The Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA) was founded in 1990 as a national organization dedicated to representing investors in disputes with the securities industry. Its membership primarily consists of attorneys who specialize in securities arbitration and litigation who advocate on behalf of individual investors. PIABA’s mission encompasses several key objectives aimed at promoting fairness in alternative dispute resolution, advocating for investor rights, enriching community and professional development, and educating the public about investment-related issues.
Advocacy and
Representation
PIABA serves as a prominent advocate for fairness in resolving disputes between investors and securities industry professionals, including brokerage firms, registered investment advisors, and financial institutions. The association’s members provide legal representation to investors in arbitration proceedings and other forums where disputes are resolved outside of traditional courtrooms. PIABA attorneys offer expertise in navigating the complexities of investment disputes, aiming to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.
Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion
PIABA is committed to growing its diverse membership. PIABA has a longstanding commitment to diversity through eliminating bias and enhancing inclusion in the organization, among the investment community, and the legal profession. PIABA is dedicated to supporting minority and female attorneys by providing opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development. By fostering an inclusive environment, PIABA aims to build a stronger, more equitable legal community that reflects the diversity of the society it serves.
Promoting
Investor Rights
PIABA also promotes investor rights through legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement. The association actively monitors and seeks to influence legislative and regulatory developments that impact investor protections and the fairness of the securities industry. Our advocacy involves supporting and proposing legislation, submitting comments on regulatory proposals, and participating in industry discussions to ensure that investor interests are adequately represented.
Education and
Awareness
PIABA is committed to educating investors and the public about their rights and the risks associated with investing. Through educational initiatives, publications, and outreach efforts, the association seeks to empower investors with knowledge to make informed decisions and to recognize potential misconduct in the financial services industry. Educational programs may cover topics such as understanding investment products, recognizing investment fraud, and navigating the arbitration process.
Community and
Professional Development
Beyond its advocacy, PIABA fosters a community of legal professionals dedicated to representing investors. The association provides networking opportunities, professional development resources, and a platform for members to exchange insights and best practices in securities arbitration and investor advocacy. PIABA also encourages its members to contribute to the profession through committee service and leadership roles.
The purposes and objectives of PIABA are set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and as follows:
To promote fairness in the rules governing dispute resolution for investor claims against securities and commodities brokerage firms, registered investment advisory firms, financial institutions and their associated representatives as well as others who sell investments or investment advice to the public;
To seek to create, improve upon and promote the enforcement of statutes, rules, regulations, laws and policies designed to promote investor rights and prevent misconduct by those who sell investments and investment advice to the public; and
To seek to provide education to investors and the investing public regarding their rights and the misconduct by those who sell investments and investment advice to the public.