The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represents investors throughout Ohio who have lost money due to broker misconduct and securities fraud. Our Ohio investment fraud attorneys help victims recover losses from unsuitable investments, unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty through FINRA arbitration and litigation.

For over 45 years, our firm has protected investor rights and recovered more than $175 million for clients nationwide. We understand the betrayal you feel when your broker violates your trust. Your financial advisor owed you a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests. When brokers recommend risky investments, trade without permission, or hide important risks, they break securities laws designed to protect you.

Investment fraud victims often blame themselves, but brokerage firm misconduct is never your fault. Our securities attorneys have seen how brokers exploit client trust through churning accounts, selling unsuitable products, and misrepresenting investment risks. We help you document these violations and build strong FINRA claims against negligent brokers and their firms.

Recovery is possible when you work with experienced counsel who knows how to navigate complex securities regulations. Our team handles every aspect of your case on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win.

Contact our Columbus office today at (800) 732-2889 for a free consultation about your investment losses. We’ll review your account statements, identify potential claims, and explain your legal options at no cost to you.

Our law firm serves clients throughout Ohio:

How an Ohio Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You

If you have experienced investment losses due to fraudulent or negligent practices by your stockbroker or financial advisor, the experienced Ohio investment fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can potentially help you seek justice and financial recovery.

Protecting Investors from Unsuitable Investment Recommendations

Brokers who recommend investments unsuited to an investor’s financial goals and risk tolerance may violate Ohio Revised Code §1707.44. Our investment fraud lawyers can review your financial history and the broker’s recommendations to identify and pursue claims for unsuitable investment advice.

Fighting Excessive Trading and Churning Practices

Excessive trading or churning occurs when a broker trades excessively in your account to generate commissions, violating Ohio securities regulations and FINRA Rule 2111. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can carefully analyze your transaction records to establish excessive trading and pursue appropriate claims.

Representation in Broker Misrepresentations and Omissions

Providing false or misleading information or withholding critical investment details violates both Ohio Revised Code §1707.44(B) and SEC Rule 10b-5. Our investment fraud attorneys can help you identify misrepresentations and omissions, building a strong case for compensation.

Addressing Unauthorized Trading and Forced Liquidation

Unauthorized trading and forced liquidation occur when a broker makes transactions without your consent or improperly liquidates your assets, breaching FINRA Rule 3260 and Ohio fiduciary laws. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can advocate for investors affected by these unauthorized actions.

Pursuing Claims in Ponzi Scheme and Pyramid Fraud Cases

Ponzi schemes involve fraudulent investment structures promising high returns funded by new investors’ contributions, violating Ohio securities laws and federal statutes. Our Ohio securities fraud lawyers can investigate and pursue recovery on your behalf if you are a Ponzi scheme victim.

Holding Brokers Accountable for Breach of Fiduciary Duty

A breach of fiduciary duty occurs when brokers prioritize their own financial interests over yours, violating Ohio fiduciary standards. Our attorneys can help assess your broker’s fiduciary conduct and file a FINRA arbitration claim to recover your losses.

Legal Support in Mutual Fund and Private Placement Fraud Cases

Mutual fund misrepresentations and fraudulent private placement sales violate Ohio securities registration requirements and disclosure laws (§1707.44). Our experienced investment fraud attorneys can scrutinize complex financial products for potential fraud, providing valuable support in these cases.

Protecting Investors from Overconcentration and Lack of Diversification

Overconcentration in a single asset or sector significantly increases investment risks and may breach fiduciary duties. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can review your portfolio for overconcentration and pursue compensation where appropriate.

Recovering Assets from Theft and Misappropriation

Broker theft or misappropriation constitutes criminal activity under Ohio law and breaches SEC Rule 10b-5. Our attorneys can cooperate with authorities and regulators to help you recover stolen assets.

Holding Firms Accountable for Failure to Supervise

Brokers acting without sufficient oversight may result in significant investor losses, violating FINRA Rule 3110 and Ohio Revised Code supervision requirements. Our firm can analyze brokerage practices and hold responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Investment Fraud

Ohio securities fraud claims generally must be filed within four years of the violation or two years from discovery, according to Ohio Revised Code §1707.43(B). Timely action is crucial, and our attorneys can help you file within these limits.

Additional Investment Fraud Violations We Handle Include:

  • Cryptocurrency Scams
  • Microcap Stock Manipulation
  • Margin Abuse
  • High-Yield Investment Schemes (HYIPs)
  • Selling Away (Unauthorized Securities Sales)
  • Forex Trading Fraud

Investment Losses? We Can Help

Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.

Get A Free Consultation

or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.

Robert Pearce

Can I Recover my Investment Losses?

In order to recover your investment losses, you must hire an experienced attorney to prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated the Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Ohio Securities Act, committed fraud, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or acted negligently and caused you damages.

In most cases, this means filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer and/or representative.

The majority of securities fraud cases are handled by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rather than being brought to the court system.

FINRA arbitration is a streamlined, cost-effective way to resolve disputes between investors and their brokers without going to court – it also allows you to collect punitive damages, which are not available in civil court.

Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients

Over the past two decades, Robert Pearce has successfully recovered more than $175 million for his investor clients. Remarkably, he has secured recoveries for over 99% of his clients through various methods including settlements, arbitrations, and court litigation.

No investment fraud firm can ever guarantee the same or similar results in any given case. However, when you hire the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., you can sleep well knowing you are in qualified and capable hands. Attorney Robert Pearce has represented hundreds of investors over his 45 year career and in the last 20 years alone recovered over $175 million for his investor clients.

Robert Pearce will fight for your rights day in and day out to get you the recovery you are entitled to.

What Can an Ohio Investment Fraud and Loss Recovery Lawyer Do for Investors?

investment fraud lawyers

An investment fraud lawyer helps investors recover investment losses that they lost due to a financial advisor or broker who did not act in their best interest. Typically, the lawyer will help the investor recover their losses through a process called FINRA arbitration.

Investment Losses? Let’s talk.

or, give us a ring at 800-732-2889.

Client Testimonials


Proven Results for Ohio Investors

When evaluating securities attorneys, results matter. For over 45 years, we’ve taken on complex, high-stakes financial disputes head-to-head with Wall Street giants to reclaim what rightfully belongs to investors in Ohio and nationwide. Our track record speaks volumes about our ability to handle sophisticated securities litigation and arbitration matters. Here are a few examples that showcase our track record:

1) FINRA Arbitration Settlement $7,840,000

This case involved a complex options trading strategy in the oil and gas sector against one of the largest Midwest broker-dealers in the United States. Ohio investors facing similar sophisticated investment fraud can take confidence from our ability to navigate complex financial instruments and secure substantial recoveries. The settlement was achieved through mediation on the eve of trial in 2010, demonstrating our skill in both litigation and strategic negotiation.

2) Pre-FINRA Arbitration Settlement $925,000

In a rare pre-arbitration filing settlement, we represented multiple Midwest clients victimized by a rogue broker’s misrepresentations, mismanagement, selling away, and misappropriation of funds. This case demonstrates our ability to help Ohio investors who’ve encountered similar misconduct, achieving a $925,000 recovery in 2014 without the need for formal arbitration proceedings. The settlement showed how aggressive pre-filing advocacy can deliver results efficiently.

3) FINRA Arbitration Award $118,700

Case No. 94-00877

Green v. Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

This victory shows how we protect investors, including those in Ohio, from outright theft by financial professionals. When a Raymond James stockbroker stole $100,000 from Mr. Green’s account, we secured an award that included not only full recovery but also attorney fees. Despite the broker-dealer’s attempts to deflect responsibility, we proved the firm’s liability for its representative’s criminal conduct.

Talk with Robert Pearce Directly Regarding Your Investment Losses

Ohio investment fraud lawyer Robert Wayne Pearce specializes in getting individuals their money back from bad investments using any and all available methods.

If you are an investor who has recently dealt with investment loss due to potential securities or investment fraud, we want to help.

If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our him directly online or call our Columbus office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common examples of investment fraud in Ohio?

Common forms include misrepresentation of investment risks, unauthorized trading, excessive transactions (churning), unsuitable investment recommendations, Ponzi schemes, and breach of fiduciary duty. These are violations of Ohio’s Securities Act and FINRA rules.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for an investment fraud case?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free, and there are no upfront legal costs.

Can I still recover my losses if I signed an arbitration clause or risk disclosure?

Yes. Even if you signed an arbitration agreement or a disclosure document, brokers are still legally required to act in your best interest. If they violated that duty, you may have a valid FINRA arbitration claim.

How long do I have to file a securities fraud claim in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code §1707.43(B), you generally have four years from the date of the violation or two years from the date you discovered it. Acting quickly increases your chances of a successful claim.

What is FINRA arbitration, and how does it help me recover losses?

FINRA arbitration is a faster, cost-effective alternative to court for resolving disputes with brokerage firms. Most investors are required to use arbitration, and we handle the entire process—from filing to hearing—to pursue maximum compensation for you.

[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]