The Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA), an international bar association comprised of attorneys dedicated to the representation of individual investors in disputes with the securities industry, today announced the 2016 PIABA Distinguished Service Award recipient, Robert S. Banks, Jr.

Robert S. Banks, Jr. leads the securities litigation group at SYK. He has been practicing law for over 30 years, and is a nationally recognized leader in investor rights law. His cases have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Investment News, The Business Journal, The Oregonian, and a host of other publications. He is also an adjunct professor at Lewis and Clark Law School.

Bob serves a broad array of individuals, organizations and groups who have been victims of negligent advice and fraudulent conduct by brokers, accountants, and other lawyers. His cases involve the violation of securities regulations, Ponzi scheme clawback litigation, and legal malpractice cases involving corporate or securities law issues. He serves on FINRA’s National Arbitration and Mediation Committee, representing investor interests, and has chaired its Rules and Procedures subcommittee, which writes the rules governing FINRA arbitration. He is a past president and current member of the Board of Directors of the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association, and is one of only a handful of board members ever honored with Director Emeritus status.

Since its inception, Mr. Banks, has been selected for inclusion in Oregon Super Lawyers. He was the recipient of the President’s Award through Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA) “For Leadership Efforts In Protecting Investors Throughout the Country”. Also recieved the Distinguished Service Award, Federal Bar Association, Oregon Chapter. Is included in Chambers Best Lawyers In America and for the past 25 years Bob has received the highest rating in the Martindale Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Banks is the author of numerous articles including: “Muzzling the Claimant: Due Process Denied in FINRA Expungement Hearing” (PIABA Bar Journal Vol. 21, No. 3 2014); “The NASD’s Explained Awards Rule Filing” (Practicing Law Institute, 1 Securities Arbitration 2006 at 225); “Clearing Firms and the 2002 Uniform Securities Act: What You Didn’t Know Could Have Hurt You” (Practicing Law Institute, 1 Securities Arbitration 2003 at 253); “Clearing Firms, The Uniform Securities Act, and Koruga v. Fiserv Correspondent Services, Inc.” (Practicing Law Institute, Securities Arbitration 2001 at 565); ”Investor Protection-Not! SIPC and The Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970″ (Practicing Law Institute, Securities Arbitration 2000 at 995); ″A Comment On the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Proposed Rules On Motions To Dismiss” (Practicing Law Institute, Securities Arbitration 2008).

Bar Memberships include Oregon, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Washington. Practiced under pro hac vice rules with local counsel in other states including Minnesota, Idaho, California, New York and Florida.

Grew up in New York and New Jersey, and based in Oregon for 30+ years; married 21 years to Valerie Banks; two sons; former marathon runner (2:46 PR), and current runner and fly fisherman.

He served on the Board of Directors of PIABA for four terms and was honored to act as PIABA’s President in 2005-2006.

The PIABA Distinguished Service Award is a life-time achievement award in recognition of individuals promoting the interests of public investors in securities arbitration. "Mr. Banks’ contributions and achievements on behalf of public investors are immeasureable and we are honored to recognize him with PIABA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award," said Robin Ringo, Executive Director of PIABA.