — expungement, regulatory defense, compensation disputes — the firm works on a flat fee or hourly basis depending on the matter type, with fees discussed in detail at the initial consultation.

Contact our FINRA attorneys — free consultation

Bakhtiari & Harrison offers a free initial consultation for all potential FINRA arbitration matters. Investor cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee. Call (800) 382-7969 or use the contact form to schedule a consultation.

Investor cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee.

Call: (800) 382-7969 | Contact Us