Investor Resource
What Is a Securities Attorney?
A securities attorney specializes in investment disputes, broker misconduct, and FINRA arbitration. Here's what they do and when you need one.
What a Securities Attorney Does
A securities attorney is a lawyer who specializes in the laws and regulations governing the buying and selling of financial products — stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, options, and more. On the investor side, securities attorneys represent clients who have been harmed by broker misconduct, investment fraud, or regulatory violations. They file claims in FINRA arbitration, negotiate settlements, and in some cases litigate in federal or state court. A good securities attorney understands both the law and the mechanics of the securities industry — including how brokers are compensated, how products are structured, and how FINRA's regulatory framework works.
When You Need One
You need a securities attorney if you have suffered significant investment losses and believe your broker may have acted improperly — through unsuitable recommendations, unauthorized trading, churning, misrepresentation, or outright fraud. You also need one if you have received a FINRA investigation inquiry, a regulatory subpoena, or are facing disciplinary proceedings. The earlier you engage a securities attorney, the better — both to preserve evidence and to meet filing deadlines. Most securities attorneys offer free initial consultations and handle investor claims on a contingency fee basis, so there is no financial risk to getting an evaluation.
How to Choose the Right One
Not every attorney who handles securities cases is equally experienced in FINRA arbitration. Look for attorneys who are members of PIABA (Public Investors Advocate Bar Association), the leading organization for investor-side securities lawyers. Ask about their specific FINRA arbitration experience, the types of cases they handle, and their track record. Former brokers or regulators who became attorneys bring valuable industry knowledge. All of the attorneys in The Diogenes Group directory meet these criteria and offer free consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a securities attorney cost?
Most investor-side securities attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect a percentage (typically 25%–40%) of any recovery, and nothing if you lose. This eliminates the financial barrier to pursuing a claim and aligns the attorney's interests with yours.
What is PIABA and why does it matter?
PIABA — the Public Investors Advocate Bar Association — is the leading professional organization for attorneys who represent investors in securities disputes. Membership signals a commitment to the investor side of securities law and access to a network of experienced colleagues. Most of the attorneys in our directory are PIABA members.
Can a securities attorney help me even if I don't have a FINRA claim?
Yes. Securities attorneys handle a wide range of matters beyond FINRA arbitration — SEC investigations, state securities law violations, class action participation, whistleblower claims, and disputes with investment advisers who are not FINRA-regulated broker-dealers. If you have an investment dispute of any kind, a securities attorney can help you understand your options.
Attorneys Who Handle These Cases
These attorneys have experience with what is a securities attorney? matters.