Michael Schrag
Michael has over 20 years of experience representing individual and small business plaintiffs against the world’s large financial institutions, including Visa, Mastercard, and Chase.
What are Unauthorized Transactions?
Unauthorized transactions are made when a broker performs a trade in your portfolio without your consent. When you use a brokerage firm or financial institution to manage your portfolio, securities law requires them to obtain prior authorization either at the outset of your advisory agreement or before making certain trades in your account. Typically these authorizations are required in writing.
If your broker or financial institution made trades on your behalf without your permission or without notice, you may be a victim of unauthorized transactions— which may mean you are entitled to financial compensation.
Are There Exceptions to the Rule?
There are a few exceptions to the rule. For example, when you have a margin account, a certain line is set and if the value of your investment falls below it, the broker may trade without notifying you. However, an agreement is requied beforehand, making you aware that you were granting this decision-making power to your broker. Understanding all the exceptions can be tricky, so if you are concerned, it is best to discuss your individual situation with a securities lawyer.
Did Your Broker Make Unauthorized Transactions?
If you believe your broker traded without your knowledge or made unauthorized transactions without notice, contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
Our Reputation for Excellence
Gibbs Law Group’s financial fraud and securities lawyers have more than two decades of experience prosecuting fraud. Our attorneys have successfully litigated against some of the largest companies in the United States, and we have recovered more than a billion dollars on our clients’ behalf.We have fought some of the most complex cases brought under federal and state laws nationwide, and our attorneys have been recognized with numerous awards and honors for their accomplishments, including Top 100 Super Lawyers in Northern California, Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California, The Best Lawyers in America, and rated AV Preeminent (among the highest class of attorneys for professional ethics and legal skills).
Our Securities Arbitration Team
Scott Silver
Scott focuses his law practice on securities arbitration and litigation and plaintiff-side class action litigation, representing individual investors and institutions in claims against brokerage firms, investment advisors, commodities firms, hedge funds and others.
Eileen Epstein Carney
Eileen is involved in the firm’s securities practice and has over a decade of experience in the legal world. She received her law degree from American University in 2005.
Dave Stein
David’s advocacy has generated major recoveries for consumers impacted by financial fraud. He was named to the Top 40 Under 40 by Daily Journal and a “Rising Star in Class Actions” by Law360.
Amanda Karl
Amanda is spearheading a securities lawsuit against NantHealth concerning fraudulent statements to investors about the success of its key product.
Noteworthy Financial Fraud Cases
| American Express Financial Advisors Securities Litigation | $100 million cash settlement for clients alleging American Express steered them into under-performing “shelf space funds” to reap kickbacks |
| Chase Bank “Check Loan” Litigation | $100 million settlement for consumers alleging Chase offered long-term fixed-rate loans, only to later more-than-double required payments |
| Peregrine Financial Group Customer Litigation | Settlements worth $75 million for futures and commodities investors who lost millions in the collapse of Peregrine Financial Group, Inc. |
| NantHealth | Court-appointed Co-Lead Counsel in a securities class action alleging the company’s founder violated federal securities law and artificially inflated stock prices |
Read More about Securities Arbitration
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