The Securities Litigation team includes ten attorneys who represent a number of the major Wall Street firms, regional firms, banks, registered representatives, investment advisors, financial planners, insurance companies and issuers. The team regularly handles matters before NASD and NYSE arbitration panels and in courts throughout the United States. In addition, the team has advised clients in civil and criminal investigations brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and self-regulating organizations.

The disputes we handle include:

• Intra-firm disputes (usually involving claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, tortious interference, unfair competition, breach of fiduciary duty and “raiding”);
• Claims brought by clients or former clients (usually involving allegations of unauthorized trading, “churning,” unsuitable investments, fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, failure to supervise and violation of state and federal securities laws); and
• Disputes between firms and current and former registered representatives (usually involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, defamation and breach of compensation/bonus agreements).

The team also has handled a number of securities fraud lawsuits (including class-actions) against corporations, officers and directors.

In addition to litigation and arbitration matters, the team has worked closely with a number of securities clients to implement policies and procedures to reduce risk in connection with the hiring process and to ensure that departing representatives do not attempt to misappropriate confidential information or breach their fiduciary duties. We also routinely review and revise clients’ compliance documentation and procedures.

The team members include NASD and AAA arbitrators, the former Chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan Antitrust, Franchising and Trade Regulation Section, an attorney who spearheaded passage of the Michigan Trade Secrets Act and a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Member of the Organized Crime Section of the Department of Justice. Team members have also written and presented a number of articles and speeches on securities arbitration and litigation before local and national organizations.

For more information or questions about the Securities Litigation and Arbitration Team, contact:
Howard B. Iwrey at 248-203-0526