Kelly brings a level of expertise not often seen in the pursuit of high stakes securities litigation and investment-loss recovery. She is a highly regarded securities litigation, asset protection, and estate planning attorney and a former licensed financial advisor with a deep understanding of investments and the law. A Wall Street veteran, Kelly knows how products are sold, how firms record (and sometimes obscure) risk, and how arbitration panels evaluate claims. That practical experience, combined with litigation skill, positions her to assist individuals, families, and business entities in pursuing recovery efficiently and strategically.
Can I Sue My Financial Advisor?
The short answer is – it depends. Many investors assume losses are “just the market.” In reality, a significant portion of investment losses stem from misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, or failures in supervision and those losses may be recoverable. The key is acting quickly, preserving evidence, and having an advocate who understands both Wall Street and the law.
Are Your Losses Potentially Recoverable?
The short answer is – maybe. Investment-loss claims commonly arise from one or more of the following:
- Unsuitable recommendations
- Misrepresentation or omission of material facts
- Excessive trading (“churning”)
- Unauthorized trading / failure to follow instructions
- Overconcentration / failure to diversify
- Margin misuse and leverage
- Product-specific pitfalls
- Failure to supervise / firm negligence
- Elder financial abuse / exploitation
Not every market loss is actionable, but many are. A focused review by a knowledgeable securities attorney can separate market risk from misconduct.
Where Do You Bring a Claim?
FINRA Arbitration
Most brokerage customer agreements contain mandatory FINRA arbitration clauses. That means your path typically runs through FINRA Dispute Resolution rather than a courtroom. Arbitration is designed to be:
- Faster and more cost-effective than traditional litigation
- Less formal, with limited discovery and no depositions in many cases
- Final, with very limited grounds to vacate an award
Mediation (often through FINRA) can resolve cases even faster, at lower cost, and with more control over outcomes.
Advisory (RIA) Accounts & Other Forums
Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) may use different forums, such as AAA, JAMS, or court, depending on your contract. Some RIAs include arbitration clauses; others do not. We review your agreements to determine jurisdiction and the best strategy.
Why Kelly Champagne-Deutekom
- Wall Street fluency: Kelly knows sales practices, incentive structures, and how firms document “suitability.”
- Former licensed financial advisor: She understands portfolio construction, cost drag, margin mechanics, and product risk from the inside.
- Focused advocacy: Clear damages modeling, practical strategy, and efficient resolution through mediation when it serves you, or arbitration or a hearing when it doesn’t.
Investors deserve straight answers, strategic leverage, and a path to real recovery. That’s the standard we bring to every case.
Talk to an Investment-Loss Attorney
Our goal is simple: maximize net recovery after fees, costs, and taxes. If you suspect misconduct or unsuitable advice led to your losses, contact Champagne Law Firm to schedule a confidential evaluation. We stand ready to represent individuals, families, and business entities throughout Tennessee and nationwide in securities arbitration and litigation. Licensing & Jurisdiction Notice: While our licensure is state-specific, we represent investors in securities arbitrations across the United States. Court appearances outside our licensed jurisdictions are handled with local counsel and pro hac vice admission when required.
