Stephens Wins $18.2 Million In Raiding Claim Against Ben Edwards

Posted on February 4th, 2022 at 12:48 PM
Stephens Wins $18.2 Million In Raiding Claim Against Ben Edwards

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law: 

Stephens, Inc. has won nearly $18.2 million in an arbitration claim against Benjamin Edwards & Company over the raiding of an Arkansas branch. 

Stephens’ claim accused Ben Edwards of poaching four advisors at the Jonestown, Arkansas office over an 11-month span beginning in 2016. According to Stephens, the hiring constituted an unfair raid causing the firm to lose at least 40% revenue accompanied by predatory intent and “improper means” of recruiting. The award included $10.97 million in compensatory damages and $2.20 million in attorneys’ fees. Additionally, the two panelists in the majority awarded $5 million in punitive damages. 

The two panelists also denied a counterclaim that had sought nearly $2.55 million in damages pertaining to violations of the industry’s Broker Protocol recruiting agreement. Ben Edwards, which employs at least 300 advisors across 75 offices, will likely appeal the matter in an effort to reverse the arbitrators’ decision, according to a company spokeswoman. 

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, arbitration

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I cannot thank you enough for your efforts. You have proven to be a valuable resource

Jim T.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

July 16, 2025
Former CFA Institute Executive Charged in $5 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Michael J. Collins, the former chief marketing officer of the CFA Institute, has been accused of embezzling nearly $5 million from the financial education organization through a long-running fraud scheme designed to fund a lavish personal lifestyle.

July 15, 2025
Former Advisor Sues Prime Capital Again Over Unpaid Equity Redemption

A former San Diego-based advisor has filed a second lawsuit against Prime Capital Financial, alleging breach of contract after the firm failed to honor agreed-upon terms related to his equity buyout.

July 14, 2025
Wisconsin Man Charged in $15.8 Million Ponzi Scheme Disguised as Investment Advisory Business

Federal authorities have charged a Wisconsin man with orchestrating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 120 investors over six years.