Securities arbitrations, in fact, all arbitrations, are conducted in the same manner that a court trial is held, without some of the formalities. There are opening statements, first by the attorney for the claimant (typically a customer) and then by the respondents (the broker and/or his firm). The openings are […]
Tag: Arbitration
Insight into the FINRA Arbitrator Selection Process
Arbitrator selection has always been one of the most important parts of the arbitration process, and FINRA has strived over the years to make the process fair. Unfortunately, it is not as transparent as it might otherwise be. FINRA’s arbitrator appointment process uses the Neutral List Selection System which FINRA […]
Was the Account Churned?
Churning is excessive trading in a customer’s account by a broker taken in the context of the customer’s financial situation and investment objectives. While no one test is available to determine if an account has been churned, churning requires three elements, first, excessive trading, and second, control of the account […]
Typical Customer Arbitration Claims
There are thousands of complaints filed every year, and they fall into categories. UPDATED November 19, 2021. The trial of customer arbitration claims is a large part of my legal practice. I have been representing customers and brokers in securities arbitration matters since 1982. In those 35 years, I have […]
Avoiding Customer Disputes
You can take steps to avoid being sued by your customers. By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Introduction Since the United States Supreme Court Decision in MacMahon v. Shearson American Express, arbitration has been the preferred method of resolving customer disputes. In fact, today nearly every brokerage firm in the country […]
Enforcing Arbitration Awards
You may need a court order to enforce an arbitrator’s award By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Arbitration awards are not, by themselves, enforceable in a court of law. The prevailing party must have the award “confirmed” by a court. The procedure is relatively simple and is governed by state and […]
Securities Arbitration Forums
The arbitration department of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is the site for virtually all of the securities arbitrations that are conducted in the United States. Arbitrations are also conducted at private firms, such as the American Arbitration Association and JAMS. The ability to utilize the arbitration process is granted […]
FINRA Arbitration Forms
Scheduling Order (PDF format 86 KB) The panel Chairperson has the responsibility to use the Scheduling Order to record the agreements reached during the Initial Prehearing Conference. The Chairperson should submit the Scheduling Order to NASD Dispute Resolution within 48 hours of the conference by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. […]
Arbitrator Code of Ethics Revamped
ABA and AAA Task Force Provide Working Draft of New Ethics Code This four-year effort by a joint task force of the American Bar Association and the American Arbitration Association has now produced a working draft that will cover both domestic and international arbitrations. According to an article on ADRWorld.com […]
Securities Arbitration Attorney – FINRA Arbitration
Since the virtual dawn of securities arbitration in the early 1980s, the attorneys at Sallah Astarita & Cox, LLC have provided nationwide representation to investors and financial professionals as their securities arbitration lawyer. Mark J. Astarita, Esq. is a nationally recognized securities arbitration attorney, who has represented parties in over […]