Business Details
Experienced Legal Advocacy for Securities and Employment Law Cases
Girard Bengali is a dedicated securities and employment litigation firm in Los Angeles that advocates for underdogs in complex legal disputes. Our reputation for excellence in the securities industry is built on decades of experience handling all aspects of securities law, including representing investors, financial professionals, and individuals facing financial harm. We specialize in brokerage firm misconduct, elder financial abuse, employment disputes, and regulatory investigations.Our attorneys combine deep industry knowledge with aggressive advocacy to resolve cases efficiently while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and service. We focus on specific legal areas to ensure our skills are honed for complex disputes, and our track record includes recovering tens of millions of dollars for clients through settlements and verdicts.
Services
Securities Arbitration
Employment Litigation
Business Litigation
Sexual Assault Cases
Regulatory Investigations
Highlights and features
- We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients in securities and employment cases.
- Our attorneys specialize in securities arbitration, employment litigation, and regulatory investigations.
- We represent investors, employees, and financial professionals in complex legal disputes.
- Our team includes Super Lawyers-listed attorneys with decades of combined experience.
- We provide personalized advocacy while maintaining transparency and ethical standards.
What people say
Exceeded my expectations
Successful conclusion
Tenacious and relentless
Transparent communication
Fair settlement amount
Services
Securities Arbitration
We represent investors and financial professionals in securities arbitration cases involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and brokerage misconduct. Our attorneys leverage deep industry knowledge to recover compensation for unsuitable investments, unauthorized trading, and regulatory violations. With millions recovered in settlements, we provide strategic guidance tailored to each client's unique financial situation.
Employment Litigation
Our firm advocates for employees and financial professionals facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage violations. We handle cases involving pregnancy discrimination, equal pay disputes, and employment contract negotiations. Our approach combines compassionate counsel with aggressive litigation to protect client rights in California's complex employment law landscape.
Regulatory Investigations
We defend financial professionals facing FINRA, SEC, or other regulatory investigations. Our services include representation during enforcement actions, disciplinary proceedings, and licensing disputes. With specialized knowledge of securities industry rules, we develop defense strategies to protect careers and professional reputations while navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
Sexual Assault Cases
Our attorneys represent survivors of sexual assault, rape, and human trafficking in seeking restitution for physical, emotional, and financial damages. We handle civil litigation to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological trauma while maintaining client confidentiality and providing trauma-informed legal counsel throughout the judicial process.
Business Litigation
We resolve business disputes through litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods, handling breach of contract, fiduciary duty claims, and unfair competition cases. Our approach prioritizes cost-effective solutions while preparing for trial when necessary, with experience in state and federal courts across California and arbitration forums like FINRA and JAMS.
People
Robert J. Girard II
Founding Partner
With over 19 years of experience, Robert J. Girard II specializes in securities litigation and employment disputes. He has recovered millions for clients, including a $3.7M arbitration award for financial advisors and a $1.8M verdict for elder financial abuse victims. A Super Lawyers honoree, he advocates for investors and financial professionals nationwide.
Omar H. Bengali
Founding Partner
Omar H. Bengali represents clients in securities fraud, employment law, and regulatory cases. Recognized in Super Lawyers, he has secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims of wage discrimination and broker misconduct. His practice focuses on protecting financial professionals during FINRA investigations and employment disputes.
Steven M. Buha
Partner
Steven M. Buha specializes in securities arbitration and business litigation. With experience in FINRA cases and complex financial disputes, he represents investors and professionals in recovering damages from brokerage firms and navigating regulatory challenges while maintaining a client-focused approach.
Ashley D. Hunt
Of Counsel
Ashley D. Hunt focuses on employment litigation and counseling, representing employees in discrimination, harassment, and wage violation cases. She provides strategic advice to financial professionals facing employment disputes, combining legal expertise with advocacy for workplace justice.
Lauren V. Spinazze
Associate
Lauren V. Spinazze handles securities fraud litigation and employment law cases. She advocates for investors defrauded by brokers and employees facing workplace violations, leveraging her litigation skills to support complex cases while maintaining a client-centered practice approach.
Questions
What types of securities fraud cases do you handle?
We handle all forms of securities fraud including broker misconduct, unsuitable investments, Ponzi schemes, REIT fraud, and hedge fund fraud. Our attorneys represent investors in recovering losses from brokerage firms and financial advisors.
Can you help with employment law disputes in the financial industry?
Yes, we specialize in employment law cases involving financial professionals, including wrongful termination, wage discrimination, and harassment claims. Our experience covers both individual and class-action employment disputes.
What should I do if facing a FINRA investigation?
Contact our attorneys immediately. We provide strategic defense for financial professionals under FINRA or SEC investigation, protecting your license and professional reputation through regulatory compliance and aggressive representation.
How do you handle sexual assault civil cases?
We provide compassionate representation for sexual assault survivors, pursuing civil litigation to recover damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and lost wages while maintaining client confidentiality throughout the legal process.
What payment arrangements do you offer?
We typically work on contingency fees for litigation cases, meaning no payment unless we recover compensation. Consultation fees apply for regulatory defense and employment counseling services.
