Securities Licensing

Facing internal investigations or negative language on your Form U5 can be one of the most stressful moments in a financial professional’s career. Often, those at the top make the rules, but it’s the individuals on the front lines—brokers, advisors, analysts—who carry the burden when something goes wrong. If you’re facing unfavorable disclosures or termination language, you need the guidance of experienced legal counsel. The New York U5 expungement attorneys at Malecki Law have helped countless professionals repair their records and rebuild their reputations in the financial industry.

When a financial professional is placed under investigation or administrative leave, there’s often little warning and even less clarity. Unfortunately, these internal reviews frequently lead to terminations and damaging statements on Form U5 filings. Those statements are publicly available through BrokerCheck and CRD systems and can follow you for the rest of your career. Once that information is made public, it’s extremely difficult to undo without help. That’s why you need an experienced securities attorney involved from the earliest stages of the process—ideally before the U5 is ever filed. The New York U5 expungement attorneys at Malecki Law can work directly with in-house legal teams or behind the scenes to advocate on your behalf.

Form U5 expungement is possible, but it isn’t simple. FINRA Rule 2080 outlines the criteria for removing customer dispute related information from a CRD or BrokerCheck report. Expungement can only be granted after a full hearing, meaning you must go through the arbitration process. This includes filing a claim, conducting discovery, and presenting your case before an arbitration panel. If the matter involves a customer complaint, you must also obtain a court order confirming the expungement award. This is a long and often technical process, but the New York U5 expungement attorneys at Malecki Law have successfully handled many of these cases from start to finish. We understand the delicate balance between asserting your rights and avoiding additional regulatory scrutiny.

If you sense that something is wrong—whether you’re under investigation, just received a termination notice, or suspect negative U5 language may be coming—this is the time to act. Once the form is filed, reversing the damage becomes more difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. At Malecki Law, our U5 securities licensing attorneys understand that every case is unique. Sometimes, you may go all the way to arbitration with the attempt of pursuing full removal of the negative language. We walk each client through their options and help them choose the best course of action based on their goals and evidence, among other things.

We also help clients deal with related regulatory matters, including responding to FINRA inquiries, enforcement actions, and disciplinary proceedings. From Form U4 amendments to complex DRP disclosures, we ensure that your entire regulatory profile is handled with care and precision.

Many financial professionals assume that a simple explanation will fix the problem or that the truth will prevail. But this is a dangerous assumption. Firms often take steps to protect themselves at the expense of their employees. Regulators, too, tend to focus enforcement efforts on individuals rather than institutions. This means that when problems arise, you need someone in your corner who knows the system and how to fight back.

Our attorneys have a long record of helping industry professionals navigate employment transitions, internal investigations , and regulatory minefields. We’ve helped clients obtain favorable outcomes regarding requests for expungement of certain Form U5 disclosures. No matter the challenge, the New York U5 expungement attorneys at Malecki Law are here to help.

Where can I bring my employment disputes in the securities industry?
Most employment disputes in the securities industry are resolved through FINRA arbitration or, depending on the contract, the American Arbitration Association (AAA). You may also file complaints with state or federal regulators if necessary.

Who can I call as a witness in an employment dispute in the securities industry?
You can typically call coworkers, supervisors, and firm leadership, as well as expert witnesses, to testify on your behalf.

Can I bring a case against my brokerage firm or RIA for wrongful termination, compensation issues, and my Form U5?
Yes. Many disputes—including those related to termination, pay, and Form U5 disclosures—can be brought through arbitration or court proceedings depending on the circumstances and your employment agreement.

If you’re facing internal investigations, were recently terminated, or believe your Form U5 contains inaccurate or damaging language, don’t wait to seek help. The New York U5 expungement attorneys at Malecki Law are ready to review your case, advise you on your options, and represent your interests in arbitration or negotiations. Call (212) 943-1233 or email jenice@maleckilaw.com to schedule a free consultation today.