Heidi VonderHeide

Heidi’s practice focuses on securities litigation and arbitration matters, including representation of broker-dealers and their representatives in FINRA arbitration and enforcement actions.

The SEC has faced mounting criticism recently for its increasing use of administrative proceedings in enforcement matters. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the agency, challenging its forum selection. Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District for the Southern District of New York has made it very clear he has serious fairness and constitutionality concerns

At a recent industry conference in New York, members of FINRA’s Office of Hearing Officers gathered to discuss current issues and topics relevant to FINRA disciplinary hearings. During one of the sessions, a Hearing Officer panelist lamented the format of the Answers he typically receives from the respondents in his cases. Almost without exception, respondents

SEC Chairwoman Mary Jo White recently announced her support of a uniform fiduciary standard for broker-dealers and investment advisers, ending any remaining speculation as to her views on the subject. The announcement kicked of a whirlwind of speculation in the industry – What would the new standard look like? When would we see it? Will