---
title: "FINRA Arbitration Lawyer Cost and Fee Guide: What Investors Should Expect to Pay"
url: https://donsaracen.com/finra-arbitration-lawyer-cost-and-fee-guide-what-investors-should-expect-to-pay/
description: "Your broker lost your money, and now you are weighing whether a lawyer costs more than the claim is worth. Most investors never file because they assume legal fees come."
published: 2026-09-24
updated: 2026-09-24
---

# FINRA Arbitration Lawyer Cost and Fee Guide: What Investors Should Expect to Pay

Published 2026-09-24

Your broker lost your money, and now you are weighing whether a lawyer costs more than the claim is worth. Most investors never file because they assume legal fees come out of pocket before anything is recovered. That assumption keeps valid claims unfiled.

This guide breaks down how FINRA arbitration lawyer fees actually work: contingency versus hourly billing, filing and hearing fees, and what a no recovery, no fee arrangement means for your wallet. By the end, you will know what you can expect to pay and whether pursuing your claim makes financial sense.

## What Is Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com?

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, is a national securities and investment fraud law firm that represents individual investors in disputes against broker-dealers and financial advisors.

The firm is a **boutique practice focused exclusively on investor-side representation**. It handles claims through FINRA arbitration, AAA arbitration, JAMS arbitration, and state and federal court litigation.

Its stated model is "Big-Firm Results. Boutique-Firm Service." That matters in a fee guide, because who handles your case often shapes what you pay and how your **attorney-client agreement** is structured.

### Who the Firm Is, What It Does, and Who It Serves

The firm is led by two former Wall Street defense lawyers, Jason S. Haselkorn and Matthew N. Thibaut, who now represent individual investors nationwide in securities arbitration and litigation. Before switching sides, the partners defended some of the largest financial services firms in the world.

That background gives them insight into how brokerage firms build their defenses, where they cut corners, and where their arguments are vulnerable. The firm states **95+ years of combined securities law experience** between the two partners.

This is a **two-partner boutique**. Both partners are personally involved in every case the firm takes, and clients work directly with them rather than with junior associates or case managers, from the first consultation through resolution.

The firm serves individual investors, retirees, families, trusts, and estates across the U.S. who have lost money because of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, advisor fraud, or fraudulent schemes. Examples of misconduct handled include:

- Churning, or excessive trading to generate commissions
- Unauthorized trading in client accounts
- Misrepresentation and unsuitable recommendations

Together the partners have settled and tried hundreds of securities and investment cases on both sides of the table. They have also served as litigation and arbitration trial counsel for both investors and financial institutions, and one partner worked as General Counsel for a broker-dealer.

Credentials include Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent for both partners, Super Lawyers, and Florida Trend Legal Elite. Matthew Thibaut received the Employment Law Award from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County.

Memberships include the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and the Palm Beach County Bar Association. Matthew Thibaut also belongs to the Palm Beach County, Indian River County, and Martin County Estate Planning Councils, and speaks on elder abuse and financial exploitation, securities law, and elder exploitation claims.

For investors weighing **FINRA arbitration costs**, this context matters. A firm that handles investor claims only, with direct partner involvement and a free, confidential case evaluation, gives claimants a clearer view of their **fee arrangement** before any arbitration is filed.

## How FINRA Arbitration Lawyer Fees Actually Work

FINRA arbitration is a dispute resolution process for investor claims against broker-dealers, and the fees lawyers charge can vary widely depending on the fee arrangement. Most securities arbitration attorneys use one of four basic structures: **contingency fees**, hourly billing, flat fees, or a hybrid of these approaches.

The structure a lawyer chooses has a direct effect on what a claimant pays and when. A contingency arrangement shifts most of the financial risk to the attorney, while hourly billing places that risk on the investor. Understanding these models before signing an attorney-client agreement helps investors compare offers and budget realistically for the entire case.

### Contingency Fees vs. Hourly Billing: What Investors Should Expect to Pay

In FINRA arbitration, many lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if the investor recovers money, while others charge by the hour or require a retainer. Each approach carries different tradeoffs in cost, risk, and upfront cash requirements.

With a **contingency fee**, the attorney typically takes a percentage of the recovery. The claimant usually pays nothing upfront, which makes this model attractive for investors who cannot fund a lengthy case out of pocket. If the claim fails, the attorney generally collects no fee, though the client may still owe certain case costs.

Hourly billing works differently. Attorneys who bill this way commonly charge an hourly rate, and many require a retainer before work begins. That retainer is drawn down as the case progresses, and the investor may need to replenish it. Hourly arrangements can make sense when a claim is small, straightforward, or likely to settle quickly, but costs can escalate in a contested matter.

Some firms use a **hybrid fee arrangement**, pairing a reduced hourly rate with a lower contingency percentage. Others charge flat fees for defined tasks such as drafting a statement of claim or preparing for a single hearing. Whichever structure applies, the terms should be spelled out clearly in the attorney-client agreement before the case moves forward. Investors should ask how costs, expenses, and any appeal or collection work are handled.

### FINRA Filing Fees, Hearing Fees, and Other Costs Investors May Face

Beyond attorney fees, investors in FINRA arbitration may be responsible for filing fees, hearing fees, and other costs such as discovery expenses and expert witness fees. These amounts are set by FINRA Dispute Resolution Services or incurred through the process itself, not by the lawyer.

Filing fees are based on the amount of **compensatory damages** claimed. For smaller claims, the cost is modest. As the amount in dispute rises, so does the fee.

Hearing fees are charged per hearing session. A case may require multiple sessions, especially if testimony is lengthy or the arbitration panel schedules several days of proceedings. These fees are usually split between the claimant and the respondent unless the panel decides otherwise.

Discovery adds another layer of expense. Document production, interrogatories, and depositions can each generate costs that add up over the life of a case. Expert witnesses, often needed to explain complex investment losses, may charge for analysis, reports, and testimony.

Some of these costs may be recoverable if the investor prevails. An arbitration panel can order the respondent to cover certain fees, particularly where misconduct is clear, though recovery is never guaranteed. Investors should track expenses carefully and discuss cost exposure with counsel early.

## Why Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com's No Recovery, No Fee Model Changes the Cost Equation

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, operates on a no recovery, no fee basis, which means investors pay nothing unless the firm successfully recovers their losses. Investor cases are generally handled on a **contingency basis**, where the fee is a percentage of the recovery, and no payment is required to start.

That structure removes the biggest barrier most claimants face: paying an **arbitration lawyer** out of pocket while the case is pending. It also aligns the firm's interests with the client's, since the firm only earns a fee when money is actually recovered.

### No Payment Required to Start and Free, Confidential Case Evaluation

Investors can have their case evaluated for free and with complete confidentiality, with no obligation to proceed and no upfront payment required. This free consultation is available by phone, in person, or virtually, so location never becomes an obstacle to understanding your options.

There is no **retainer** to write and no hourly clock running while you decide. That matters because many investors hesitate to contact an attorney simply because they fear an immediate bill. Here, the first conversation costs nothing and carries no pressure.

The evaluation itself is a review of the evidence behind your potential claim. During this stage, the firm typically examines:

- Account statements showing balances, transactions, and losses
- Trade confirmations for specific purchases and sales
- Correspondence with the broker or financial advisor
- Any documentation of what you were told versus what was done

This review helps determine whether a viable claim exists and what damages may be recoverable. If the firm takes the case, it advances all costs, and the client only pays a percentage of any recovery. That means **FINRA arbitration** expenses such as filing fees and hearing costs do not come out of your pocket along the way.

The result is a client-friendly fee arrangement that keeps risk on the firm's side of the table. You can explore your rights, learn what your case may be worth, and decide whether to move forward without financial exposure at any step.

## Key Features and What Makes Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com Stand Out

What sets Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com apart is its partners' background as former Wall Street defense lawyers and its nationwide representation of investors. That combination matters in a fee guide because it shapes how efficiently a case is run, and efficiency directly affects what a claimant ultimately pays.

The firm handles FINRA arbitration and securities litigation on a **contingency fee basis**, meaning no recovery means no fee. Clients also work directly with the two partners rather than a rotating team of associates, which keeps communication direct and case strategy consistent.

For investors comparing **cost structures**, these features matter more than a headline rate. A firm that understands how brokerage firms build a defense can often avoid unnecessary discovery costs and keep the arbitration process focused on the damages that count.

### Former Wall Street Defense Lawyers Representing Individual Investors Nationwide

The firm's partners, Jason S. Haselkorn and Matthew N. Thibaut, are former Wall Street defense lawyers who now use their insider knowledge to advocate for individual investors across the United States. Haselkorn brings over 30 years of experience and once served as General Counsel for a regional broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment advisory firm. Thibaut adds more than 25 years in securities litigation and arbitration, with a focus on elder financial abuse.

That defense-side history gives the firm a practical edge. Having represented large financial institutions, the partners understand how **respondent** counsel think, how they prepare witnesses, and where their arguments tend to be weakest. In a FINRA arbitration, that insight can shape everything from which documents to request during discovery to how to frame questions in depositions.

The firm represents investors in all 50 states and has handled cases from Hawaii to Puerto Rico. That nationwide reach matters for fee planning because travel, hearing location, and local counsel needs can influence an **investor's costs**. A firm already licensed and experienced across jurisdictions can often manage those logistics without adding layers of expense.

Clients also benefit from the firm's broader track record: involvement in over $520 million of securities cases, a reported 98% success rate in investor claims and FINRA arbitrations, and a no recovery, no fee arrangement. For a **claimant** weighing an attorney-client agreement, that combination of insider perspective and nationwide practice offers a clear answer on value.

## Trust Signals: Track Record, Awards, and Partner Involvement

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, has earned recognition from legal rating services and maintains a track record of successful recoveries for investors. For a claimant weighing whether to sign an attorney-client agreement, those signals matter almost as much as the fee structure itself. A firm's history of results and peer recognition offers a concrete way to judge whether the lawyers handling your securities arbitration have genuine standing in the field.

The firm's credentials come from independent rating bodies rather than self-promotion. Both partners hold the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, a peer-reviewed distinction reserved for roughly the top 2% of attorneys. Matthew Thibaut has also been designated a **Super Lawyers** honoree in the Securities practice area. Both partners have been recognized by **Florida Trend Legal Elite**, and Matthew Thibaut received an Employment Law Award from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County.

Public visibility adds another layer of credibility. Partners at the firm have been quoted in **Forbes**, the Palm Beach Post, and the Palm Beach Daily News, which means their commentary on investor disputes reaches a national audience. Client feedback reinforces the picture, with **57+ five-star client reviews** and a 5.0-star average across those reviews.

What sets the practice apart is who actually handles the work. Both partners are **personally involved in every case**, so investors are not passed down to junior staff after the initial consultation. That direct access matters in FINRA arbitration, where the attorney-client agreement, discovery schedule, and hearing preparation all move quickly and the client needs consistent communication from someone who knows the file.

The firm's case results show what that involvement can produce, though every matter turns on its own facts and results vary by case:

- A **$1.28 million FINRA award** against Fidelity for investors who suffered structured note losses
- A recovery of **more than five times the original mediation offer** after taking over a case from another lawyer following a failed mediation against a large Wall Street firm
- A charitable family trust defrauded of nearly 90% of its assets by a trusted advisor recovered **several million dollars**
- A family that invested nearly its entire inheritance in a fake municipal bond fund obtained a **multimillion-dollar recovery**

Client testimonials echo the same themes of clarity and preparation. Leila, who lost money in NorthStar Healthcare Income, described Matt as a knowledgeable securities fraud attorney who made everything easy to understand and handled the paperwork and arbitration smoothly. Rich noted that Matt explained the law and his options clearly and prepared him so he felt comfortable testifying, adding that he would want Matt Thibaut on his side.

For investors comparing arbitration lawyers, these trust signals serve a practical purpose. Awards from peer-review organizations and a documented history of recoveries are the kind of evidence a claimant can check before committing to a fee arrangement. They also say something about how a firm is likely to approach the cost structure conversation: a practice built on repeat client referrals and peer recognition has reason to be straightforward about what a case will cost and what the claimant can realistically expect.

## Who Should Use Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com

The firm is best suited for individual investors, retirees, families, trusts, and estates that have suffered financial losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, or advisor fraud. These clients share one common goal: recovering money lost through the actions of a financial advisor or brokerage firm.

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, serves clients **anywhere in the United States**. That nationwide reach matters because securities arbitration through FINRA Dispute Resolution Services does not require investors to live near the firm handling their claim.

The firm's **contingency fee model** also makes representation accessible to a wide range of investors. Rather than paying an hourly rate up front, claimants typically pay attorney fees only if the case produces a recovery. That structure removes a major barrier for retirees and families who cannot afford to fund a securities arbitration out of pocket.

Beyond individual investors, the firm has represented corporations, pension plans, and charitable organizations. It also works with families of elder financial abuse victims, a group that often faces added urgency because of fixed retirement income and limited time to act.

Professional referral sources such as CPAs, estate planning attorneys, general practice lawyers, and financial advisors frequently connect clients with investment losses to the firm. If you have lost money and are unsure whether you have a claim, the situations below can help you self-identify as a potential client.

- **Unauthorized trading**: a broker bought or sold securities in your account without your permission
- **Churning**: excessive trading designed to generate commissions rather than returns
- **Misrepresentation**: false or misleading statements about an investment's risk or performance
- **Failure to diversify**: an overconcentrated portfolio that exposed you to avoidable losses
- **Unsuitable recommendations**: investments that did not match your age, goals, or risk tolerance
- **Advisor fraud and fraudulent schemes**: outright deception, misappropriation, or Ponzi-style conduct

Each of these situations can support a claim for compensatory damages, and in some cases punitive damages, through FINRA arbitration. The arbitration panel, which includes a chairperson and typically a mix of public and industry arbitrators, decides the outcome based on the evidence presented.

If you recognize your own experience in any of the examples above, you are likely the type of client the firm was built to serve. The next step is understanding how the cost structure works, which the rest of this fee guide explains in detail.

## Final Verdict: What Investors Should Expect to Pay

For investors considering FINRA arbitration, Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, offers a clear and predictable cost structure: no upfront fees, no hourly billing, and no payment unless the firm recovers money.

That single sentence answers the question most claimants ask first. In securities arbitration, the fear of mounting attorney fees often stops investors from pursuing valid claims against a brokerage firm or financial advisor. This firm removes that barrier entirely through a **contingency fee arrangement**, meaning the cost of legal representation is tied directly to the outcome of the case.

Here is what that means in practice for a claimant weighing a FINRA arbitration claim:

- **No retainer:** you do not pay money upfront to open a case.
- **No hourly rate:** you are not billed for phone calls, document review, or hearing preparation.
- **No flat fee:** you are not asked to cover a fixed charge regardless of result.
- **No recovery, no fee:** if the firm does not recover money for you, you owe nothing for legal representation.

This model aligns the firm's interests with yours. The attorneys only get paid when the arbitration panel awards compensatory damages, a settlement is reached, or funds are otherwise recovered. That structure matters because FINRA arbitration involves real expenses beyond attorney time, including filing fees, hearing fees, discovery costs, and expert witness fees. A **no recovery, no fee arrangement** keeps the largest cost, legal representation, off your shoulders until there is a result.

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. handles investor claims nationwide, from Florida to New York and beyond. Both partners are directly involved in the firm's cases, which means clients are not passed down to junior staff after signing an attorney-client agreement. The firm represents claimants in disputes involving broker-dealers, brokerage firms, and financial advisors, covering issues such as unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentation, churning, and failure to supervise.

If you believe you have a claim, the next step is straightforward. The firm offers a free, confidential case evaluation, and there is no obligation to move forward. Investors can reach the national toll-free line at **1-888-885-7162** or visit one of the firm's offices:

- **Florida (Main Office):** 790 Juno Ocean Walk, Suite 501-C, Juno Beach, FL 33408. Phone: (561) 556-2203
- **New York:** Park Avenue Center, 125 Park Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Phone: (332) 286-4055
- **Arizona:** Camelback Commons, 4742 North 24th Street, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Phone: (623) 244-6902
- **Texas:** 5100 Westheimer Road, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77056. Phone: (832) 558-7436
- **North Carolina:** 1903 North Harrison Avenue, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513. Phone: (984) 422-3645

The bottom line for investors is simple. FINRA arbitration costs can feel unpredictable, but the fee arrangement with this firm is not. With no upfront payment, no hourly billing, and no fee unless money is recovered, the financial risk of pursuing a claim is minimized. A free case review costs nothing and gives you a clear picture of whether you have a viable claim and what the process would involve.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does it cost to hire a FINRA arbitration lawyer?

Fee structures vary by firm and case, but investor-side securities arbitration is commonly handled on a contingency basis rather than hourly billing. At Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, investor cases are generally handled on a contingency basis, meaning the fee is a percentage of the recovery and you pay nothing unless money is recovered. There is no payment required to start, and the firm offers a free consultation to discuss your situation.

### What does "no recovery, no fee" actually mean?

It means your attorney's fee is tied to the outcome: if there is no recovery, you owe no attorney's fee for the contingency arrangement. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, handles investor cases on this basis, with the fee calculated as a percentage of the recovery. Because every case is different, the firm will explain the specific terms that apply to your matter during your free consultation.

### Are there other costs besides attorney fees in a FINRA arbitration case?

Yes-FINRA arbitration can involve filing fees, hearing fees, and other case-related expenses, and those are separate from attorney fees. How these are handled can vary depending on your agreement with your lawyer and the specifics of your case. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, will walk you through what to expect and answer any cost questions during a free consultation.

### Do I have to pay anything up front to start my case?

With Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, no payment is required to start, and the initial consultation is free. Investor cases are generally handled on a contingency basis, so you are not billed hourly as the case moves forward. This structure is designed so that investors can pursue recovery without paying out of pocket upfront.

### Why do some investors choose a contingency fee instead of paying hourly?

Hourly billing can make it financially difficult for investors to pursue valid claims, especially when losses are significant but the investor doesn't want to add more expense. A contingency arrangement aligns the lawyer's interests with yours: the firm only gets paid a percentage if you recover money. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, uses this model for investor cases and offers a free consultation to evaluate whether you have a claim.

### How do I find out what my case would cost?

The most reliable way is to speak directly with the firm handling your case, since fees and costs depend on the facts and the agreement you sign. Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, offers a free consultation and can be reached at its national toll-free number, 1-888-885-7162. The firm represents investors nationwide in all 50 states and can meet with clients in person or virtually.