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Should I Hire An Illinois-Licensed Attorney For My FINRA Arbitration Claim?
The Answer is YES and Here’s Why.
Illinois investors who have suffered losses due to investment fraud or financial advisor misconduct need an attorney with the right mix of experience, credentials, and local insight. At Israels & Neuman, PLC, we represent clients across the country, but we have deep roots in Illinois — especially the Chicago area — which gives us a distinct advantage when advocating for investors in the state.
Both founding attorneys are licensed to practice law in Illinois: Dave Neuman since 2005 and Aaron Israels since 2009. Dave attended law school in Illinois and worked in Illinois for several years at a Chicago based law firm, where he represented hundreds of investors in FINRA Arbitrations. We maintain a Chicago office and regularly represent investors throughout the state, including in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
1. Understanding of the Illinois Securities Law and Investor Protections
Illinois maintains its own securities statutes under the Illinois Securities Law of 1953. This law includes specific provisions on fraud, omissions, and the sale of unregistered securities. In many cases, investors may have claims under both federal law and the Illinois Securities Law — but an experienced, locally licensed investment fraud lawyer will know how to navigate both systems and take advantage of all available remedies including potential claims under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505/1 et seq.).
Understanding how Illinois regulators and courts interpret the law is critical in developing a strong legal strategy, whether your claim involves unsuitable investments, unauthorized trading, Ponzi schemes, or failure to supervise.
2. Israels & Neuman, PLC is Authorized to Represent You in Both FINRA Arbitration As Well As in Illinois Courts
Most securities fraud cases are resolved through FINRA arbitration, not court. But in Illinois, just like elsewhere, arbitration frequently intersects with litigation. For example, it may be necessary to:
- File a petition in state court to compel arbitration
- File a petition in state court to compel arbitration
- Confirm or vacate a FINRA arbitration award once it’s over
Only a lawyer who is licensed in the state of Illinois can represent you in these court proceedings without needing to bring in additional and sometimes costly “local counsel.” That’s why it’s smart to hire an Illinois-licensed FINRA arbitration attorney who is already legally authorized to appear in both forums.
Aaron Israels, the founding partner of Israels & Neuman, PLC, is a member of the federal trial bar in the Northern District of Illinois – many Illinois-licensed attorneys do not have that credential. Attorney Dave Neuman is also licensed in the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois.
3. Strategic Knowledge of the Illinois Legal Landscape
Illinois, and especially Chicago, is a highly competitive and complex legal market. The courts are busy, the opposing attorneys are experienced, and the judges expect clear, well-prepared legal arguments. Working with attorneys who regularly handle investment fraud claims in Illinois gives you a distinct edge.
Aaron and Dave have collectively handled multiple securities arbitration cases for thousands of clients and have appeared in both federal and state courts throughout Illinois. We understand how local judges rule, how arbitrators in the Chicago FINRA hearing pool operate, and how to present your case effectively. Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
4. Local Presence Means Greater Accessibility
When you’re dealing with financial loss, personal service matters. Being able to meet your attorney in person, go over your account statements face to face, and have someone nearby to answer all of your questions can make a stressful process a little bit easier. We maintain an office in downtown Chicago and are available to meet with clients throughout the entire state of Illinois.
Our legal team takes pride in providing responsive, one-on-one attention to every client we represent — and we’re always available to travel if you prefer to meet closer to home.
Trusted Experience in Illinois Investment Fraud Cases
At Israels & Neuman, PLC, we combine national experience with Illinois-specific knowledge. Dave Neuman has been licensed in Illinois since 2005, and Aaron Israels since 2009. We’ve represented investors in a wide variety of securities and investment fraud disputes — from traditional brokerage firm misconduct to complex cases involving alternative investments, REITs, structured notes, and more.