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Investment Fraud
St. Louis Lawyers Helping People Harmed by Broker Negligence and Investment Fraud
Did your broker misrepresent or ignore your tolerance for risky investments?
Were you ready to retire and your retirement account was slashed by volatile tech stocks when you should have held relatively risk-free bonds?
Did your broker eat into your investment earnings by churning your portfolio in search of commission fees?
Did you lose money because of a “get rich quick” Ponzi scheme or other fraudulent investment scam?
Investing in the stock market or other types of securities can be inherently risky. Certainly, not all investment losses are the result of fraud or negligence. However, when a stock broker, investment adviser or other financial professionals act fraudulently or negligently, innocent investors may be able to recover all or part of any resulting losses.
If your investment portfolio declined due to bad advice or illegal broker behavior, we can help. Contact us at 314-394-1135 for a free initial consultation.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, attorney Robert Benbenek provides strong representation and attentive counsel to clients who have lost money in the stock market or other investments.
What is Securities Fraud?
Also known as stock fraud or investment fraud, securities fraud includes the violation of the law to take advantage of individual and institutional investors. A variety of deceptive practices may be involved, but all result in the loss of money by unsuspecting investors.
Our attorneys help clients hold their investment company or securities broker responsible for fraud and negligence. Our lawyers have experience helping clients who lost money because of stockbroker negligence and other types of securities fraud.
Recovering Investment Losses Through Securities Arbitration and Litigation
Many securities fraud claims are resolved through arbitration. Our firm is able to help clients understand the arbitration process, since we are experienced in handling cases through this avenue of alternative dispute resolution. Also, as long as an attorney is in good standing to arbitrate cases in one state, they can arbitrate cases in any state. This is the case with our firm.
In 2007 the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) enforcement and arbitration divisions were consolidated. Most securities arbitrations are now handled by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). We have had significant success recovering money for investors through securities arbitration awards.
For a free evaluation of your case by attorney Robert Benbenek to determine whether your investment losses were caused by securities fraud, please contact our office at 314-394-1135.
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Estates & Probate
St. Louis Estate Planning Attorneys
At the St. Louis, Missouri, law firm of Robert J. Benbenek, our attorneys have extensive experience resolving legal issues for our clients. Mr. Benbenek takes the time to understand your personal needs and legal objectives and explain your options for protecting your assets and planning for the future. We are committed to helping you make empowered legal choices that will have a positive impact on you and your family.
Our law office works hard to expedite your estate planning or probate case in an efficient and effective manner while working closely with you on a close personal level.
Are you finally ready to establish a last will and testament, for your own peace of mind and for the sake of your loved ones? Does your family need an experienced probate lawyer to administer the estate of a family member who passed away? Contact us at 314-394-1135 for a free initial consultation to discuss your estate planning or probate concerns.
Will and Trusts: Our estate planning attorneys counsel clients on ways to ensure a seamless transfer of their assets to survivors in accordance with their last wishes, and to avoid and minimize possible estate tax consequences. Our lawyers will take the time to explain your estate planning options, including wills, trusts, living wills, corporate trusts, and living trusts.
Powers of Attorney and Health Directives: Our law firm also helps people plan proactively to assign key financial and medical decisions to others through powers of attorney and medical directives.
Probate and Estate Administration: If you and your family have questions about your rights and responsibilities in administering the estate of a family member who passed away, we can provide thorough attention to your needs. Our probate attorney will assist on accounting for each asset and paying remaining debts, after which we will transfer titles and distribute property to survivors. We handle cases involving contested wills and contested transfers of assets.
Contact attorney Robert Benbenek for a free initial consultation with a diligent and compassionate estate planning and probate attorney. We are available evenings and weekends by appointment.
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Resources
Investor Links
- Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- Check Your Broker’s History at FINRA
- Variable Annuity Tips from the SEC
- Missouri Secretary of State - Securities Division
Legal
- The Missouri Bar
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)
- Missouri Supreme Court
- Check on Missouri Court Cases at Case.net
- Missouri Judiciary
- American Association for Justice
- U.S. Courts
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Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Contact Us
Contact Attorney Robert Benbenek at 314-394-1135 or Fill Out the Contact Information Below
Free initial consultations; available after hours by appointment
Past Results
Settlement Commercial Lending Negligence - $2,500,000 (St. Louis County)
Verdict Securities Fraud/Breach of Contract - $1,365,000 (St. Louis County)
Settlement NASD Securities Claim (FINRA Arbitration) $1,025,000 (Unsuitability and unauthorized trading)
FINRA/NASD Arbitration Award - $710,000 (Unauthorized transactions)
Settlement Commercial Lending Negligence - $300,000 (St. Louis County)
Settlement FINRA/NASD Securities Claim - $190,000 (Churning case)
Settlement CFTC Commodities Trading - $130,000 (Misrepresentation)
Settlement of Viatical Investment Claim - $120,000 (Negligence & Unsuitability)
NASD Arbitration Award - $90,000 (Unsuitability)
FINRA Arbitration Settlement - $65,000 (Variable Annuity)
NOTE: Every case is different and the amounts shown in this list are solely to demonstrate that after we have thoroughly prepared these cases the defendants paid the amounts shown or in the alternative we tried the cases to a successful conclusion. In many cases, despite the nature of the clients’ injuries or liability of the defendant, you cannot achieve a good settlement unless the defendant(s) know that your attorneys have thoroughly prepared the case and, if necessary are willing to try the case on behalf of the client.
Attorneys
Attorneys
St. Louis Attorneys at Law
With nearly a century of collective legal experience, the lawyers of DeVoto & Benbenek are skilled trial attorneys who thoroughly prepare clients to face their day in court with confidence. Our attorneys provide compassionate counsel and diligent representation in our practice areas of securities fraud and broker negligence, and estate planning and probate. With law offices in St. Louis, Missouri, the law firm of DeVoto & Benbenek provides clients with a free initial consultation, and our attorneys are available during evening and weekend hours by appointment. Contact a lawyer at DeVoto & Benbenek to discuss your legal needs.
Thomas C. DeVoto
Robert J. Benbenek
Robert M. Lynch
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
From its law office in St. Louis, Missouri, the law firm of DeVoto & Benbenek serves clients in St. Louis, Union, St. Charles, Pacific, Shrewsbury, Florissant, University City, Clayton, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Manchester, Des Peres, Town and Country, Baldwin, Kirkwood, Granite City, Belleville, Columbia, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County, MO.
Our Firm
Knowledgeable St. Louis Law Firm
Attorneys Who are Hired and Trusted by Other Attorneys
Has your investment broker shattered your retirement nest egg? Do you want to create a will, or need help probating a will? Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the law firm of DeVoto & Benbenek provides clients with trusted legal advice and representation in the areas of investment fraud and broker negligence, and estate planning and probate.
Contact us at 314-961-0330 for a free initial consultation, or send us an e-mail describing your legal needs.
Respected Among our Legal Peers
Our law firm prides itself on providing close personal service to clients and expediting their case in an efficient and effective manner. Our lawyers return phone calls promptly, and strive to empower clients in making informed decisions that move their case toward the positive legal resolution they seek. Our law office has a demonstrated history of handling and successfully resolving complex cases that many other attorneys won’t touch.
Nearly a Century of Combined Legal Experience
Our firm’s attorneys have almost 100 years of combined legal experience among them to benefit clients. We know the law and how to effectively pursue a courtroom strategy that is in a client’s best interests, and we make sure that each client is as fully informed and ready for court as we are. Opposing attorneys know that we will aggressively litigate a case at trial if necessary, and this willingness to do so often increases the likelihood for our clients to receive meaningful settlements.
Our practice areas include:
Investment Fraud
Investment and securities fraud, inappropriate investments, portfolio churning to run up commission charges, misrepresentation of investor risk tolerance, improper margin trading, incompetent financial advice, and other losses caused by broker negligence or misconduct
Probate and Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, living wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives, probate and estate administration, and will contests
At DeVoto & Benbenek, we provide free initial consultations. Our experienced lawyers are available evenings and weekends by appointment. Contact us for the advice you need to resolve your legal matter.
Robert J. Benbenek
7646 Watson Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
314-961-0330 (phone)
888-608-9836 (toll-free)
314-963-7754 (fax)
From its law office in St. Louis, Missouri, the law firm of DeVoto & Benbenek serves clients in St. Louis, Union, St. Charles, Pacific, Shrewsbury, Florissant, University City, Clayton, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Manchester, Des Peres, Town and Country, Baldwin, Kirkwood, Granite City, Belleville, Columbia, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County, MO.
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Wills & Trusts
Helping You Plan for Your Future Through Wills and Trusts
Our estate planning lawyers help clients plan for their future and the financial future of family members while minimizing tax liability when possible. If you seek to facilitate a smooth transfer of your estate assets to your loved ones after you pass away, we will help you understand and use the estate planning Link to Estates and Probate tools that best suit your objectives, including wills, living wills, and trusts.
Don’t wait to plan for your family’s future financial security. Contact our St. Louis law firm at 314-394-1135 for a free initial consultation to discuss options for protecting assets and minimize estate taxes through wills, trusts and estate planning.
A last will and testament allows you to decide who will inherit your property after your death. It also allows you to select who will take care of your minor children should both parents pass away. If you fail to make a will or trust, the courts will distribute your property according to Missouri’s intestacy statutes and appoint a guardian for your surviving minor children. Your wishes may be very different from what the courts will do. Don’t miss your opportunity to plan for your family’s future after you are gone.
Trusts are important estate planning tools. Our estate planning lawyers have experience establishing a variety of trusts, including:
Corporate trusts for clients with businesses they intend to stay in the family.
Living trusts for clients who want to pass their estate with minimal legal hassle
Special needs trusts for clients who want to provide for a disabled child or relative, without affecting their ability to receive Social Security Disability or other federal or state benefits.
Charitable trusts for clients who want to support their favorite charity after they are gone.
Powers of Attorney: We can help you designate who will make key financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so through powers of attorney.
Living Wills and Medical Directives: Living wills and advance health care directives can allow you to express your wishes about end-of-life medical care, and appoint a trusted friend or relative to make medical decisions for you if you cannot.
Probate: Our probate attorneys assist in administering the decedent’s estate, including settling debts, transferring titles, distributing property, and resolving will contests.
To discuss how a will or trust can help meet your estate planning needs and personal objectives with an experienced attorney, contact us for a free initial consultation.
Available after hours by appointment
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Investor Alerts
| INVESTOR ALERT: CHARLES SCHWAB YIELDPLUS FUNDS Investors lose big on “safe as cash” mutual funds (Symbols SWYSX and SWYPX) that in reality were invested in high risk sub-prime mortgage loans. Please contact our office for a free consultation. CLICK HERE for more important information on this investment. |
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Schwab YieldPlus Fund
Charles Schwab YieldPlus Fund Fraud
Investors have lost billions of dollars on this Charles Schwab Mutual Fund touted as a “nearly safe as cash” conservative alternative. Much has been reported recently on this investment debacle but Schwab investors be warned: Avoid the class action lawsuits. The fact is, most state Securities laws are more favorable to investors and provide for recovery of the following damages: actual losses, interest on those losses and attorney fees. The class action lawsuits all seek recovery under federal law. In most instances, we can present your claim in a manner that will maximize your recovery and obtain settlements significantly greater than what you would receive from a class action settlement.
Charles Schwab is trying to quickly brush these claims under the carpet by offering settlements to investors for pennies on the dollar. Don’t take it! I will provide you with a FREE consultation and review of your particular claim. Schwab made many representations regarding this fund including that it was very safe and well diversified. These representations WERE NOT accurate. Let me demonstrate how I can help you recover your losses.
Please contact Robert Benbenek to discuss your situation and schedule a free appointment. Our phone number is 314-395-1135. You can also reach me by email at rjb@benbeneklaw.com.
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Broker Negligence
Representing Victims of Stockbroker Negligence
Have your life savings been whittled away or wiped out by securities fraud? Has your retirement-ready nest egg taken a harsh hit as a result of bad investment advice?
With law offices in St. Louis, Missouri, Attorney Robert Benbenek and his associates provide diligent representation to our clients who have been defrauded, misled, and ill advised by an investment company or securities broker. Whether the financial harm they have caused you and your portfolio was intentional or due to their incompetence or negligence, we can help you hold them accountable. Our securities fraud attorneys handle cases involving investment fraud, broker negligence, and other types of securities fraud and negligence.
Stockbrokers and brokerage firms have a fiduciary duty to the clients who invest their money with them. When they violate these duties, they may be guilty of broker negligence or malpractice.
Contact our office for a free case evaluation if your broker was guilty of any of the following:
- Misrepresented any facts related to an investment or a transaction
- Failed to inform you of facts about an investment
- Failed to inform you of the risks involved in buying or selling certain stocks or securities
- Misrepresented the risks of certain stocks or securities (e.g. told you that a risky auction rate security or mortgage backed investment was as safe as a money market account)
- Did not follow your expressed investment objects (e.g. purchased speculative or high-risk securities despite your need for conservative, income-generating investments)
- Failed to diversify your portfolio
- Recommended a stock or security without adequately studying the nature of the investment
- Putting his or her own interests before yours (e.g. running up trade commissions by frequently buying and selling stocks in your account)
Helping You Recover Investment Losses and Plan for Your Financial Future
At the law firm of Robert J. Benbenek, LLC, our lawyers have the tenacity and litigation skills it takes to defend the rights of clients who have suffered financially from securities fraud. We have helped many clients recover their investment losses through securities arbitration awards. Let us help you too. We also have the relevant estate planning experience to help clients make prudent and proactive choices about their family’s collective financial future.
Get the personal client service and professional representation you deserve. E-Mail attorney Robert Benbenek at for a free initial consultation to discuss your securities fraud or broker negligence case. We are available after hours by appointment, including evenings and weekends..
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Types of Securities Fraud
St. Louis Securities Fraud Lawyers
On a regular basis, individuals throughout Missouri and the United States are victims of broker negligence, improper account activity, investment scams and downright bad investment advice perpetrated brokerage firms and their financial advisors. If you have financially suffered due to suspected securities fraud, you have rights.
At the Law Offices of Robert J. Benbenek, we pride ourselves on our aggressive handling of a wide variety of securities fraud matters. We are a sophisticated and savvy securities fraud-focused law firm that is dedicated to aggressively pursuing recovery of hard-earned funds lost because of securities fraud. Our client base spans a broad range, including high-net-worth business owners, retirees, young professionals and others investing in the stock market, annuities, bonds, mutual funds, auction rate securities and other investments.
Did you lose money because your broker misrepresented an investment, traded on margin without your permission or sold you an unsuitable investment? Contact us at 314-394-1135 for a free initial consultation with an experienced securities fraud lawyer.
Types of Securities Fraud
There are many different types of securities fraud that can be committed by accountants, brokers, investors and other individuals that handle money for investments. Our firm handles cases involving all types of securities fraud and investment fraud, including:
- Inappropriate Investments: Did your broker misrepresent your risk tolerance as an investor? Did he or she forge your name on a risk-assessment survey? Did your brokerage firm sell you unsuitable variable annuities or other investments to earn commissions, without explaining the nature of the investment and the associated risks and fees involved?
- Speculative or Risky Investments: If you are near retirement age and your broker loaded your portfolio with volatile tech stocks rather than historically safer bonds, we can help. If your portfolio is not compatible with your investment goals, consult with us.
- Broker Negligence: Was your broker negligent in handling your hard-earned money? Did he or she fail to inform you about the nature of an investment? Or misrepresent facts about a security or stock? If your stockbroker put his own interests before yours or you lost money because of his negligence, we may be able to help you recoup your losses.
- Margin Trading: Unauthorized margin trading, margin trading without explaining the high risk involved, or permitting margin trading by investors who need the income from their investments
- Auction Rate Securities: Many major brokerage firms (including Wachovia and Merrill Lynch) marketed auction rate securities as being incredibly safe. In fact, these investments were based on corporate and municipal debt instruments and very risky. Many corporate, institutional and individual investors have lost substantial sums because these auction rate securities are impossible to sell and virtually worthless. We are in the process of evaluating and filing claims related to the fraudulent sale of auction rate securities. Please contact our office for a free consultation.
- Churning: The excessive buying and/or selling of stocks by your broker is called churning. The securities industry has rules against churning and excessive trading. This is one type of securities fraud that our firm confidently handles. Without your broker having control over investments in your account, churning cannot happen. Dishonest stock brokers and investment advisers purposely advise clients to frequently buy and sell stock and other investments. The motivation behind account churning is not to generate profits for investors, but to generate commissions and income for brokers. Over time, the charges add up against investors, and these brokers can be held responsible for excessive churning of your portfolio. They will nickel and dime your nest egg down to nickels and dimes if you let them.
Other types of fraudulent securities and investments include:
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To learn more about your rights if you have been the victim of any type of securities fraud, contact an attorney at our St. Louis law firm and schedule a free initial consultation.
Available after hours by appointment
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
Welcome: Bob Benbenek Experienced St. Louis Attorney
Experienced St. Louis Law Office
With numerous years of legal experience, the St. Louis, Missouri-based law attorney Robert Benbenek has seen and resolved a vast array of legal dilemmas, and has the experience needed to resolve your situation. We focus on helping individual investors recover funds they have lost as a result of securities fraud and stockbroker negligence, and helping clients plan for their future through wills, trusts and other estate planning documents.
Securities Fraud ▪ Investment Fraud ▪ Wills ▪ Trusts · Estate Planning
In addition to our extensive legal background, our hard-earned reputation for fighting to the limit on behalf of our clients’ lawful interests is a valuable asset in cases with the potential for trial. Opposing lawyers are aware of our courtroom prowess - and our willingness to go all the way to trial if necessary. Likewise, our good standing among our peers in the legal community brings many referrals from other lawyers. Our attorneys are known for their ability to resolve the complex cases that many other attorneys will not touch.
Investment Fraud
Was your early retirement derailed by a fraudulent or incompetent investment broker?
Practice Areas
About Us
Robert J. Benbenek
| Phone: | 314-394-1135 (LOCAL) |
| Fax: | 314-963-7754 |
| Email: | rjb@benbeneklaw.com |
Areas of Practice
- Securities Fraud Litigation
- Wills and Trusts
- Healthcare Directives
- Probate Administration
- Probate Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Lender Liability
Bar Admissions
- Missouri, 1988
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri, 1989
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1989
Education
- Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri, 1988
J.D. - Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, 1984
B.A. in Economics
Professional Associations and Memberships
- The Missouri Bar
- Public Investor’s Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
- Probate & Trust Law Committee, The Missouri Bar
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Home
Home
Experienced St. Louis Law Office
With nearly a hundred years of legal experience among our attorneys, the St. Louis, Missouri-based law firm of Robert J. Benbenek, LLC has seen and resolved a vast array of legal dilemmas, and we have the experience needed to resolve your situation. We focus on helping individual investors recover funds they have lost as a result of securities fraud and stockbroker negligence, and helping clients plan for their future through wills, trusts and other estate planning documents.
Securities Fraud ▪ Investment Fraud ▪ Wills ▪ Trusts · Estate Planning
In addition to our extensive legal background, our hard-earned reputation for fighting to the limit on behalf of our clients’ lawful interests is a valuable asset in cases with the potential for trial. Opposing lawyers are aware of our courtroom prowess - and our willingness to go all the way to trial if necessary. Likewise, our good standing among our peers in the legal community brings many referrals from other lawyers. Our attorneys are known for their ability to resolve the complex cases that many other attorneys will not touch.
Has your investment broker given costly and inappropriate advice or committed securities fraud? Does your family have estate and probate needs? Call Robert Benbenek at 314-394-1135 for a free consultation, or send us an e-mail.
Investment Fraud
Was your early retirement derailed by a fraudulent or incompetent investment broker? Did your broker make trades without your permission? Did your investment not perform as promised? Our law firm fights for clients who have suffered financially due to securities fraud Link to Types of Securities Fraud and broker negligence, including recommending inappropriate investments, misrepresenting your tolerance for risk, and running up trade commissions. We also provide information to clients so they can understand what securities fraud is and how these types of cases are handled.
Estate Planning
Do you seek the peace of mind that comes from proactive estate planning? Are you in need of a lawyer to administer the estate of a loved one? We counsel clients on wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning strategies. We also represent executors, personal representative, heirs and other parties in will contests and other probate litigation.
At DeVoto & Benbenek, we prepare cases quickly and efficiently so they do not languish unresolved. Our attorneys thoroughly prepare clients to avoid surprises at trial and to enable them to make informed choices about possible settlements. We empower our clients to move forward with confidence in their case and in life. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Available evenings and weekends by appointment.
Robert J. Benbenek
13611 Barrett Office Dr., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63021
314-394-1135 (phone)
314-963-7754 (fax)
From its law office in St. Louis, Missouri, the law firm of DeVoto & Benbenek serves clients in St. Louis, Union, St. Charles, Pacific, Shrewsbury, Florissant, University City, Clayton, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Manchester, Des Peres, Town and Country, Baldwin, Kirkwood, Granite City, Belleville, Columbia, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County, MO.
