PRESS RELEASE: PIABA Announces Recipient of First Jim Beckley Golden Bow Tie Award, Seth E. Lipner, 2001 PIABA President (November 1, 2000)

November 1, 2000

PIABA Announces Recipient of First Jim Beckley Golden Bow Tie Award

November 1, 2000. Norman, Oklahoma. The Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (“PIABA”) bestowed its first Jim Beckley Golden Bow Tie Award on Richard Ryder, founder and publisher of Securities Arbitration Commentator. Mr. Ryder has long distinguished himself as the neutral voice of the fifth estate in securities arbitration. His efforts and publications have shed the light of day on an otherwise “private” method of dispute resolution, and he has thereby promoted the interests of investors and the public. Securities Arbitration Commentator presents a forum for new ideas, and it is an important source of developments, legal and otherwise, for attorneys representing investors in securities arbitration.

The Jim Beckley Golden Bow Tie Award was named for James E. Beckley, who was President of PIABA from October 1999 until his untimely death on Christmas eve of that year. Jim Beckley was totally committed to the protection of investor rights, and also to the ideals of integrity and fairness. He is greatly missed, and the award was created in his memory. The Beckley award is aptly named, PIABA’s current President, Seth E. Lipner, said in bestowing the award, because Jim Beckley “always wore a golden smile, and a big bow tie.”

The Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association has over 350 members, all of whom are attorneys who represent public investors in disputes, principally in arbitration, with the financial services industry. PIABA is committed to protecting the rights of aggreived investors and to promoting fairness in securities arbitration. PIABA will bestow the Beckley Award, from time to time, on individuals whose special accomplishments reflects the ideals for which Jim Beckley stood.

Hear what our members say about PIABA.

See how PIABA has helped protect others in investment disputes within the securities industry.

“The resources and networking opportunities provided by PIABA have been instrumental in my career development. When I was new to the practice, I was surrounded by mentors and friends who were always willing to help. Over the 12+ years I have been a member, PIABA has consistently been my most valuable support. As an experienced lawyer, PIABA offers leadership roles and opportunities to give back by mentoring the next generation of attorneys in this area. You won’t regret getting involved.”

Meyer Wilson

Courtney M. Werning, Esq. | Principal

“I have been a PIABA member since the year of its founding in 1991. For 33 years PIABA has been an unparalleled source of information and ideas, and remains an integral part of my law practice. More important, I count many of its members as my friends. PIABA has greatly enriched my life, both professionally and socially.”

Leonard Steiner

STEINER & LIBO

“Piaba has been instrumental to the growth of my career. I have made lifelong friends and have attended every annual meeting for the last 15 years. The list-serve, the dedication of its members and its national reach is the gold standard for any bar association.”

Gana Weinstein

Adam J. Gana | Managing Partner

“PIABA is the greatest bar association I have had the privilege of being a part of. PIABA and its membership have been instrumental in my growth and development as a securities litigation attorney in representing and fighting for investors. As a member of PIABA you will find many attorneys across the country who are willing to help you from sharing practice tips to arguments. There is no organization doing more good for the investing public than PIABA.”

Michael C. Bixby

Bixby Law PLLC | Founder & Managing Attorney