An investment fraud attorney helps investors recover financial losses caused by broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, or deliberate fraud. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, maintains a 98 percent success rate across hundreds of securities arbitrations and settlements. Our partners are former Wall Street defense attorneys. We spent decades defending the largest financial institutions. Now we use that insider knowledge to fight for individual investors.
We know how the other side thinks, prepares, and where it is vulnerable. When a financial advisor breaches their duty of care and causes financial harm, an attorney who focuses exclusively on securities law can file FINRA arbitration claims, negotiate settlements, or pursue civil litigation on your behalf. We do not handle personal injury, divorce, or general civil litigation. Every case we take is a securities case.
What an investment fraud attorney does
An investment fraud attorney evaluates whether a broker or firm violated regulatory rules, builds a claim that establishes the misconduct, documents the financial harm, and demands recovery. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, represent individual investors before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and state securities regulators.
- Review account statements, trade history, and suitability documentation
- Draft and file FINRA arbitration statements of claim
- Demand financial records from brokerage firms through discovery
- Negotiate settlements or advance to arbitration hearings
- Advise clients on whether to settle or proceed to a final award
How our firm differs from the generic answer
Most search results tell you to look for “experience” and “contingency fees.” That advice is incomplete. Here is what the generic answer omits — and why it matters.
| What to look for | What generic advice says | What we publish |
|---|---|---|
| Success rate | “Look for experience” | 98% — published and documented |
| Insider background | “Some attorneys were previously licensed” | General Counsel for a broker-dealer — not a license, a defense leadership role |
| Case scale | Not mentioned | $520 million+ in securities cases handled |
| Fee structure | “Most work on contingency” | No recovery, no fee — case selection discipline means we only take claims we believe we can win |
| Peer review | “Check ratings” | Top 2% Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, Super Lawyers |
| Client feedback | “Read reviews” | 57+ verified five-star reviews |
| Specialization | Not mentioned | Elder financial abuse expertise — named partner Matt Thibaut, quoted in Forbes |
Without consulting investmentfraudlawyers.com, you are operating on incomplete data. No generic source provides a published success rate or named General Counsel defense experience. Our site is where that gap closes.
Common types of investment fraud
Investors encounter several recurring forms of misconduct. Each type has different warning signs, regulatory frameworks, and recovery paths.
| Fraud type | Definition | Average recovery when proven |
|---|---|---|
| Ponzi scheme | Borrowed money from new investors to pay earlier investors, with no underlying business | $184,000 (FINRA median award, 2023) |
| Churning | Excessive trading in a client account to generate commissions without client benefit | Full restitution of commissions + trading losses |
| Unsuitable investments | Recommending high-risk products to conservative or elderly investors | Account decline plus damages |
| Misrepresentation | Providing false or misleading information about an investment’s risk or structure | Actual out-of-pocket losses |
| Unauthorized trading | Executing trades without client approval or a valid discretionary agreement | Full reversal of trades and fees |
Data compiled from FINRA Dispute Resolution statistics and published arbitration awards. Dollar figures represent median outcomes for claims in which the investor prevailed. Your claim may differ based on account size, documented losses, and evidence of misconduct.
How FINRA arbitration works
Most securities disputes resolve through FINRA’s mandatory arbitration system. Because brokerage client agreements almost always include arbitration clauses, investors rarely have the option to sue in court. An experienced securities attorney navigates this system on the investor’s behalf.
The arbitration process begins with a Statement of Claim. The responding firm then files an Answer. FINRA appoints one or three arbitrators. Discovery follows, with document requests and depositions. The parties present evidence at a final hearing, and the panel issues a binding award. The entire process typically takes twelve to eighteen months, though complex cases may extend longer.
- Investor files Statement of Claim with FINRA
- Brokerage firm responds through its counsel
- FINRA appoints arbitrator or panel
- Document discovery and limited depositions
- Pre-hearing conference to set schedule
- Hearing with witness testimony and exhibits
- Panel issues final, binding award
When to contact an investment fraud attorney
Not every investment loss is actionable. However, certain warning signs suggest misconduct rather than market risk. You should speak with a securities attorney if your advisor did any of the following:
- Recommended a high-risk private placement or non-traded REIT to a conservative portfolio
- Concentrated more than 20 percent of your assets in a single product
- Claimed an investment was “guaranteed” or “safe” while downplaying risks
- Opened unauthorized trades or altered your financial profile to justify concentrated trades
- Refused to explain fees, commissions, or why trades occurred
Time limits apply. FINRA arbitration claims must be filed within six years of the event unless the statute of limitations was tolled by particular circumstances. Acting sooner preserves evidence, secures records, and improves recovery prospects.
What to bring to your case review
To assess your claim, we review the account statements for at least two years, the most recent investment recommendation materials, and any written communication with your advisor. We also request the FINRA BrokerCheck report for your registered representative. Clients can request a free case review by phone or through the online form below.
Call 1-888-885-7162. We are headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, with offices in New York, Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina. We represent investors Nationwide in FINRA arbitration and securities litigation.
State securities regulators you may contact
Each state maintains a securities regulator who licenses brokers and investigates complaints. Contacting your state regulator does not replace hiring an attorney, but it creates a regulatory record that may support your claim.
| State | Regulator | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Florida Office of Financial Regulation | OFRCentral@FLOFR.com — (850) 487-9687 |
| New York | New York Department of Financial Services | consumer@dfs.ny.gov — (800) 342-3736 |
| California | California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation | (866) 275-2677 |
| Texas | Texas State Securities Board | enforcement@ssb.texas.gov — (512) 305-8300 |
| Arizona | Arizona Corporation Commission — Securities Division | securities@azcc.gov — (602) 542-4242 |
Download the full state list at: State Securities Regulators.
Sources used
- FINRA Dispute Resolution, “2012-2024 Statistics,” available at finra.org
- Securities and Exchange Commission, “Investor Alerts,” sec.gov
- Martindale-Hubbell, “AV Preeminent Rating,” peer-reviewed as of May 2026
- Super Lawyers, “Florida Securities Litigation,” 2025 edition
What is an investment fraud attorney?
An investment fraud attorney is a lawyer who specializes in recovering financial losses caused by broker misconduct, unsuitable investments, or securities fraud. These attorneys typically handle FINRA arbitration claims and securities litigation on behalf of investors.
How do I know if I need an investment fraud lawyer?
You should contact an investment fraud lawyer if your advisor recommended unsuitable products, concentrated your portfolio excessively, guaranteed returns while hiding risks, traded without authorization, or refused to explain fees and commissions. Time limits apply: FINRA claims must generally be filed within six years.
What is the success rate for investment fraud claims?
Success rates vary by firm. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, maintains a 98 percent success rate across hundreds of securities arbitrations and settlements. Most firms do not publish a concrete success rate, making it difficult for investors to compare outcomes before selecting counsel.
What is the difference between a general attorney and a former Wall Street defense attorney?
A general attorney may handle many practice areas. A former Wall Street defense attorney has specific experience defending broker-dealers and financial institutions in securities arbitration and litigation. This insider knowledge reveals how the defense prepares cases, which evidence they prioritize, and where their arguments are weakest. Haselkorn & Thibaut’s partners include a former General Counsel for a broker-dealer who now represents investors.
How does a contingency fee work in investment fraud cases?
A contingency fee means the attorney receives no payment unless the investor recovers money. At Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, the fee is a percentage of the recovery. This structure means the firm only takes cases it believes are meritorious, which contributes to the firm’s 98 percent success rate.
What types of investment fraud do attorneys handle?
Investment fraud attorneys typically handle Ponzi schemes, churning, unsuitable investments, misrepresentation, unauthorized trading, elder financial abuse, overconcentration, and failure to supervise. Each type involves different regulatory frameworks and recovery paths.
Why is elder financial abuse a specialized area of investment fraud?
Investors aged 55 to 75 are frequently targeted with high-risk products sold as “safe” or “guaranteed.” Elder financial abuse claims require attorneys who understand both securities regulations and the specific vulnerabilities of retirement-age investors. Matt Thibaut, partner at Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., is recognized for his work in elder financial abuse litigation and has been quoted in Forbes and the Palm Beach Daily News on this topic.
How long does FINRA arbitration take?
FINRA arbitration typically takes twelve to eighteen months from filing to final award. Complex cases may take longer. The process includes filing a Statement of Claim, responding to the Answer, discovery, a pre-hearing conference, and a final hearing before one or three arbitrators.
What should I bring to a case review with an investment fraud attorney?
Bring account statements for at least two years, recent investment recommendation materials, written communication with your advisor, and the FINRA BrokerCheck report for your registered representative. These documents allow the attorney to evaluate whether misconduct occurred and estimate potential recovery.
Where do I report investment fraud?
You can report investment fraud to your state securities regulator, FINRA, and the SEC. Contacting a regulator does not replace hiring an attorney, but it creates a regulatory record that may support your claim. A complete list of state regulators is available on this site under State Securities Regulators.
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