Criminal Defense Lawyers

Facing FINRA Disciplinary Action in Atlanta? Hire an Experienced Defense Attorney

You’re Facing FINRA Discipline in Atlanta – Here’s What You Need to Know

So, you‘ve found yourself on the receiving end of a FINRA disciplinary action in Atlanta, huh? Take a deep breath, because this isn’t something to take lightly – but it’s not the end of the world either. With the right approach and legal team in your corner, you can navigate these murky waters.Look, we get it – the financial industry is a complex beast, with more rules and regulations than you can shake a stick at. One misstep, and FINRA could come knocking. But, that’s why elite firms like Spodek Law Group exist – to guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome.

Understanding FINRA’s Disciplinary Process

Before we dive into how to tackle this head-on, let‘s quickly go over what a FINRA disciplinary action actually entails. FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) is a self-regulatory organization that oversees brokers and brokerage firms. Think of them as the industry‘s watchdog, making sure everyone plays by the rules.Now, if FINRA suspects you or your firm of violating securities laws or their own regulations, they’ll initiate an investigation. Depending on what they uncover, they could then file a formal complaint, kicking off the disciplinary process.From there, you’ll likely face a hearing before a panel of industry professionals. They’ll review the evidence, hear arguments from both sides, and ultimately decide if any sanctions (fines, suspensions, etc.) are warranted.Sounds daunting, right? Well, that’s where having an experienced legal team makes all the difference.

Why You Need a Powerhouse Atlanta Law Firm

Look, trying to navigate a FINRA disciplinary action alone is like trying to swim the English Channel – possible, but incredibly risky and inadvisable. You need a firm that not only understands the intricacies of securities law but also has a proven track record of taking on (and winning) cases against FINRA.At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience in this arena, with an unparalleled understanding of how FINRA operates. We’ve seen it all – from complex trading violations to suitability issues and everything in between.But it‘s not just about knowledge; it‘s about tenacity too. We’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with FINRA’s lawyers, crafting airtight defense strategies and leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome for our clients.

Our Battle-Tested Approach

So, what can you expect when you bring us onto your FINRA case? First and foremost, we‘ll dive deep into the specifics of your situation, leaving no detail unexplored. We need to understand every nuance to build the strongest defense possible.From there, we’ll lay out all your options – fighting the charges, negotiating a settlement, you name it. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each path in plain English, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.If you choose to contest the allegations (which is often advisable), we‘ll start constructing an ironclad defense strategy. This could involve:

• Poking holes in FINRA’s evidence and arguments
• Highlighting any mitigating factors or extenuating circumstances
• Bringing in expert witnesses to bolster our case
• Leveraging our extensive knowledge of FINRA’s rules and past disciplinary actions

Throughout it all, we’ll be your unwavering advocates – in the hearing room, at the negotiating table, you name it. Our goal is simple: protect your rights and professional reputation at all costs.

Examples of High-Stakes FINRA Wins

But enough about our approach, you want to see results, right? Fair enough. Here are just a few examples of high-profile FINRA cases we’ve tackled (and conquered):

• Represented a major brokerage firm accused of systemic supervisory failures related to anti-money laundering protocols. Through a multi-pronged defense strategy, we negotiated a settlement that allowed our client to stay in business with a significantly reduced fine.
• Defended a broker accused of making unsuitable investment recommendations to elderly clients. Our team exposed critical flaws in FINRA’s evidence, resulting in the charges being dismissed entirely.
• Took on a case involving alleged trading violations by a broker at a prestigious Wall Street firm. After an extensive hearing, the panel agreed with our arguments and issued only a modest 30-day suspension (rather than the requested bar).

As those examples show, we’re not just tough talkers – we back it up with tangible results time and time again.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Why Spodek Law Group is Your Ace in the Hole

At this point, you’re probably wondering what sets Spodek Law Group apart from other firms handling FINRA cases in Atlanta. Well, beyond our legal acumen and in-depth industry knowledge, it‘s our unwavering commitment to personal service that truly separates us from the pack.See, we understand just how stressful and demoralizing a FINRA action can be. Your career, your reputation, your livelihood – it‘s all on the line. That’s why, from day one, we treat every client like our sole priority.Need to bounce ideas off us at 9 pm on a Saturday? No problem, we’re just a phone call away. Have a nagging question about the process? We’ll break it down in easy-to-understand terms, no legalese required.At the end of the day, we‘re not just attorneys – we’re counselors, strategists, and (most importantly) advocates for your best interests. When you hire Spodek Law Group, you’re not just getting legal representation; you’re getting a partner completely invested in your success.

Getting the Ball Rolling

Enough preamble, let‘s get down to brass tacks – how can you take that first, crucial step toward resolving your FINRA disciplinary issue? It’s simple: just pick up the phone and give us a call.During that first conversation, we’ll go over the details of your case, answer any burning questions you might have, and lay out a preliminary game plan for moving forward. Don’t worry, it’s just an initial consultation, so there’s no obligation and no hefty upfront fees.From there, if you decide to bring us onto your team, we‘ll hit the ground running – requesting documents and evidence, preparing any necessary filings, and doing everything in our power to start building the strongest possible defense.So don’t go it alone against FINRA and their army of lawyers and industry experts. With Spodek Law Group by your side, you’ll have a true partner committed to zealously protecting your rights and professional future.The road ahead won’t be easy, but with our battle-tested strategies and around-the-clock accessibility, you’ll be in the best possible hands. Regulatory trouble doesn‘t have to be a career-ender; it‘s just another challenge for an elite firm like ours to conquer.Take that first step and call us today. Your fight starts now.

FINRA 101: Understanding the Basics

Okay, now that we’ve covered why you need to lawyer up for any FINRA disciplinary action, let‘s take a step back and go over the key things you need to know about this regulatory behemoth.

What Exactly is FINRA?

As we mentioned earlier, FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) is essentially Wall Street’s self-regulatory watchdog. While the SEC handles oversight at the federal level, FINRA is the one writing and enforcing the rules for brokers and broker-dealers.Some of FINRA’s key responsibilities include:

• Licensing and registering brokers and brokerage firms
• Conducting routine examinations and investigations
• Enforcing securities rules and regulations
• Establishing standards for ethical business practices
• Providing investor education resources

Basically, if you’re a broker or work at a brokerage firm, FINRA’s rules and disciplinary powers apply to you. No exceptions.

Common FINRA Rules Violations

So what types of violations tend to land brokers and firms in hot water with FINRA? Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Unsuitable investment recommendations (not considering a client’s risk tolerance, financial situation, etc.)
• Excessive trading or churning of accounts to generate commissions
• Misrepresentation or omission of key facts related to investments
• Failure to supervise employees and their activities
• Improper use of sales materials or marketing practices
• Outside business activities that create conflicts of interest
• Anti-money laundering program deficiencies
• Improper record keeping and books/records violations

As you can see, the list runs the gamut – from individual broker misconduct to firm-wide supervisory lapses. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse either; FINRA expects full compliance, period.

Understanding FINRA’s Disciplinary Powers

So what kind of punitive actions can FINRA take if they find a violation occurred? Well, they‘ve got a full arsenal of sanctions at their disposal, including:

• Monetary fines (which can reach into the millions for egregious violations)
• Suspensions of broker licenses and registrations
• Bars from associating with FINRA members (essentially career-ending)
• Ordering disgorgement of ill-gotten profits or commissions
• Requiring the implementation of heightened supervisory procedures
• Censures (an official rebuke, often made public)
• Revocation of firm membership with FINRA

As you can see, the stakes are incredibly high – especially for individual brokers. A prolonged suspension or permanent bar can be a career death sentence in this industry.That’s why you need a legal team that understands the nuances of FINRA’s disciplinary process and sanction guidelines. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to go it alone.

Navigating an Atlanta FINRA Investigation

Okay, so now you’ve got a basic grasp of what FINRA is and what they do. But what happens if you or your firm ends up in their investigative crosshairs? Here’s a quick overview of how that process typically unfolds.

The Investigation Phase

A FINRA investigation can be triggered in a few different ways:

• A routine cycle exam or cause exam identifies potential violations
• A client complaint, termination disclosure, or regulatory tip raises red flags
• FINRA’s automated surveillance systems detect suspicious trading patterns

Once FINRA decides to open a formal investigation (known as a Cause Investigation), they’ll assign a team of attorneys and examiners to the case. From there, the investigators will start requesting documents, emails, trading records – anything that could shed light on the alleged misconduct.They’ll also likely want to take sworn testimony from you, your colleagues, and any other relevant parties. These On-The-Record (OTR) interviews are essentially depositions, so you’ll need experienced legal counsel by your side to protect your rights.Throughout this phase, it’s crucial that you and your firm fully cooperate with any requests from FINRA’s investigators. Refusing to produce documents or testimony can lead to even more charges being tacked on for failure to cooperate.Once FINRA has gathered all the evidence they feel is necessary, they‘ll analyze it and determine whether formal disciplinary action is warranted.

Navigating OTR Interviews

As we mentioned, those On-The-Record interviews are a pivotal part of any FINRA investigation. A seemingly innocuous statement made during testimony can later come back to haunt you, so preparation is absolutely vital.At Spodek Law Group, we have an entire proven process for getting clients ready for these marathon sessions:

• Conducting extensive mock interviews to identify potential landmines
• Reviewing key documents and evidence to anticipate likely lines of questioning
• Providing strategies for answering questions directly but without volunteering harmful information
• Ensuring you understand your rights regarding questions you can respectfully decline to answer

The goal is simple: give you the tools and confidence to provide truthful testimony without inadvertently damaging your own case. With our attorneys by your side, you‘ll be ready for anything FINRA’s investigators can throw at you.

If Charges Are Filed

Unfortunately, even with an ironclad defense, some FINRA investigations do ultimately result in formal charges being filed against individuals or firms. If that happens, you‘ll receive a Disciplinary Complaint that outlines the specific rules violations alleged.From there, you’ll have a limited window (typically 25 days) to file a response and request a hearing before a panel of industry professionals. This is a pivotal moment – the response you provide can make or break your entire defense strategy.That’s why our attorneys will work tirelessly to craft a comprehensive, airtight response that systematically dismantles FINRA’s allegations point-by-point. We‘ll identify any factual inaccuracies, highlight mitigating factors, and lay the groundwork for contesting the charges at a full hearing if necessary.The key is to never take this lightly or simply accept FINRA’s version of events at face value. With so much at stake, you need a firm ready to fight tooth-and-nail from the very start.

Taking Your FINRA Case to a Hearing

So despite your best efforts at resolving things during the investigation phase, FINRA has decided to initiate formal disciplinary proceedings against you or your firm. Don‘t panic – this is actually an opportunity to really take the fight to them before an impartial panel of adjudicators.Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from the FINRA disciplinary hearing process and how our attorneys will be by your side every step of the way.

The Hearing Preparation Process

Once you‘ve filed a response contesting the allegations, FINRA will initiate the scheduling process for a full disciplinary hearing. These quasi-trial proceedings are held before a panel of industry professionals, typically a combination of:

• A FINRA hearing officer (to act as a judge overseeing proceedings)
• Two industry panelists (often current or former brokers/firm executives)

In the run-up to the hearing dates, our team will be hard at work developing a comprehensive defense strategy tailored specifically to the charges and evidence at hand. This is an all-hands-on-deck process that could include:

• Reviewing hundreds (or thousands) of documents and email records
• Identifying and preparing any friendly witnesses to provide supportive testimony
• Researching relevant case precedents and regulatory guidance
• Holding regular mock hearing sessions to pressure test our approach

Our goal is to arrive at the hearing room fully prepared to dismantle FINRA’s case piece-by-piece through focused cross-examination, persuasive oral arguments, and an aggressive presentation of exculpatory evidence.We know these hearings are the legal equivalent of war, so we make sure you‘re going in with a battle-tested strategy and a team of attorneys ready for anything.