Springfield Illinois Securities Attorneys | Broker Fraud Lawyers
Concerned about your investments in Springfield, Illinois?
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ToggleIf you’ve suffered investment losses due to the misconduct of a broker, financial advisor, or investment firm, the Springfield, Illinois securities attorneys at The White Law Group may be able to help you. Our national securities fraud law firm represents investors in claims against brokerage firms and financial professionals through FINRA arbitration and other dispute resolution forums.
National Securities Fraud Law Firm Serving Springfield, Illinois
The White Law Group, LLC is a national law firm focused exclusively on securities fraud, securities arbitration, investor protection, and financial litigation. With offices in Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington, the firm represents investors throughout the country — including Springfield and other Illinois cities such as Peoria, Champaign, Decatur, Aurora, Rockford, and Naperville.
All cases in the Midwest are typically administered through FINRA’s Chicago Dispute Resolution Office.
What Is a Security Under Illinois Law?
Under Illinois securities law, “securities” include:
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Stocks, bonds, promissory notes, and other evidences of indebtedness
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Mutual fund shares and stock options
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Limited partnership interests
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Interests in oil, gas, mining, or real estate ventures
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Certificates of deposit
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Certain commodity contracts
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And other “investment contracts” — where investors rely on others for essential management or profit-making activities
Both broker-dealers and investment advisors offering these products are regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Common Types of Securities Fraud and Broker Misconduct
Our Springfield securities fraud attorneys handle a wide variety of investor claims, including:
Churning or Excessive Trading
When a broker trades excessively in your account to generate commissions, this may constitute churning, an illegal practice that can cause significant losses.
Misrepresentation or Omission
Brokers are required to fully and honestly disclose investment risks. Misleading clients or failing to disclose material facts is a form of securities fraud.
Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
An investment that doesn’t match your goals, risk tolerance, or financial situation is considered unsuitable. Firms must perform due diligence before recommending any investment.
“Selling Away”
When a broker sells or recommends investments not approved by their firm, such as private placements or promissory notes, it is known as selling away — often a serious violation of securities regulations.
Unauthorized Trading
If trades were made in your account without your consent or knowledge, that’s unauthorized trading, a violation of FINRA rules.
Oversight by the Illinois Division of Financial Institutions
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), through its Division of Financial Institutions, oversees financial professionals and helps protect Illinois investors. However, these regulators often cannot recover losses for investors — that’s where FINRA arbitration comes in.
FINRA Arbitration to Recover Investment Fraud Losses
If you have suffered investment losses, FINRA arbitration offers an efficient forum for recovery. The Springfield securities attorneys at The White Law Group have filed over 800 FINRA arbitration claims on behalf of investors nationwide.
Brokerage firms must ensure all investment recommendations are suitable and adequately researched. When they fail to meet these duties, they can be held liable through FINRA arbitration proceedings.
Why Choose The White Law Group?
With over 30 years of experience in securities law, The White Law Group has the skill and experience to help investors in Springfield, Illinois pursue claims involving:
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Stock and bond fraud
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Broker misrepresentation
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Unsuitable investment recommendations
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Churning or excessive trading
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Unauthorized trading
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Selling away and private placement losses
Talk to a Springfield, Illinois Securities Attorney
If you believe you’ve been the victim of securities fraud or broker misconduct in Springfield or anywhere in Illinois, the securities attorneys at The White Law Group can help.
For a free consultation, contact our Chicago office at 888-637-5510 or visit www.whitesecuritieslaw.com.
Frequently Asked Questions – Springfield, Illinois Securities Attorneys
What does a Springfield, Illinois securities attorney do?
A Springfield securities attorney represents investors who have lost money due to broker misconduct, investment fraud, or negligence. This includes handling FINRA arbitration claims, reviewing unsuitable investment recommendations, and pursuing recovery from brokerage firms or financial advisors who violated securities laws or fiduciary duties.
How do I know if I have a securities fraud claim in Springfield, Illinois?
You may have a securities fraud claim if your financial advisor made false statements, failed to disclose risks, or recommended unsuitable or unapproved investments. The Springfield securities fraud lawyers at The White Law Group can review your investments and determine whether your losses may qualify for recovery through FINRA arbitration or mediation.
Can I sue my financial advisor in Illinois for investment losses?
In most cases, disputes between investors and brokers are handled through FINRA arbitration rather than court. However, an experienced Illinois securities attorney can help you determine whether arbitration or litigation is the best path to recover your losses. The White Law Group regularly represents investors in Springfield and throughout Illinois in FINRA claims involving broker misconduct.
What are common examples of investment fraud in Springfield?
Examples of investment fraud and broker misconduct in Springfield include:
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Churning or excessive trading to earn commissions
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Misrepresentation or omission of important facts
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Unsuitable investment recommendations
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“Selling away” private placements not approved by the firm
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Unauthorized trading in client accounts
If any of these occurred in your account, you may have a viable claim.
How long do I have to file a securities fraud claim in Illinois?
Deadlines depend on the type of claim and the forum, but FINRA arbitration claims typically must be filed within six years of the event or transaction that caused your losses. It’s important to speak with a Springfield securities fraud attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Why choose The White Law Group for a Springfield securities fraud claim?
With over 30 years of experience and more than 800 FINRA arbitration cases handled, The White Law Group is a national law firm dedicated solely to securities fraud and investor protection. Our attorneys have successfully represented thousands of investors across Illinois and the U.S.