---
title: "How to Choose a Securities Fraud Lawyer: A Buyer's Guide for Investors"
url: https://prosperousboomer.com/how-to-choose-a-securities-fraud-lawyer-a-buyer-s-guide-for-investors/
description: "Your broker lost your money, and the arbitration clock is already running. Choosing the wrong securities fraud lawyer can cost you your claim before a hearing even."
published: 2026-10-05
updated: 2026-10-05
---

# How to Choose a Securities Fraud Lawyer: A Buyer's Guide for Investors

Published 2026-10-05

Your broker lost your money, and the arbitration clock is already running. Choosing the wrong securities fraud lawyer can cost you your claim before a hearing even begins. This guide shows you exactly how to evaluate one.

You will learn what Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com does, who it serves, and how its former Wall Street defense lawyers approach investor claims. You will also see how its no recovery, no fee pricing works, what credentials and track record to weigh, and whether this firm fits your case.

## What Is Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com?

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, is a national securities and investment fraud law firm dedicated to representing individual investors in disputes with financial institutions. The firm handles claims against brokerage firms and financial advisors on behalf of investors, families, trusts, and estates across the country.

Its practice covers **securities arbitration and litigation**, with cases pursued through FINRA arbitration, AAA arbitration, JAMS arbitration, and state and federal court. The firm also offers a free, confidential case evaluation and works on a **"No recovery, no fee"** basis in investor cases.

For investors weighing legal representation, this matters. A firm built around the investor side of the table, rather than the defense of large financial institutions, brings a distinct perspective to claims involving stockbroker misconduct, unsuitable investments, and advisor fraud.

### Who the Firm Is, What It Does, and Who It Serves

The firm was founded by two former Wall Street defense lawyers, Jason S. Haselkorn and Matthew N. Thibaut. Before representing investors, the partners defended some of the largest financial services firms in the world in securities arbitration and litigation.

That background shapes how the firm approaches **securities fraud lawyer** work today. The partners understand how Wall Street firms build their cases, where they cut corners, and where their arguments are vulnerable. That insider knowledge is used for individual investors rather than against them.

Jason S. Haselkorn brings over 30 years of experience. He worked as a registered representative and in the legal department of a major broker-dealer, then served as General Counsel for a regional broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment advisory firm. He was previously a senior partner at a large law firm.

Matthew N. Thibaut brings over 25 years of experience in securities litigation and arbitration, with a focus on elder financial abuse and investment fraud. He gained experience on securities matters from the defense side before dedicating his practice to investors, and he speaks English and Spanish.

The firm serves individual investors, retirees, families, trusts, and estates nationwide. Its model is described as **"Big-Firm Results. Boutique-Firm Service."** Clients work directly with the two partners, not a rotating team of associates, from the first consultation through resolution.

Claims handled by the firm arise from broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, advisor fraud, and fraudulent schemes. These are pursued against brokerage firms and financial advisors through FINRA arbitration, AAA arbitration, JAMS arbitration, and state and federal court litigation.

For an investor choosing a securities fraud lawyer, the structure of the firm matters. Working directly with the partners means continuity, accountability, and a single point of contact throughout a case that may involve **securities arbitration** or full litigation. The free, confidential case evaluation and the "No recovery, no fee" arrangement lower the barrier to finding out whether a claim exists.

## Is Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com the Right Securities Fraud Lawyer for You?

Choosing the right securities fraud lawyer can be the difference between recovering your losses and facing an uphill battle against deep-pocketed financial institutions. Not every attorney who advertises investment fraud representation has actually tried cases against broker-dealers, and fewer still understand how those institutions build their defenses.

When evaluating a securities fraud lawyer, focus on three core factors: **relevant experience in securities arbitration and litigation**, a documented track record of results, and direct access to the attorneys handling your case. A firm's history with FINRA arbitration matters, its familiarity with claims like churning, unauthorized trading, and unsuitable investments, and its willingness to explain each step of the process all signal whether you will be treated as a priority or a file number.

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, is a national securities and investment fraud law firm that represents individual investors across all 50 states. The details below explain what sets the firm apart and why those differences matter for your claim.

### Credentials, Experience, and Client-First Approach That Set the Firm Apart

With partners who are former Wall Street defense attorneys, Haselkorn & Thibaut offers a unique advantage: they understand how the other side thinks and prepares accordingly. Before representing individual investors, the partners defended some of the largest financial institutions, so they know where a broker-dealer's case is vulnerable and how to build a claim that anticipates the opposition's arguments.

That background is backed by substantial credentials. The firm reports **95+ years of combined securities law experience** and involvement in over $520 million of securities cases. It also reports a **98% success rate in investor claims and FINRA arbitrations**, a figure that reflects the depth of its securities arbitration practice.

Peer recognition reinforces that record. The firm is Top 2% peer-reviewed with a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, Super Lawyers-designated, and recognized as Florida Trend Legal Elite. Client feedback tells a similar story, with 5.0-star reviews and 57+ five-star reviews from investors the firm has represented.

Individual partner credentials add further weight. Partner Jason Haselkorn served as General Counsel for a regional broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment advisory firm, giving him firsthand insight into how broker-dealers and investment advisers operate from the inside. Matthew Thibaut leads a dedicated elder financial abuse practice, an area where investor protection often matters most.

The firm's client-first model is perhaps its most practical advantage for investors. Clients work directly with the two partners, not a rotating team of associates, which means the attorneys who evaluate your case are the same ones who handle it. Haselkorn & Thibaut works on a contingency basis with no recovery, no fee, and offers a free confidential case evaluation. The firm serves investors nationwide from offices in Florida, New York, Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina.

For an investor weighing claims involving stockbroker misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, misrepresentation, omission of material facts, or negligence, these factors matter. A boutique structure, decades of combined experience, and direct partner involvement give investors a clear answer: yes, Haselkorn & Thibaut is a strong choice for securities fraud representation.

## Key Features That Make Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com Stand Out

What truly distinguishes Haselkorn & Thibaut from other securities fraud law firms is a combination of deep defense-side insight and a nationwide investor-side practice. The partners once defended major Wall Street institutions. Today they put that same knowledge to work for individual investors.

The firm focuses entirely on **investor-side securities arbitration and investment litigation**. That means its lawyers are not splitting attention between defending broker-dealers and representing the people those firms harmed.

Its reach is broad as well. The practice serves investors in all 50 states, with offices in **Florida, New York, Arizona, Texas and North Carolina**. The sections below explain what this background means for your case and which types of misconduct the firm handles.

### Former Wall Street Defense Lawyers Fighting for Investors Nationwide

Having defended some of the largest financial institutions on Wall Street, the partners at Haselkorn & Thibaut now use that insider knowledge to represent individual investors across all 50 states. This background matters because securities arbitration and litigation reward preparation. A lawyer who once built defenses for brokerage firms understands how those firms document trades, supervise registered representatives and respond to customer complaints.

That insight can shape strategy from the first filing. In **FINRA arbitration**, the most common forum for investor claims, the firm also represents clients in AAA and JAMS arbitration, plus state and federal court litigation. Knowing how a broker-dealer is likely to frame its defense helps the firm press the points that matter most in a claim.

The practice is genuinely nationwide. Haselkorn & Thibaut has represented clients from **Hawaii to Puerto Rico**, and its nationwide FINRA arbitration practice means clients can meet in person or virtually by phone or video. Offices in Florida (main office, Juno Beach), New York City, Phoenix, Houston and Cary, North Carolina give the firm a physical presence in five states while still serving investors everywhere else.

Jason Haselkorn also handles securities industry employment disputes, wrongful termination and U-4/U-5 expungement. The firm works with referral sources such as CPAs, estate planning attorneys, financial advisors and other lawyers, and pays co-counsel referral fees where appropriate.

### Types of Securities Fraud and Misconduct Cases Handled

The firm handles a wide spectrum of investor claims, from churning and unauthorized trading to complex Ponzi schemes and market manipulation. Many investor losses trace back to a handful of recurring problems, and a buyer's guide should help you recognize them before you speak with any securities fraud lawyer.

Common claims include:

- **Unsuitable investments**, where a recommendation ignores your goals, age or risk tolerance
- **Churning and excessive trading**, where activity generates commissions rather than returns
- **Unauthorized trading**, where trades happen without your approval
- **Overconcentration**, where too much of your portfolio sits in one position or sector
- **Misrepresentation and omission** of material facts about an investment
- **Breach of fiduciary duty**, negligence, fraud and failure to supervise

The firm also pursues claims involving investment fraud and securities fraud, financial advisor fraud, broker misconduct and elder financial abuse, along with Ponzi schemes and regulation violations. Products in these cases often include stocks and equities, bonds, mutual funds, hedge funds, managed money, alternative investments, private placements, structured products and structured notes, non-traded REITs, DSTs and variable annuities.

Current investor investigations listed on the firm's site include brokerage firm losses, structured notes, non-traded REITs, DST investor losses, GWG Holdings (L Bonds), Northstar Healthcare Income, Easterly ROCMuni, National Healthcare Properties (NHP) IPO, Ornstein-Schuler conservation easements and Bluerock Private Real Estate Fund (BPRE). If your loss involves any of these areas, that experience is worth asking about directly.

## Pricing: No Recovery, No Fee - What Investors Should Know

Haselkorn & Thibaut operates on a contingency fee basis: investors pay nothing unless the firm recovers money on their behalf. That single sentence answers the question most investors ask first, and it reshapes the entire risk calculation of pursuing a claim.

Under this model, **no payment is required to start a case**. The fee is simply a percentage of whatever the firm recovers, so the cost of legal representation is tied directly to the outcome rather than to hours logged or motions filed.

For someone weighing whether to pursue stockbroker misconduct or investment fraud claims, that structure removes the most common barrier: the fear of paying legal fees and still losing.

It is worth understanding how this differs from other fee arrangements you may encounter when comparing securities fraud lawyers.

- **Contingency fee:** The client pays a percentage of the recovery, and nothing if no money is recovered. This is how most investor cases are handled.
- **Hourly:** The client pays for time spent regardless of outcome, which shifts all financial risk onto the investor.
- **Hybrid:** A reduced hourly rate combined with a contingency component.
- **Alternative arrangements:** Terms tailored to the specific facts and posture of a case.

Haselkorn & Thibaut notes that fee arrangements can include hourly, contingency, hybrid, or alternative structures depending on the case, though **in most investor cases there is no fee unless the firm recovers funds**. That distinction matters because it tells you the default expectation before you ever sign anything.

The alignment of interests here is straightforward. When a securities fraud lawyer is paid only out of a recovery, the firm's incentive is to pursue claims with genuine merit and to maximize the result, not to bill hours.

For investors, that means **no upfront financial exposure** and no scenario where you owe legal fees on a claim that produced nothing. The risk of pursuing a broker-dealer or registered representative sits with the firm, not with you.

Haselkorn & Thibaut also offers a **free, confidential case evaluation and free consultation**, available by phone, in person, or virtually. That step costs nothing and carries no obligation, so an investor can learn whether a churning, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investments, or misrepresentation claim exists before committing to anything.

The practical takeaway for this buyer's guide: ask any securities fraud lawyer to put the fee structure in writing, confirm who pays expenses, and clarify what happens if the case yields no recovery. With Haselkorn & Thibaut, the answer on the core question is consistent. Investors pay nothing unless money is recovered on their behalf.

## Trust Signals: Awards, Track Record, and Client Results

When evaluating a securities fraud lawyer, independent recognition and a proven track record are key indicators of reliability and success. Anyone can claim to fight for investors, but awards from peer-review organizations and documented case outcomes are harder to earn.

These signals matter because securities arbitration and litigation against broker-dealers is a specialized field. A lawyer's standing among judges, opposing counsel, and fellow attorneys offers an outside check on quality that marketing copy cannot provide.

Look for peer ratings, bar recognitions, published case results, and verified client feedback. The sections below break down the specific credentials and outcomes reported by Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, so you can weigh them alongside the rest of your buyer's guide checklist.

### Industry Recognition and Reported Success Rate

Both partners at Haselkorn & Thibaut hold the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, a distinction awarded to only the top 2% of attorneys. This rating reflects peer review of legal ability and ethical standards, not self-reported claims.

Matthew Thibaut has also been designated a **Super Lawyers** honoree in the Securities category, and both partners have been recognized as **Florida Trend Legal Elite**. Thibaut additionally received an Employment Law Award from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, reflecting a broader commitment to legal service.

Client feedback reinforces these credentials. The firm holds a 5.0-star review profile with more than 57 five-star client reviews. One client, Leila, noted that Matt made a NorthStar Healthcare Income matter easy to understand and handled the arbitration paperwork smoothly. Another, Rich, praised Thibaut's command of financial law and his preparation for testimony.

Reported case results offer further context for what this experience can produce:

- A **$1.28 million FINRA award** against Fidelity for investors with structured note losses
- A recovery more than **five times the original mediation offer** after taking over a case from another lawyer following a failed mediation against a large Wall Street firm
- A charitable family trust defrauded of nearly 90% of its assets by a trusted advisor recovered several million dollars
- A family that invested nearly its entire inheritance in a fake municipal bond fund obtained a multimillion-dollar recovery

Partners have also been quoted in Forbes, the Palm Beach Post, and the Palm Beach Daily News, adding press visibility to the peer and client recognition. Results vary by case, but the pattern across awards, reviews, and outcomes points to a firm with verifiable standing in investor protection work.

## Who Should Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com

Haselkorn & Thibaut is ideally suited for individual investors, retirees, families, trusts, and estates that have suffered losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, advisor fraud, or fraudulent schemes. These are the clients the firm was built to serve, and the fit is intentional rather than incidental.

The firm represents investors **anywhere in the United States**, not just in one state or circuit. That matters because a brokerage firm can be headquartered far from the client who lost money, and investors should not have to retain local counsel simply because of geography. A nationwide securities practice removes that barrier.

If you recognize yourself in any of the situations below, this firm's practice is aimed directly at your circumstances:

- Individual investors whose accounts were mishandled by a broker or financial advisor
- Retirees who lost savings they cannot easily replace
- Families acting on behalf of an older relative harmed by elder financial abuse
- Trusts and estates holding accounts that suffered losses
- Investors who want to sue a financial advisor or brokerage firm and pursue securities arbitration or **securities litigation**

Losses in these cases often trace back to recognizable categories of misconduct: churning, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investments, misrepresentation, omission of material facts, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and outright fraud. A Ponzi scheme, pump and dump, penny stock fraud, or microcap fraud can also wipe out an account, and the legal questions that follow are similar.

The firm has also represented corporations, pension plans, and charitable organizations, so the practice is not limited to household accounts. That breadth suggests the firm can handle matters of different sizes and structures while keeping the same focus on **investor protection**.

Cost is often the first worry for an investor weighing legal representation. Haselkorn & Thibaut works on a **contingency fee model**, which means clients do not pay upfront to have their case reviewed and pursued. This structure makes the firm accessible to a wide range of investors, including those who could not otherwise afford to take on a brokerage firm.

Another practical entry point comes through professional referral sources. CPAs, estate planning attorneys, general practice lawyers, and financial advisors whose clients have investment losses often point those clients toward a securities fraud lawyer. If a trusted professional raised the possibility of a claim, this firm is a natural next step.

The clearest way to decide whether Haselkorn & Thibaut is right for you is to look at what you actually have: a loss connected to broker conduct, an advisor who misrepresented or omitted key facts, or a scheme that turned out to be fraudulent. If that describes your situation, and you want to hold a financial institution accountable, this firm's client profile matches yours.

## Final Verdict: A Buyer's Guide Takeaway for Investors

After evaluating the firm's credentials, pricing, and client-first approach, Haselkorn & Thibaut emerges as a strong contender for investors seeking to recover losses through securities arbitration or litigation. The buyer's guide framework used throughout this article, credentials, cost structure, reach, and reputation, points to a firm that checks every box an investor should care about.

What separates Haselkorn & Thibaut from many firms in this space is its **defense-side experience**. Attorneys who once represented broker-dealers and registered representatives understand how the other side builds its case. That perspective can be valuable when pursuing claims involving churning, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investments, misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty.

The firm's pricing model also stands out. Haselkorn & Thibaut works on a **no recovery, no fee** basis, meaning investors do not pay attorney fees unless the case produces a recovery. For many investors who have already suffered losses from stockbroker misconduct or investment fraud, this removes a significant barrier to seeking legal representation.

Nationwide reach is another key takeaway. The firm maintains offices across the country and handles cases through FINRA arbitration and securities litigation, giving investors in different states access to the same level of representation.

- **Florida (Main Office):** 790 Juno Ocean Walk, Suite 501-C, Juno Beach, FL 33408. Phone: (561) 556-2203
- **New York:** Park Avenue Center, 125 Park Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Phone: (332) 286-4055
- **Arizona:** Camelback Commons, 4742 North 24th Street, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Phone: (623) 244-6902
- **Texas:** 5100 Westheimer Road, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77056. Phone: (832) 558-7436
- **North Carolina:** 1903 North Harrison Avenue, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513. Phone: (984) 422-3645

Investors can also reach the firm through its national toll-free line at **1-888-885-7162** or submit a free case review through the firm's contact form.

Is Haselkorn & Thibaut a good fit for every investor? It is a particularly strong match for those who suspect fraud, negligence, or a breach of fiduciary duty and want a firm with courtroom and arbitration experience on both sides of the table. The no recovery, no fee structure makes an initial consultation low risk.

For investors weighing their options after losses tied to a Ponzi scheme, pump and dump, insider trading, market manipulation, penny stock fraud, or microcap fraud, the takeaway from this buyer's guide is clear: Haselkorn & Thibaut offers the credentials, pricing transparency, and national footprint that define strong legal representation in securities matters.

Contacting the firm for a consultation is the natural next step for any investor who wants to understand whether they have a viable claim.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does it cost to hire a securities fraud lawyer?

Many investor-side securities firms, including Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, generally handle investor cases on a contingency basis: the fee is a percentage of the recovery, and you pay nothing unless money is recovered. No payment is required to start, and the firm offers a free consultation to evaluate your situation. Because fee arrangements can vary, always ask any lawyer you interview to explain their fee structure in writing before you sign.

### What should I look for when choosing a securities fraud lawyer?

Look for a lawyer whose practice focuses on investor-side securities arbitration and litigation, not general civil litigation, and who is licensed to represent you in FINRA arbitration. Experience matters: Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, was founded by two former Wall Street defense lawyers with over 30 years of experience on the defense side before representing individual investors. Ask who will actually handle your case day to day, and confirm the firm's track record with claims like yours.

### Will I work directly with a lawyer or with junior staff?

This is one of the most important questions to ask any firm. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, is a two-partner boutique practice: Jason S. Haselkorn and Matthew N. Thibaut are personally involved in every case the firm takes, and clients work directly with them, not with junior associates or case managers. If direct access to an experienced partner matters to you, make it part of your evaluation.

### Do I have to travel to hire a securities fraud lawyer, or can I work with one remotely?

You generally do not need to travel. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, represents investors in all 50 states, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, through a nationwide FINRA arbitration practice, and clients can meet in person or virtually. The firm has offices in Juno Beach, Florida, and on Park Avenue in New York, and can be reached toll-free at 1-888-885-7162.

### How do I know if I even have a case worth pursuing?

That is exactly what a free consultation is for. Securities fraud lawyers typically review your account statements, correspondence and the advisor's recommendations to assess whether there was misconduct such as unsuitable recommendations, broker misconduct or outright fraud. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, focuses on investor-side claims for individual investors, retirees, families, trusts and estates, and can tell you candidly whether your situation appears actionable.

### Why does it help to hire lawyers who used to defend financial institutions?

Former defense attorneys know how brokerage firms and their counsel build defenses, prepare witnesses and value cases, which can inform how your claim is presented. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, was founded by two former Wall Street defense lawyers who defended some of the largest financial institutions before switching to representing individual investors. That perspective can be an advantage when negotiating or arbitrating against a well-resourced opponent.