I own what were described as "alternative" investments, yet my investments have plummeted in value. Can I recover those losses?

All investments must be suitable for the investor in light of age, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, investment objectives and all market conditions. Moreover, the risks and features of an "alternative" investment must be adequately explained, including what could happen in a down market such as what we are experiencing with the Coronavirus. "Alternative" investment losses thus can be recovered if those investments were not suitable, the risks were not adequately explained, or if any of the following alternative investments are involved: Leveraged ETF or Inverse ETF Energy (oil and gas) limited partnership Non-traded REIT (real estate investment trust) BDC (Business Development Company) limited partnership Reverse Convertible Note or Reverse Convertible Bond (also known as "revertible notes" and "reverse exchangeable securities") Hedge Fund Equity-Indexed Annuity Any other "structured product" that combined and underlying investment with the use of derivatives such as options If you or someone you know incurred losses with such alternative investments or "structured products", and any of the above happened, we recommend contacting us for a no-charge consultation. Most investors file claims in FINRA arbitration to recover their losses, and most claims are brought on a "contingency fee" basis.

I own bonds yet my investments have plummeted in value. Can I recover those bond losses?

All investments must be suitable for the investor in light of age, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, investment objectives and all market conditions. Moreover, the risks and features of an investment must be adequately explained, including what could happen in a down market such as what we are experiencing with the Coronavirus. Bond losses thus can be recovered if those bonds were not suitable, the risks were not adequately explained, or if any of the following occurred: The corporate bonds were lower credit quality, junk or "high yield" bonds The municipal bonds or state-issued bonds were "revenue" bonds (also known as "limited obligation"), thereby not backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer Those bonds were the great majority of the investment portfolio as the portfolio was not "asset allocated" among stocks, cash and other investments The bonds were not diversified among issuers (corporate, municipal and state), were not diversified among industry, and were not diversified in duration /length The bonds were part of an ETF bond fund or bond mutual fund and the risks of investing in those bonds that way – instead of simply owning individual bonds myself -- was not adequately explained to me The "bonds" actually were "reverse convertible notes", "reverse convertible bonds", or "leveraged loans" (also known as "floating rate loan funds"), which are highly complex, risky and unsuitable for most investors If you or someone you know incurred losses with bonds and any of the above happened, we recommend contacting us for a no-charge consultation. Most investors file claims in FINRA arbitration to recover their losses, and most claims are brought on a "contingency fee" basis.

I own quality stocks yet my investments have plummeted in value. Can I recover those losses?

All investments must be suitable for the investor in light of age, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, investment objectives and all market conditions. Moreover, the risks and features of an investment must be adequately explained, including what could happen in a down market such as what we are experiencing with the Coronavirus. Quality stock losses thus can be recovered if those stocks were not suitable, the risks were not adequately explained, or if any of the following occurred: Those stocks were bought using margin Those stocks were the great majority of the investment portfolio as the portfolio was not "asset allocated" among bonds, cash and other investments, which must be done for all investors and especially for retired investors. Those stocks were "concentrated" into one or a few sectors, such as energy stocks (oil and gas) or technology Those stocks were bought alongside options If you or someone you know incurred losses with quality stocks and any of the above happened, we recommend contacting us for a no-charge consultation. Most investors file claims in FINRA arbitration to recover their losses, and most claims are brought on a "contingency fee" basis.

Securities Attorneys for Investment Fraud

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

The work that you and your team have performed on my behalf is exemplary.

JT

Jim, Stephany and the whole team were a God send. We felt like we were put into a situation where we had no advocate. Jim’s team came in with a strong, well laid out strategy on how to get our story heard. Where our outside compliance company had no ability to help, our Broker Dealer was impenitent, and the regulators were aggressive pursuing vague rules, Jim came like a barricade against an assault we did not understand. Though you pay member dues to be affiliated with FINRA and a B/D, you have no voice. The only thing that is truly heard in this un-level playing field is a bulldog’s bark like Jim’s. I would encourage anyone to call Jim and his team to find a real ally in the tough and complicated world of securities regulation. They are truly the best.

Greg P.

This was the best of all possible outcomes and I cannot thank you and the team enough.

Michael S.

Fantastic news!!!! Your professionalism, support and expertise were greatly appreciated. You made a difficult situation much more bearable.

Marci M.

I just received this letter from the CFP Board. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!

David Y

I want to thank you for your excellent professional representation. It was greatly appreciated.

Michael M.

If you are being bothered by the Regulators, call Eccleston Law, you won't regret it.

Rick R.

You guys are good!

Mike L.

I am so blessed to have you and your dynamic team defending me. Your ethics, forward thinking and strategies are amazing. You guys are the best group of attorneys in the country that I could hire to handle this complicated case.

Cindy C.

If you find yourself in trouble with the regulators, call Eccleston Law, you won't regret it.

Rick R.

I want to extend a tremendous thank you for your dedication, professionalism, hard work and patient demeanor through this challenging time. It was enjoyable interacting with everyone on your team, this certainly helped while dealing with the situation and working towards resolution.

Dan M.

I am grateful to have found an outstanding law firm that specializes in securities matters. My lawyers were extremely knowledgeable, diligent, and are skilled litigators. No stone was left upturned. As a result of their experience and tenacity, the arbitration proceeding was dismissed in my favor.

Michael E.

I have the best legal firm in the country to defend me. Awesome job!

Cindy C.

You were most helpful with my FINRA deposition. You are a good lawyer and a good person.

Dan B.

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

It was really fun seeing you fight for us. You have an amazing way of thinking out of the box.

Beth M.

If the regulators are after you, and are trying to make a case against you, and you are going to contest their allegations against you, make sure you have the best securities industry defense lawyers, Eccleston Law Firm. My case was spun into a combination of penalties including fines, cash settlements, CE courses and suspension. They were the best I have seen in action. When all was said and done, they had done their magic, my situation was negotiated and settled with a simple "letter of caution" and a case closed without action. It is the most important legal business decision you will ever make, make it Eccleston Law.

Rick R.

That is just fantastic! Thank you very much!

Julie N.

I cannot thank you enough for your efforts. You have proven to be a valuable resource.

Jim T.

Thank you so very much for your guidance, patience, and expertise.

Beth and Steve K.

We just wanted to say thanks for your work in helping us get back some of the money we lost. We are not by any means rich, but we have saved some money and we have done so through a tight-fisted approach to most everything we do. So losing a significant chunk of money hurt…especially at a time when everyone else was growing their accounts. We really appreciate the work you did.

Allan and Adele

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

Hiring Eccleston Law has been one of the best career decisions I have made and this "investment" to maintain my sterling regulatory record has been returned many times over. If you are in a situation where you've been unfairly accused, don't hesitate to talk with Eccleston Law. They are the best.

Thomas C.

I am so glad I found you! Wow! I appreciate your help, concern and guidance.

RB

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us. When we realized this was a very bad investment - we did not know where to turn for help. Then we received your name. When we called you - you were so kind to us and then agreed to help us. For this we are so very grateful. The world would be a much nicer place if there were more people like the two of you in it. We will always remember all the help and kindness you have shown us. Thank you so very very much for everything.

Wayne and Judy S.

Thank you for your professional assistance with this matter. You are very good at what you do.

John T.

I cannot thank you enough for your guidance. It's a good feeling knowing someone is fighting for you.

Matt J.

You are the best attorneys in the country.

CC