Securities law is generally governed by federal law, including the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).  Where federal laws do not extend, states may enact their own laws.  These strict regulations are placed upon professionals who work in the financial industry.  Not only must they be properly licensed, but when handling their clients' money, they must act within the rules and restrictions put in place by the SEC, other federal regulations, and their own state's laws.

Securities lawyers are usually skilled in securities litigation, settlement negotiations, securities arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.  Other situations where individuals use a securities law attorney include transactional matters, such as structuring an initial public offering, underwriting bonds, and placing common disclosure statements upon investment vehicles.

If you require the services of one of the above transactional matters, or if you have suffered some undue harm at the hands of someone handling your stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc., contact a local securities law attorney to best determine your legal options.  There is generally a statute of limitations placed upon the length of time for which you may bring a lawsuit.  A local securities lawyer should be well adept at handling any securities law situation which arises.