The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represents investors who have suffered losses due to stockbroker fraud and financial advisor misconduct. As experienced Washington investment fraud attorneys with over 45 years protecting investor rights, we understand the betrayal you feel when trusted professionals violate their fiduciary duty to safeguard your investments.
Our firm has recovered over $175 million for clients whose brokers engaged in unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, unsuitable investments, and other securities violations. We handle FINRA arbitration claims throughout Washington, helping victims reclaim their financial security after brokerage firm misconduct devastates their retirement savings, college funds, or investment portfolios.
You are not alone, and this is not your fault. Investment professionals who recommended unsuitable investments or misrepresented risks violated federal securities laws designed to protect you. Our aggressive attorneys help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation through FINRA claims against negligent brokers and their firms.
Recovery is possible. Our securities attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your investment losses. Contact our Seattle office at (800) 732-2889 for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you reclaim what was wrongfully taken from your financial future.
Our law firm serves clients throughout Washington:
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Takoma
- Vancouver
- Bellevue
- Kent
- Everett
- Renton
- Spokane Valley
- Federal Way
- Yakima
- Kirkland
- Bellingham
- Auburn
- Kennewick
- Pasco
- Redmond
- Marysville
- Sammamish
- Lakewood
- Richland
- Shoreline
- Olympia
- Lacey
- Burien
- Bothell
- Bremerton
- Puyallup
- Edmonds
- Mercer Island
How a Washington Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If you’ve experienced investment fraud in Washington, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can help you understand your rights and pursue recovery for your financial losses.
Misrepresentation and Omissions
Misrepresentation occurs when brokers or advisors provide false or misleading information about investments or omit critical facts. Under the Securities Act of Washington (RCW 21.20), such deceptive practices are prohibited and actionable. Our investment fraud lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can help investigate your broker’s actions and pursue a claim for your losses, potentially through FINRA arbitration.
Churning (Excessive Trading)
Churning involves excessive trading in your account primarily for generating commissions, violating fiduciary duties under RCW 21.20.035. Our securities fraud attorneys can analyze your trading records to determine if your broker excessively traded your account, then assist in filing a complaint through FINRA to seek compensation.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Financial advisors have a fiduciary responsibility to act in your best interests. Breaching this duty, such as recommending unsuitable investments, is illegal under both federal securities laws and Washington state regulations (RCW 21.20.010). Attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can assess your advisor’s compliance with fiduciary standards and support you in initiating appropriate legal action.
Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Schemes
These schemes involve using new investor funds to pay previous investors, creating an illusion of profitability. Such practices violate RCW 21.20.010 and federal regulations. Our lawyers have significant experience uncovering fraudulent schemes and can assist in recovering your investment through legal claims against perpetrators and negligent financial institutions.
Unauthorized Trading
Brokers are required to get your approval before making trades in your account. Unauthorized transactions are violations under RCW 21.20.010 and actionable through FINRA arbitration. The attorneys at our firm can review your brokerage records and determine the best course of action to recover your financial losses.
Unsuitable Investments
Brokers must recommend investments suitable for your financial situation and goals, per FINRA Rule 2111 and RCW 21.20.010. If your broker recommended inappropriate investments resulting in losses, our investment fraud attorneys can guide you through the arbitration process to recover damages.
Broker Negligence
Brokers are obligated to provide reasonable care when managing investments. Negligence, including failure to execute trades timely or provide accurate information, can violate industry standards under RCW 21.20.035. Our team can help determine negligence and assist you in filing a claim to recover damages.
Failure to Supervise
Brokers and brokerage firms must properly supervise their representatives according to FINRA Rule 3110. Failures in supervision can lead to substantial investor harm and liability for firms. The attorneys at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. have experience holding brokerage firms accountable through arbitration and litigation for supervisory failures.
Statute of Limitations for Securities Fraud Claims
In Washington, securities fraud claims must be filed within three years from discovery of the fraud. Federally, claims typically have a five-year limit from the violation date or two years from discovery. Consulting promptly with an experienced securities fraud attorney is critical to ensuring your claim is timely filed.
Other Common Securities Violations Include:
- Pump and Dump Schemes
- Insider Trading
- Theft or Embezzlement of Funds
- Margin Abuse
- False Prospectus Claims
Investment Losses? We Can Help
Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.
or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.
What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?
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
Our Track Record: Protecting Washington Investors
When selecting legal representation, proven results matter most. For over 45 years, our firm has successfully reclaimed millions for both Washington and nationwide investors in complex, high-stakes battles against Wall Street’s largest institutions. We’ve gone head-to-head with major broker-dealers to recover losses from fraud, churning, unsuitable recommendations, and breach of fiduciary duty. Here are a few examples that showcase our track record:
1) FINRA Arbitration Settlement $7,840,000
This FINRA arbitration involved a complex options trading strategy in the oil and gas sector for a Brazilian holding company against one of the largest Midwest broker-dealers. Washington investors facing similar sophisticated options fraud can take confidence from this result, where we resolved the case through mediation on the eve of trial in 2010, securing one of our largest settlements through proving the broker-dealer’s mismanagement of complex derivatives.
2) FINRA Arbitration Award $287,500
Case No. 91-01913
Leung v Wakefield Financial, Inc.
When Wakefield Financial stockbrokers misrepresented and made unsuitable recommendations in connection with an option trading program, the arbitrators found multiple violations. Like many Washington residents who’ve encountered unsuitable options strategies, these investors were misled about the risks involved. The recovery included both compensatory damages and attorney fees, demonstrating how arbitrators will punish firms that push inappropriate trading strategies.
3) Pre-FINRA Arbitration Settlement $175,000
In a case involving a charitable organization and a major broker-dealer whose financial advisor misrepresented facts, mismanaged the portfolio, and took undisclosed commissions while working on a fee basis, the Wall Street firm quickly settled to avoid scandal. This case demonstrates our ability to help Washington investors, including non-profits, as the settlement in 2006 came after we exposed the financial abuse suffered by this charity and the advisor’s breach of fiduciary duty.
Need help? Contact our Washington Securities, Stockbroker and Investment Fraud Attorneys today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Washington investment fraud attorney 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 team online or call our Seattle office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Washington securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as investment fraud in Washington?
Investment fraud occurs when a broker or advisor engages in misconduct such as misrepresentation, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investment recommendations, or breach of fiduciary duty. These actions violate Washington’s Securities Act (RCW 21.20) and FINRA regulations.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.
How do I know if my financial losses were caused by fraud or just market conditions?
If your advisor failed to explain risks, made trades without your permission, or placed you in investments that didn’t match your goals, it may indicate fraud or negligence—not just poor market performance. Our attorneys can review your account and investment history to find out.
Can I recover losses even if I signed a risk disclosure agreement?
Yes. Risk disclosures don’t shield brokers from liability for fraud, misrepresentation, or making unsuitable recommendations. Even if you signed a form, you may still have a strong case under state and federal law.
What’s the time limit for filing an investment fraud claim in Washington?
Under Washington law, securities fraud claims generally must be filed within three years of discovering the fraud. Federal claims are typically limited to two years from discovery or five years from the violation. Contacting an attorney promptly protects your right to recovery.
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]