The Securities Arbitration Clinic allows students to develop fundamental investigatory and advocacy skills in the context of the substantive laws governing investments. The Securities Arbitration Clinic represents small investors in arbitration disputes in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA.) As part of its community outreach, the Securities Arbitration Clinic also provides public education about investment fraud, with particular attention to investment schemes targeting PA residents and the elderly
The Clinic is a two-semester clinic; however, students may enroll in either the spring or the fall semesters but must complete 2 consecutive semesters to receive credit. Total credit hours for the two semesters are 8 credits. Substantive legal topics covered in the clinic include the scope and nature of binding arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act and Pennsylvania law and the legal and regulatory remedies available to defrauded investors.
Fieldwork
Coursework includes training in skills such as interviewing potential clients, evaluating potential claims, preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, representing clients at hearings, and negotiating settlements. Students have the opportunity under faculty supervision to:
- Represent aggrieved investors
- Educate community groups regarding investment fraud targeting PA residents and the elderly
- Prepare amicus briefs on investment and arbitration law in pending court cases
- Engage in research on securities laws and investment products
- Classwork includes coverage of investment products and presentations by experts on topics applicable to the evaluation of investments, including:
- Excessive trading and “churning”
- Suitability
- Misrepresentation and fraud
- Breach of fiduciary duty Products such as variable annuities and equity-indexed annuities
Eligibility Requirements / Prerequisites
Students who have completed three semesters of law school. Students must attend a clinic informational session or an open house before registration.