Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

Hightower Sues Texas Advisor Who Departed For Avidian

Posted on February 23rd, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Hightower Sues Texas Advisor Who Departed For Avidian

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Hightower Advisors has filed suit against a Texas-based advisor, James McGinness, for allegedly misappropriating confidential client information and improperly soliciting his former clients in violation of his employment agreement. 

Hightower has requested unspecified damages and injunctive relief against McGinness, who joined Hightower via its 2018 acquisition of Salient Capital Advisors. According to Hightower’s complaint, McGinness departed the firm on November 7 for Avidian Wealth Solutions and started calling his former clients that same day. The complaint further accuses McGinness of misappropriating client contact information and alleges that McGinness was likely to transfer about $32 million in client assets to Avidian. 

McGinness countersued Hightower in a Houston county court last December alleging that the claims filed in Delaware should be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction while further noting that he did not misappropriate any client information or violate his employment agreement. 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Tags: Eccleston, Eccleston Law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1782400213 Law
June 25, 2026
SEC Alleges Illinois Investment Adviser Misappropriated Investor Funds and Concealed Losses

According to a litigation release published on SEC.gov, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged John Sterling Myers and his firms, Sterling Capital, LLC and Sterling Capital Management, LLC, with orchestrating a multi-year fraud involving investor funds held in a pooled investment vehicle.

1782320106 Law
June 24, 2026
FINRA Suspends Former Broker Over Undisclosed Business Activities, Annuity Recommendation, and Customer Data Violations

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended former registered representative Clayton K.

1782226532 Law
June 23, 2026
NASAA Advances Investment Adviser Advertising Reforms and Franchise Broker Registration Framework

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) has approved significant regulatory initiatives aimed at modernizing oversight of investment advisers and strengthening protections for individuals considering franchise investments.