Strategic Advocacy in Financial Services Arbitration Defense.
When a mandatory arbitration clause is triggered, you need counsel who understands not only the law, but the unique dynamics of arbitration itself. That’s where Pilgrim Christakis excels.
Whether in court or before an arbitrator, we bring the same precision, creativity, and depth of financial services experience to every matter.
Still, arbitration requires a distinct strategy. Each of the major forums—AAA, JAMS, and NAM—operates under its own procedures, costs, and culture. We know them all. Our fluency across tribunals allows us to tailor approaches that maximize efficiency, minimize disruption, and protect your organization’s broader interests.
At Pilgrim Christakis, we’re focused on results—no matter the arena.
The Shifting Landscape of Financial Services Arbitration Defense
Arbitration has become an increasingly common venue for resolving consumer disputes. Once rare, it now represents a significant share of the matters we handle, driven by the widespread adoption of mandatory arbitration clauses by the financial services industry.
These clauses were originally designed to reduce class actions—minimizing exposure, avoiding large-scale litigation, and limiting reputational fallout. The strategy worked. But the landscape has shifted. Plaintiffs’ attorneys have adapted, using those same clauses to bring thousands of coordinated, individual mass arbitration claims.What were once designed as streamlined, individual proceedings are now being deployed on a mass scale to extract settlement leverage through sheer volume. Our firm has been at the forefront of defending clients against these campaigns and developing strategies that restore balance to the process.
When thousands, or even hundreds, of nearly identical arbitration demands arrive at once, the administrative fees alone can reach millions of dollars before a single case is decided. Managing these claims involves not only cost exposure but also enormous procedural complexity—tracking hundreds of deadlines, ensuring consistent filings, and safeguarding your reputation in a highly scrutinized environment.
It’s a new challenge for financial institutions, and one that demands experience and foresight. Our team has defended banks, fintechs, and other financial organizations in individual and mass arbitration proceedings nationwide. We know how to navigate this environment and secure the outcomes that matter.