Top San Francisco, CA Securities Lawyers Near You

What Are Securities Laws?

Securities are investments that take the form of stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Federal securities laws regulate the buying, selling, and trading of these securities. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforces federal securities laws. Prominent federal securities laws include:

• Securities Act of 1933
• Securities Exchange Act of 1934
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
• Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010

What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Securities Lawyer?

Businesses have a responsibility to investors and stockholders. When a business does something that causes its stock value to drop, they can be liable for a breach of their fiduciary duty. As an investor, you can hold company executives liable for a breach of their business judgment or fiduciary duty. Situations where you might want to talk to a securities lawyer include:

• Loss in stock value because of irresponsible business practices
• Inaccurate SEC filings
• Disclosure and reporting failures
• Reporting investor fraud
• Concerns about insider trading

How Can a Securities Lawyer Help Me?

A securities lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. Your lawyer can file a claim against a company for a breach of fiduciary duty that puts your investment at risk. Your securities lawyer can help you recover damages in a securities violation lawsuit. Damages that you might be able to win in a securities case can include:

• Out-of-pocket losses
• Aggregate damages
• Attorney fees

What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Securities Lawyer?

If you don’t hire a securities lawyer, your investment could be at risk of losing money. Many stockholders don’t take action to enforce their rights and end up losing much of their stock investments because of poor business practices. Without a securities lawyer, you could face:

• The loss of your investment
• The loss of retirement account benefits
• An underperforming portfolio

What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Securities Lawyer in San Francisco?

These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many securities lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:

• What is your experience in handling securities cases in California?
• Have you represented investors in cases like mine?
• What are potential issues that can come up during securities law cases?
• How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
• What is the likely timeline for resolving my securities violation case?

Tips for Hiring a Securities Lawyer

Take the time to find a securities law attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:

• Ask for recommendations
• Research lawyers online
• Schedule consultations
• Review experience and expertise
• Talk about fees and billing
• Trust your instincts