Manhattan Beach Investment Fraud Attorneys & FINRA Lawyers
Investment fraud lawyers serving Manhattan Beach investors
Bakhtiari & Harrison are Manhattan Beach investment fraud lawyers and FINRA attorneys representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities litigation in Manhattan Beach and throughout the South Bay. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles and has represented California investors for four decades — bringing local market knowledge and institutional expertise in FINRA arbitration that out-of-state investment fraud attorneys cannot match.
The Manhattan Beach investor community includes technology, aerospace, and finance professionals and retirees in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes. Manhattan Beach and the South Bay have experienced rapid growth in technology and aerospace employment. These professionals — many with equity compensation and concentrated employer stock positions — have been targeted for complex alternative investment products unsuitable for their profiles.
Common investment fraud claims for Manhattan Beach investors
Bakhtiari & Harrison represents Manhattan Beach investors in a wide range of FINRA arbitration and securities litigation claims. Common claim types include:
- Broker fraud and misrepresentation: false statements or omissions of material fact in connection with the sale of a security, actionable under California Corporations Code § 25401 and federal securities law.
- Unsuitable investment recommendations: recommendations inconsistent with the client’s age, risk tolerance, financial situation, or investment objectives under FINRA Rule 2111 and Regulation Best Interest.
- Unauthorized trading: transactions executed without the client’s prior knowledge or approval, actionable under California Corporations Code § 25235.
- Churning: excessive trading to generate commissions at the client’s expense, actionable under California Corporations Code § 25218.
- Overconcentration: failure to diversify, exposing the client to catastrophic loss in a single security, sector, or product.
- Failure to supervise: the brokerage firm’s independent liability under FINRA Rule 3110.
- Elder financial fraud: exploitation of elderly investors through unsuitable recommendations, unauthorized trading, or variable annuity abuse.
- Ponzi and pyramid schemes: fraudulent investment schemes paying earlier investors from new capital rather than genuine returns.
Manhattan Beach investor profile — local fraud patterns
South Bay investors have been targeted for complex products marketed in the context of retirement planning, tax optimization, and alternative income generation.
Manhattan Beach FINRA arbitration — what investors need to know
Most investor disputes against FINRA-registered broker-dealers are resolved through FINRA arbitration — because brokerage account agreements almost universally contain pre-dispute arbitration clauses. FINRA arbitration hearings for Manhattan Beach investors are typically held at 300 South Grand Ave, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
Bakhtiari & Harrison has appeared before FINRA arbitration panels serving the Manhattan Beach market and brings genuine familiarity with the regional arbitrator pool to every case — a direct strategic advantage in panel selection and hearing preparation.
How a Manhattan Beach investment fraud attorney pursues your claim — step by step
- Free consultation. Bakhtiari & Harrison reviews your account statements, trade confirmations, and the circumstances of your losses at no charge.
- File a Statement of Claim. The firm files with FINRA on your behalf, identifying the respondent and specifying damages.
- Select the arbitration panel. For claims over $100,000, a three-arbitrator panel is appointed. The firm’s experience with the Manhattan Beach FINRA arbitrator pool informs panel selection strategy.
- Complete discovery. Both sides exchange account statements, trade confirmations, suitability questionnaires, internal firm communications, and supervisory records.
- Attend the hearing at 300 South Grand Ave, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
- Receive the award. The panel issues a binding written award, typically within 30 days of the final hearing session. Awards are enforceable in federal court.
California securities law — additional protections
California investors have access to protections under both federal securities law and California’s Corporate Securities Law of 1968 — the Blue Sky laws. California law provides additional remedies and in some cases longer periods to bring certain claims. Bakhtiari & Harrison’s Manhattan Beach investment fraud attorneys are experienced in asserting California state law claims alongside federal claims in FINRA arbitration proceedings.
The Central District of California is the federal court serving the Manhattan Beach area. Bakhtiari & Harrison’s attorneys are admitted in this district and have litigated securities cases there throughout their careers.
Why choose Bakhtiari & Harrison as your Manhattan Beach investment fraud attorney
- $250 million+ recovered. Four decades of FINRA arbitration and securities litigation results for investors throughout California and nationwide.
- FINRA leadership. Ryan Bakhtiari served as Chairman of the FINRA National Arbitration and Mediation Committee and as President of PIABA, and is a Super Lawyer 2005–2026. Partner David Harrison is a former New York City assistant district attorney and ex-Morgan Stanley in-house counsel who began his career as a Series 7-licensed registered representative at Shearson Lehman Brothers.
- California Corporations Code expertise. The firm layers California state law claims alongside federal claims to maximize recovery options.
- Contingency fee representation. No recovery, no fee. Initial consultations are free.
For a full overview of the firm’s statewide practice, California legal framework, and complete list of California locations served, visit the California Investment Fraud Lawyers page.
For more information about the firm’s broader regional practice in this area, visit the Los Angeles Investment Fraud & FINRA Attorneys page.
Frequently asked questions — Manhattan Beach investment fraud
What investment fraud is most common for Manhattan Beach and South Bay investors?
Technology and aerospace professionals are most commonly targeted for complex retirement planning products including variable annuities, non-traded REITs, and alternative income strategies with high fees.
Can I file a FINRA arbitration claim against a South Bay financial adviser?
Yes. Bakhtiari & Harrison represents South Bay investors on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee.
I have a concentrated position in my employer’s stock — can an adviser be liable for mismanaging it?
Possibly. An adviser who fails to implement an appropriate diversification strategy for your specific situation may be liable for the resulting losses.
How long does FINRA arbitration take?
Typically 12 to 18 months. Hearings are held at the Los Angeles FINRA office at 300 South Grand Ave.
Contact a Manhattan Beach investment fraud attorney — free consultation
If you have suffered investment losses in Manhattan Beach or anywhere in California, contact Bakhtiari & Harrison for a free, confidential consultation. Our Manhattan Beach investment fraud attorneys and FINRA attorneys review every potential case at no charge.
Investor cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee.
Call: (800) 382-7969 | Contact Us