Securities Arbitration Lawyers │ Bakhtiari & Harrison
Bakhtiari & Harrison are securities arbitration lawyers representing investors and financial professionals in FINRA arbitration, AAA arbitration, and securities court litigation nationwide. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles and is admitted in California, New York, Texas, and the District of Columbia. Over four decades, the firm has recovered more than $250 million for clients. Ryan Bakhtiari served as Chairman of the FINRA National Arbitration and Mediation Committee and presently serves as a FINRA arbitrator. Partner David Harrison is a former New York City assistant district attorney and ex-Morgan Stanley in-house counsel. Initial consultations are free. Investor cases handled on contingency.
What is securities arbitration?
Securities arbitration is a private dispute resolution process used to resolve conflicts between investors and brokerage firms or brokers. It is administered primarily by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), though some disputes are heard by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or other forums. An arbitration panel hears both sides and issues a binding, enforceable decision.
Most brokerage account agreements contain a pre-dispute arbitration clause, which requires any dispute to be resolved through arbitration rather than court. This means that for most investors with brokerage accounts, FINRA arbitration is the only avenue to pursue a claim. This process is typically invoked in cases involving broker misconduct, unsuitable investment advice, fraud, misrepresentation, or contract violations.
Securities arbitration vs. court litigation
Understanding the differences between arbitration and litigation helps investors and financial professionals choose the right forum for their dispute.
| Factor | FINRA Arbitration | Court Litigation |
| Timeline | 12–14 months typical | 2–5+ years typical |
| Confidentiality | Private — not public record | Public record |
| Appeal rights | Extremely limited | Full appellate review |
| Decision-makers | Public and/or Industry arbitrators | Judge or jury |
| Discovery | Limited, FINRA-specific rules | Full federal/state rules |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Availability | Required by most brokerage agreements | Available for non-FINRA parties |
Why expertise in FINRA arbitration matters
Securities arbitration is a specialized field. The procedural rules, discovery framework, arbitrator selection process, and evidentiary standards differ significantly from court litigation. Attorneys who practice primarily in court litigation are often at a disadvantage in FINRA arbitration proceedings.
Bakhtiari & Harrison focuses exclusively on securities law and FINRA arbitration. Ryan Bakhtiari’s service as Chairman of the FINRA National Arbitration and Mediation Committee — the body that shapes FINRA’s arbitration rules and procedures — represents an institutional understanding of the forum that no general practice securities firm can match. Ryan Bakhtiari also presently serves as a FINRA arbitrator, giving the firm direct insight into how arbitration panels evaluate evidence and reach decisions.
Types of claims handled in securities arbitration
Bakhtiari & Harrison represents clients in securities arbitration claims involving:
- Broker fraud and misrepresentation
- Unsuitable investment recommendations (FINRA Rule 2111)
- Churning and excessive trading
- Unauthorized trading
- Over-concentration and asset allocation failures
- Failure to supervise
- Elder financial fraud
- Ponzi scheme losses
- Non-traded REIT and structured product failures
- Hedge fund fraud
- Variable annuity misconduct
- FINRA expungement for financial professionals
- Compensation disputes and U5 defamation claims
California securities arbitration — additional investor protections
California investors have access to protections under both federal securities law and California’s Corporate Securities Law of 1968 (the Blue Sky laws) under the California Corporations Code. California law may provide additional remedies and a longer period to bring certain claims. Bakhtiari & Harrison’s Los Angeles-based attorneys are experienced in asserting California state law claims in FINRA arbitration proceedings alongside federal claims.
Why Investors Choose Bakhtiari & Harrison
For investors caught in securities disputes, choosing the right securities arbitration lawyer is crucial. Clients select securities arbitration lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison for their robust track record and their focused expertise in securities arbitration. The firm not only aims to resolve disputes favorably but also strives to restore and maintain clients’ confidence in their investment strategies and financial futures.
Bakhtiari & Harrison offers a powerful blend of legal expertise and strategic financial insights, making them a leader in securities arbitration. Their personalized approach ensures that each client receives attentive and effective representation, tailored to the nuances of their specific dispute within the securities industry. For anyone facing such challenges, the securities arbitration lawyers of Bakhtiari & Harrison are a formidable ally, equipped to advocate strongly on their behalf in the arbitration arena.