The New Jersey investment fraud lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represent investors who’ve lost money due to broker misconduct and securities fraud. Robert and our attorneys have spent over 45 years helping clients recover from stockbroker fraud, unsuitable investments, and brokerage firm misconduct.

Our firm has recovered over $175 million for defrauded investors through FINRA arbitration and other legal channels. We handle cases involving unauthorized trading, broker negligence, churning, and breach of fiduciary duty throughout New Jersey and nationwide. Your broker had a legal obligation to protect your interests, and when they prioritized commissions over your financial security, they broke the law.

You’re not alone, and this isn’t your fault. Investment fraud happens to intelligent, careful people every day. Our securities attorneys know how to prove your broker violated industry rules and caused your investment losses. We navigate the FINRA claims process efficiently, building strong cases that demonstrate exactly how your advisor’s misconduct damaged your portfolio.

Recovery is possible. The Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. team works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our attorneys evaluate each situation aggressively, identifying the strongest path to reclaim your financial security. We’ve helped hundreds of investors like you hold negligent brokers accountable and rebuild their futures.

Take the first step toward recovering your losses by calling our Newark line at (800) 732-2889 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case at no cost and explain exactly how we can help you get your money back.

Our law firm works with clients throughout New Jersey:

How a New Jersey Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You

If you’ve suffered losses due to investment fraud, the New Jersey investment and stockbroker fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can help you understand your rights and seek financial recovery.

Unsuitable Investments and Broker Misconduct

Unsuitable investments occur when brokers recommend investment products not aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, or circumstances. This practice violates the broker’s duty to act in your best interest, mandated under the New Jersey Uniform Securities Act (N.J.S.A. 49:3-47 et seq.). Our experienced investment fraud lawyers can review your investment history, identify violations, and help you seek compensation.

Excessive Trading (Churning)

Excessive trading, or “churning,” happens when brokers engage in frequent transactions solely to generate commissions at your expense. Churning breaches fiduciary obligations and violates FINRA Rule 2111. The attorneys at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. possess extensive experience analyzing trading patterns and can advocate for the recovery of your losses from abusive trading.

Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Fraud

Ponzi schemes promise high returns but rely on new investor funds to pay existing investors. Such schemes violate both federal laws, like the Securities Act of 1933, and state laws under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.). Our investment fraud attorneys understand the complexity of Ponzi schemes and can guide you through the process of filing claims to recover your money.

Misrepresentation and Omissions of Facts

Brokers who misrepresent investment risks, returns, or key details violate New Jersey’s securities regulations, specifically the Uniform Securities Act, and federal SEC Rule 10b-5. Our team at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can evaluate the broker’s communications, pinpoint deceptive practices, and assist you in pursuing a legal claim for damages.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Financial advisors owe you a fiduciary duty, requiring them to prioritize your financial interests over their own. Violations of fiduciary obligations are actionable under New Jersey law, including N.J.S.A. 49:3-53. Our securities fraud attorneys have a strong track record of successfully pursuing breach-of-duty claims to help investors recover losses.

Unauthorized Trading and Forced Liquidation

Brokers executing trades without your authorization violate FINRA Rule 3260 and the New Jersey Uniform Securities Act. Forced liquidation, or selling securities without consent, can devastate your financial position. The lawyers at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can assess unauthorized activities and help hold brokers accountable for your losses.

Overconcentration and Failure to Diversify

Overconcentration in a single investment exposes investors to excessive risk and violates brokers’ obligations under FINRA Rule 2111 and New Jersey state regulations. Our attorneys can analyze your investment portfolio, identify diversification failures, and pursue compensation for associated losses.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Asset Fraud

Emerging fraud involving cryptocurrencies falls under both federal and New Jersey laws regulating deceptive investment practices. If you’ve suffered losses in digital assets due to fraud, the attorneys at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. have expertise in cryptocurrency litigation and can assist in recovering your funds.

Other Investment Fraud Practices We Handle

  • Theft or Misappropriation of Funds
  • Mutual Fund Sales Violations
  • Private Placement Fraud
  • Microcap Stock Fraud
  • Conflicts of Interest and Hidden Fees
  • Failure to Supervise Broker Conduct

Statutes of Limitations in New Jersey

In New Jersey, investment fraud claims generally must be filed within six years from the fraud date. Claims under the New Jersey Securities Act specifically must be initiated within two years from when you knew or should have known about the violation.

Important Regulatory Bodies and Resources

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

Client Testimonials

Proven Results for New Jersey Investors

When evaluating law firms, results speak louder than promises. For over 45 years, we’ve gone head-to-head with major financial institutions to reclaim what rightfully belongs to investors in New Jersey and nationwide. Our track record demonstrates our ability to handle complex, high-stakes securities litigation and arbitration cases. Here are a few examples that showcase our track record:

1) FINRA Arbitration Settlement $160,000

A New Jersey investor faced devastating losses when their municipal bond portfolio was excessively traded to generate commissions. Through meticulous analysis, we demonstrated unequivocally that the broker-dealer had churned the account. Despite the firm’s attempts to justify the trading as necessary portfolio management, we secured a pre-suit settlement of $160,000, allowing our New Jersey client to recover their losses without the stress of a lengthy arbitration proceeding.

2) FINRA Arbitration Award $2,554,896

Client vs. Investment Advisor et al.

When a discretionary investment advisor deployed a highly leveraged, overly concentrated strategy that resulted in millions in losses, New Jersey investors facing similar misconduct can take confidence from this result. After settling with two respondents and proceeding to a 5-day hearing against the third, we secured an award of $2,554,896. The recovery came through proving the advisor’s strategy was fundamentally unsuitable for the client’s financial situation and investment objectives.

3) Federal Court Settlement $4,300,000

Case No. 14-001695-CI

State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation v. Tri-Med Corp., et al.

This case demonstrates our ability to help New Jersey investors who’ve been victimized by Ponzi schemes aided by professional enablers. As co-counsel with the Receiver, we pursued accounting and legal professionals for allegedly aiding and abetting the fraudulent scheme. Settlement was achieved through mediation after several years of complex federal litigation, resulting in $4.3 million recovered for the benefit of defrauded investors.

Contact us today about your potential fraud case – speak to our New Jersey investment fraud and stockbroker fraud lawyers

New Jersey investment and securities 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.

Since 1980, we have been devoted to helping investors and have successfully recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. View client testimonials here.

If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or by phone at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Newark 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 New Jersey?

If your broker made trades without your approval, misrepresented risks, or recommended investments that didn’t fit your financial goals, you may have been defrauded. Our New Jersey securities attorneys can review your account activity and advisor communications to identify potential violations of state and federal laws.

What are the time limits for filing an investment fraud claim in New Jersey?

Under the New Jersey Uniform Securities Act, you generally have two years from when you discovered—or should have discovered—the fraud to file a claim. However, other claims like breach of fiduciary duty may allow up to six years, depending on the facts of your case.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We work 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 completely free.

What types of damages may be recoverable in a New Jersey investment fraud case?

Recoverable damages may include your investment losses, lost interest or profits, and in some cases, punitive damages. The amount depends on factors like the type of fraud, the broker’s conduct, and how early the misconduct was detected.

How long does the legal process usually take?

Investment fraud cases typically resolve through FINRA arbitration within 12–18 months, though complex cases can take longer. Settlement may occur sooner if liability is clear and damages are well documented.

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