Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. is investigating claims involving investments recommended by financial advisor Robert V. (Val) Lybbert (CRD 7451138). According to FINRA BrokerCheck, Mr. Lybbert is currently registered with Edward Jones and has five pending customer disputes tied to hedge fund-related investments that allegedly resulted in substantial investor losses. If you invested with Mr. Lybbert or in any products he recommended, you may have legal options to recover losses.
This article summarizes publicly available information from FINRA’s BrokerCheck and explains next steps for affected investors. Note: Allegations in pending matters are not findings of wrongdoing.
Current Registration and Background
Table of Contents
- Firm: Edward Jones (St. Louis, MO; Issaquah, WA branch listed)
- Registrations and approvals (effective 2025):
- FINRA General Securities Representative (Series 7), SIE, Series 66
- Investment Adviser Representative in Washington (Series 65 and Series 66)
- SRO approvals: FINRA, NYSE American, Nasdaq, NYSE (all effective 09/08/2025)
- Prior advisory affiliations:
- Elite Wealth Management, Inc. (Kirkland, WA): 10/2021–07/2025
- Lattice Capital Management LLC (Kirkland, WA): 10/2021–07/2022; 11/2023–01/2024
Summary of Pending Customer Disputes
BrokerCheck lists five customer disputes currently pending. The disputes involve allegations commonly associated with unsuitable or improperly sold alternative investments (categorized as “Other: Hedge Fund”). Claimed damages span from hundreds of thousands to multi‑million dollars.
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State Court (Oregon, Multnomah County) — Case No. 25CV59941
- Allegations: Fraud, negligent representation, breach of duty, unlawful trade practices, negligence
- Claimed damages: $2,137,533.29
- Reporting source: Broker
- Status: Pending
-
State Court (Washington, King County) — Case No. 25‑2‑22733‑2 SEA
- Allegations: Breach of fiduciary duty; negligence; negligent misrepresentation/omissions; breach of contract; violations of Washington State Securities Act (RCW 21.20.010) and Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86)
- Claimed damages: $2,000,000
- Reporting sources: Firm and Broker (two entries referencing the same case)
- Status: Pending
-
JAMS Arbitration — Ref No. 5160000962
- Allegations: Breach of fiduciary duty; negligence
- Claimed damages: $15,000,000
- Reporting sources: Firm and Broker
- Status: Pending
-
JAMS Arbitration — Ref No. 5160000959
- Allegations: Negligence; negligent misrepresentations; violations of the Securities Act of Washington; violations of the duty of care under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; unlawful sale of securities; Consumer Protection Act claims; voidable real property transactions
- Claimed damages: Approximately $960,000–$962,605.55
- Reporting sources: Firm and Broker
- Status: Pending
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JAMS Arbitration — Ref No. 5160000924
- Allegations: Breach of fiduciary duty; fraud; unjust enrichment; violations of Washington Securities Laws related to unsuitable recommendations (alleged loss period Aug 2024–Apr 2025)
- Claimed damages: $1,375,210
- Reporting sources: Firm and Broker
- Status: Pending
Important: These are allegations only. No final awards or findings are reported in BrokerCheck as of the dates listed.
Why Hedge Fund and Alternative Investment Cases Arise
Hedge funds and other alternative investments can be:
- Illiquid, with gates/lockups limiting redemptions
- Complex, with layered fees and risks that are not appropriate for many retail investors
- Highly sensitive to market, strategy, and manager risk
- Subject to concentration risk if they make up a large share of a client’s portfolio
Common legal theories in these cases include:
- Unsuitable recommendations and inadequate risk disclosure
- Breach of fiduciary duty and failure to conduct adequate due diligence
- Misrepresentations or omissions regarding liquidity, volatility, strategy, or fees
- Failure to supervise by the broker‑dealer or advisory firm
Your Rights as an Investor
Even when markets are volatile, advisors and firms must recommend investments that are suitable for your objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial profile, and they must provide fair and balanced disclosures. If you suffered losses in hedge funds or other complex products recommended by a financial professional, you may be able to pursue recovery through:
- FINRA arbitration
- JAMS/AAA arbitration (for advisory or contract claims)
- State court litigation, where applicable
Most investor claims are resolved in arbitration rather than court. Contingency‑fee arrangements may be available.
What to Do If You Invested with Robert V. (Val) Lybbert
- Gather documents: Monthly statements, new account forms, risk‑tolerance questionnaires, emails/texts, offering materials, subscription agreements, advisor notes, and any written risk disclosures.
- Note the timeline: When you were first recommended the product; when losses occurred; and any communications about liquidity, redemptions, or “holding through volatility.”
- Assess suitability: Consider your age, objectives (income, growth, preservation), liquidity needs, and whether the concentration in alternatives was excessive.
- Act promptly: Limitations periods and eligibility rules can affect your claim.
Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. represents investors nationwide in securities arbitration and litigation. Our team includes former defense counsel and industry veterans with experience in hedge fund, private placement, structured product, and alternative investment cases.
Free, Confidential Case Review
If you believe you suffered losses in hedge fund or alternative investments recommended by Robert V. (Val) Lybbert or related firms, contact Haselkorn & Thibaut for a free evaluation. There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover for you.
- Free consultation
- Nationwide representation
- Contingency‑fee available
