FINRA Employment Arbitration LawyerWere you recently terminated from your brokerage firm? Have you found yourself in the middle of an employment dispute? If so, a FINRA employment arbitration attorney could help you obtain the compensation you may be entitled to. 
All registered brokers are required to arbitrate certain types of employment disputes with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) due to the fact that the securities markets and financial industry are so heavily regulated. When you are already struggling to find a new job or dealing with the other troublesome effects of your termination, arbitration may be intimidating. 
Fortunately, a FINRA employment arbitration lawyer at Meissner Associations may be able to represent your case. Our firm continues to represent stockbrokers who have been victimized by their former employers in some way, and if you have been terminated by your firm, it may be well-advised to consult with an attorney before your Form U5 is filed.
Reasons to Pursue Arbitration for Your Employment DisputeThere are many different reasons why heading to FINRA arbitration may be in your best interests. First, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of employment disputes within the securities industry.
Wrongful DischargeDespite the fact that most stockbrokers work at will and therefore do not have an employment contract, it is certainly possible to obtain compensation if it can be proven that you were discharged from your position without just cause or were otherwise terminated invalidly. 
Retaliation for WhistleblowingIn the securities industry, whistleblowing occurs when someone who works in the industry provides tips and information to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding investment fraud or other types of securities violations. 
Corporations engaging in said conduct will often then turn around and terminate the employment of a whistleblower, make the work environment so hostile that the whistleblower feels they have no choice but to quit, or otherwise retaliate against them for tipping off the SEC to fraudulent activities. 
Promissory Note DisputesWhen a broker is discharged and has outstanding promissory notes, they often become due immediately and in a lump sum. Our firm is prepared to represent brokers who have been wrongfully terminated during their FINRA arbitration hearing so that they can formulate a plan of repayment and/or negotiate a reduction in the total amount owed. 
False or Misleading Information on Form U5All brokerage firms are required by FINRA to fill out a Form U5 when a registered stockbroker leaves their company, for any reason. When the firm submits false information on the form or intentionally includes information in an attempt to ruin the broker’s reputation, they can be subject to FINRA arbitration proceedings. 
As can be seen, dealing with any of the aforementioned employment disputes can completely upheave your life. With your reputation on the line as well as your ability to do what you love and earn a living while doing it, pursuing FINRA arbitration may be the only option available to clearing your name after an employment dispute. 
How Long You Have to ActThe statute of limitations for industry disputes like employment can be complicated, as there are several factors that can influence the deadline for filing a FINRA arbitration claim. However, technically, you have six years from the date that the termination occurred or from the day that the employment dispute became evident. 
Your FINRA attorney will be able to give you a better understanding of how long you have before the statute of limitations runs out in your case. In many cases, it is in a terminated stockbroker’s best interests to retain an attorney as soon as possible after termination in order to protect themselves. 
What to Expect During Your Hearing and AfterEmployment disputes are one of many disputes that must be resolved through FINRA arbitration. Your arbitration hearing will be very similar to court in that both parties present evidence to support their case. 
From there, the arbitrators examine the evidence to determine whether to find in favor of the stockbroker or the employer, in cases like yours. Ultimately, the goal will be to obtain repayment of any losses you endured due to the dispute so you can reclaim your life.
Reach Out to a FINRA Employment Arbitration AttorneyThe devastation an employment dispute can have on a stockbroker’s life is undeniable. If you find yourself terminated and suffering from a conflict of any kind with your former employer, contact a FINRA employment arbitration lawyer at Meissner Associates. 
We are proud to offer wronged registered brokers from across the country a free consultation so we can further discuss the individual details of their cases. To schedule yours, just complete the brief contact form located to the right or call us by phone at 212-764-3100.