Securities Law is a unique point of interaction between business and legal professionals. Securities lawyers have to have a keen financial sense, as well as in-depth knowledge of a very complex set of legal concepts. But if you are interested in a career under this sect of legal practice, you should be well prepared. This is not a pursuit that comes easily to many but can be among the most rewarding and lucrative careers in legal practice.
Know The Field
Securities laws are the regulations that financial institutions are governed by – including stocks and bonds, as well as mutual funds. These regulations are in place to prevent practices that hurt everyone in the financial industry, like fraud and insider trading. The major institution that securities lawyers will deal with is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All publicly-traded companies must file their financial statements with the SEC. To maintain adherence to the many legal requirements of the financial securities industry, securities lawyers are employed to aid in all aspects of reporting.
Know The Major Practices
Securities lawyers offer services that protect investments, prevent fraud or mismanagement, and also represent during litigation that could arise. As legal representatives, some certain duties and responsibilities are placed upon them – much like the Hippocratic oath is followed by medical professionals. These duties often include financial advice that emphasizes protection, transparency, and more. They also follow their fiduciary duty, in which they place clients’ financial interests above their own.
Know The Courtroom Practices
A securities lawyer is a legal practitioner who advises clients on topics involving fraud, mismanagement of investment, or other major financial losses that aren’t just the cause of usual market forces. This can include a wide range of financial breaches, but the most major instances are
- Insider trading/information
- Trading frequently to inflate broker fees, aka ‘Churning’
- Omission or misrepresentation of financial information
- Ineptitude or malpractice
These are not necessarily the most common aspects that securities law entails, but if they sound like fascinating subjects to you, then perhaps the career in the financial industry could suit you. Talk to an attorney that specializes in securities law for more insights into the complex and rewarding field.