FINRA Defense Award

Congratulations to Hilary Wells and Ed Barkel on obtaining a defense award on behalf of their client in a Financial Industry Regulatory Arbitration proceeding. A former CEO who became the OSJ for a large branch office group of financial advisors filed $10 million claim against their client. The individual alleged their client attempted to steal his investment advisory business through deception and tortious interference with his business relations with his advisory business’ advisors, employees, and their clients. Following a week long arbitration hearing, the arbitration panel denied the claims in their entirety.

Ed Barkel defends broker-dealers and individual brokers in litigation and arbitration proceedings. A significant portion of his practice is devoted to defending independent financial services firms and their advisors. He also provides consulting services in compliance-related matters, including supervisory system design, special investigations, special supervision programs, branch office examinations, and regulatory mandated consulting. His securities industry background enables him to offer unique “insider” insight, knowledge, experience, and understanding to clients. Read more here

Hilary Wells is a partner in Rimon’s Litigation and Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Groups. She has represented a wide range of businesses including banks, financial advisors, private equity companies, insurance companies, and health care providers. Hilary has served as lead counsel for cases tried in federal and state court as well as in FINRA and other arbitration forums. Read more here