If you’ve discovered unexplained losses in your investment account or suspect your broker made trades without your permission, you’re likely feeling betrayed and unsure where to turn. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. helps victims of investment fraud and broker misconduct recover their losses through aggressive legal representation.
You’re not alone, and what happened isn’t your fault. For over 45 years, we’ve exclusively focused on securities law, recovering more than $175 million for clients through FINRA arbitration and litigation. Whether you need an Illinois investment fraud attorney for unsuitable investments, unauthorized trading, misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty, we understand both the complex legal issues and the emotional toll of financial betrayal.
Investment fraud happens when brokers or brokerage firms put their interests ahead of yours—recommending unsuitable investments, churning accounts for commissions, or hiding risks to earn fees. Securities attorneys like us help victims document their losses, file FINRA claims, and hold negligent brokers accountable. Many investors don’t realize they can recover losses caused by stockbroker fraud, especially when proper documentation exists.
Our team has successfully handled cases involving everything from Ponzi schemes to improper margin trading, helping clients from Chicago to Springfield reclaim their financial futures. FINRA arbitration provides a faster, more cost-effective path to recovery than traditional litigation, and we guide you through every step.
Contact our Chicago office today at (800) 732-2889 for a free consultation about your investment losses. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Our law firm works with clients throughout the state:
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Naperville
- Joliet
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Elgin
- Peoria
- Waukegan
- Champaign
- Cicero
- Bloomington
- Arlington Heights
- Evanston
- Schaumburg
- Decatur
- Bolingbrook
- Palatine
- Skokie
- Des Plaines
How an Illinois Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If you’ve suffered financial losses due to investment or securities fraud, the Illinois investment fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can potentially help you recover your losses. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping investors navigate the complex issues surrounding securities fraud.
What is Investment and Securities Fraud?
Investment fraud, often called securities fraud, involves deceptive practices such as false representations, misleading statements, or concealment of information that result in financial losses for investors. Common violations include misrepresenting investment risks, unauthorized trading, churning (excessive trading), and outright theft of investor funds.
Common Types of Investment Fraud in Illinois
- Unsuitable Investment Recommendations: Advisors recommending investments that don’t match investor profiles.
- Churning (Excessive Trading): Brokers excessively trading to generate commissions, violating fiduciary obligations.
- Ponzi Schemes: Fraudulent schemes promising high returns funded by new investor deposits, inevitably collapsing.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Advisors placing their interests ahead of client interests.
- Unauthorized Trading: Transactions conducted without investor approval.
- Overconcentration: Lack of diversification, leading to increased financial risk.
- Theft and Misappropriation: Brokers stealing or misusing client funds.
- Cryptocurrency Scams: Fraudulent investment schemes involving digital currencies.
Can You Recover Your Investment Losses?
To recover your investment losses, you must demonstrate that your broker or financial advisor violated securities laws, breached fiduciary duties, or disregarded securities industry rules. Most investment fraud cases are resolved through FINRA arbitration, a streamlined and cost-effective dispute resolution method.
Statute of Limitations for Investment Fraud in Illinois
In Illinois, securities fraud claims typically must be filed within three years of discovering the fraud. Claims involving fraudulent concealment or fiduciary breaches may extend up to five years from the violation date. Quick legal consultation is essential to ensure timely filing of your claims.
Illinois and Federal Laws Protecting Investors
- Illinois Securities Act: Central to investor protection, combating fraud and mandating registration of securities.
- Illinois Business Corporations Act: Governs corporate responsibility to shareholders.
- Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): Provides remedies for deceptive or unfair trade practices.
Useful Resources for Illinois Investors
- Illinois State Securities Department
- Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Why Choose the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.?
Attorney Robert Pearce has recovered over $175 million for investors affected by fraud. Our firm:
- Thoroughly investigates your case to uncover evidence of fraud or misconduct.
- Identifies liable parties responsible for your financial losses.
- Files arbitration claims and lawsuits to recover your investments.
- Negotiates and litigates aggressively for maximum compensation.
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.
Did You Know . . . Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
In the last 20 years alone, Robert Pearce has recovered over $175 million for his investor clients. In fact, he has recovered funds for over 99% of his investor clients through various avenues of recovery, 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 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
What Sets Our Law Firm Apart: A History of Success
When choosing legal representation for investment disputes, results define excellence. Our firm has spent over 45 years going head-to-head with major financial institutions to reclaim what belongs to investors nationwide, including throughout Illinois. We’ve successfully navigated complex, high-stakes arbitrations and federal court proceedings that help Illinois residents recover from investment fraud and broker misconduct. Here are a few examples that showcase our track record:
1) FINRA Arbitration Settlement $75,000
This Illinois client faced devastating losses when a major independent brokerage firm and financial advisor liquidated 100% of their well-diversified 401(k) mutual fund portfolio and reinvested the proceeds into illiquid products. The advisor placed funds into two fixed income/equity indexed annuities, two non-traded real estate investment trusts, and a private placement involving GPB Capital Holdings. Settlement was achieved prior to the arbitration hearing in fall 2021, demonstrating our ability to secure recoveries for Illinois investors facing unsuitable investment recommendations.
2) Pre-FINRA Arbitration Settlement $925,000
In a complex case involving rogue broker misconduct across the Midwest, including Illinois, we secured this substantial pre-arbitration settlement from a major independent broker operation. The underlying case involved misrepresentations, mismanagement, selling away, and misappropriation of funds from multiple clients throughout the region. Recovery came through demonstrating the firm’s failure to supervise, achieving this rare pre-filing settlement in 2014.
3) FINRA Arbitration Award $1,817,296
Case No. 09-02697
Gerald J. Kazma, et al. v. Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., et al.
Illinois investors can take confidence from this significant victory involving complex municipal arbitrage structured products. When the MAT/ASTA products were misrepresented and mismanaged during the 2008 municipal bond crisis, we secured this substantial award for the Kazma family. Despite Citigroup’s defense, recovery was achieved by proving how these sophisticated products devastated investors who relied on the firm’s expertise.
Speak with an Illinois Securities Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Illinois securities lawyer Robert Wayne Pearce specializes in getting individuals their money back from bad investments using any and all available methods.
If you’re an investor who has recently experienced financial losses due to possible securities or investment fraud, we’re here to offer assistance.
If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or call our Chicago office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with an Illinois securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’ve been a victim of investment fraud in Illinois?
If you experienced unexpected losses or your broker made trades without your approval, you may be a victim of investment fraud. Other signs include misrepresented risks, unauthorized activity, or investments that don’t match your goals or risk tolerance.
What is the typical process for recovering losses through FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a legal process used to resolve investment disputes outside of court. It usually involves filing a claim, presenting evidence, and attending a hearing; most cases resolve within 12 to 18 months, depending on complexity.
What kinds of damages can I recover in an Illinois investment fraud case?
You may be able to recover your financial losses, interest, and in some cases, legal fees or punitive damages. The exact amount depends on your evidence, the type of fraud, and how Illinois law applies to your case.
Is there a deadline to file an investment fraud claim in Illinois?
Yes. Under Illinois law, most claims must be filed within three years of discovering the fraud, though some cases involving concealment may extend up to five years. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for an investment fraud case?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you, and all initial consultations are free.
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]