How to Become a Member
Securities Experts Roundtable — Membership Criteria & Benefits
If you would like more information on Membership, please send us a message and a member of our Membership Committee will reach out to you!
| What are the benefits of being a Member? |
- An invitation to, and the ability to participate in SER conferences and webcasts;
- Access to all materials provided at conferences;
- Access to SER password protected Library resources (articles, webcasts);
- The ability to contribute content to SER website;
- Post personal contact information, expertise and resume/c.v.;
- Post a link to your website and LinkedIn page;
- Benefits provided by Securities Arbitration Commentator, Inc.
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| Who may become a member? |
To qualify for Voting (VM) or Associate Membership (AM) individuals must:
- Be nominated and seconded by two current Voting Members (see list of members);
- Submit a copy of their curriculum vitae;
- Have had 20 engagements as an Expert in securities dispute resolution or such experience, skill, or other qualifications so that you may be able to contribute to the organization. (AM are exempt from meeting the requirement of 20 engagements.)
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Are there any obligations of membership?
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- All members must agree to accept official corporate notices via email and pay dues on a timely basis. (Current Annual Dues: $700. 1st year is pro-rated quarterly from Feb 1st.)
- All members are expected to adhere to SER's Best Ethical Practices for Experts.
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| What is the difference between a Voting and Associate Member? |
Only Voting Members have the ability to:
- Vote for the Board of Directors and President-Elect;
- Chair Committees and serve on the Board of Directors;
- Serve as an Officer.
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| How do you move from Associate to Voting Member? |
- Obtain 20 engagements as an expert in dispute resolution;
- Obtain 10 engagements as an expert in dispute resolution AND attend two SER conferences;
- Attend three SER conferences within four years.
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| Do I have to post my contact information or my curriculum vitae on SER's website? |
We require that both accompany your membership application, however you have the option to keep your name and information off the public website. However, your contact information will be available to other SER Members. |
| How do I apply? |
Fill out this form: Apply for Membership |
Why Become a Member?
We asked our current members for the top reasons they continue their SER membership.
My top reasons for being an SER member are: A venue where I can speak with colleagues about the unique challenges we face as an expert witness; It provides visibility into expert witness industry trends I would never identify based on only my personal data sources; “How to run your business” education and resources unique to being an expert witness. Where else could I get that? An expert’s focus is very narrow; often inquiries are not a match with an expert’s experience. Lots of cases are referred within the organization.”
Marty Dirks, member since 2018
As a sole practitioner, I have come to rely on SER as my primary network of colleagues for exchanging ideas and addressing questions. The collective expertise of its members is unparalleled within the securities litigation industry.”
Robert Jones, member since 2016
One of the advantages of being a member of SER is the opportunity to give back and help the next generation of experts...having meaningful conversations about industry developments with other experts that prioritize excellence and ethics.”
Hollie Mason, member since 2020
The valuable insight I have received on building a practice, networking and referrals have help me build a solid practice.
Whether it is attending the annual meeting, reaching out to fellow members for advice or using the resource library, it is a worthwhile organization to help hit the ground running.”
David MacNair, member since 2023
The privilege of membership affords me insight into the profession of expert witness testimony and consulting with other experienced financial professionals in the areas of institutional securities, broker-dealers, investment advisory, and fiduciary services. I have gained valuable insight and knowledge from the professional mentoring and peer-to-peer learning into the evolving landscape of dispute resolution, encompassing mediation and arbitration forums, as well as federal and state courts, in presenting compelling and effective expert opinions to the trier of fact on behalf of my clients.”
Charles Ranson, member since 2014
My top three reasons for membership are: Networking among fellow professionals; Continuing my education; Ability to participate at SER annual conferences.”
Jack Herrmann, member since 2006
SER has touched all of the bases I was hoping for: easy and receptive networking on both expert specific topics and substantive securities regulatory issues; a ton of exposure just through the SER membership, conference and website; and a steady flow of fellow SER member generated expert opportunities.”
John Ivan, member since 2023
As a member of the SER community, I have found immense value in the support and resources it provides. The tips and insights I've gained through Practice Management Committee events have significantly impacted my approach to building and managing my expert witness business. Participating in SER has empowered me to approach each engagement with confidence, ensuring I advocate for my worth in every situation. The insights I've gained from fellow members have been invaluable!”
Colleen Diles, member since 2023
My involvement with SER turned my regional practice into a national one. A single referral got me involved in a product case that led me to a number of other law firms pursuing the same litigation against different defendants.
As a CPA, CFE and with a number of FINRA designations, I am required to do substantial continuing education. SER conferences are informative, enjoyable and help me meet my requirements. Mostly though, I have met and become friends with some exceptional people who share the same burdens and joys of expert witnessing. It has been very rewarding.”
Gordon Yale, member since 2003
Securities Experts Roundtable is an exceptional group of like-minded folks who not only have the expertise in a variety of securities-related fields, but also are happy to share that expertise with their colleagues. And the annual meetings are great fun – learning, networking, and sightseeing combined in a palatable mix.”
Ross Delston, member since 2019
SER was invaluable to me when building my Expert Witness offering, and the organization continues to be my go-to resource. Years ago, as a new member, I reached out to many members to network, learn about their practice, share my Trading & Best Execution focus, and ask for best practices to implement and pitfalls to avoid. More recently, I have continued to value the in-person and virtual educational sessions, plus the opportunity to leverage the broad membership to refer cases that are not in my vertical.”
Jeff Estella, member since 2020
I was invited to join SER several years back with the knowledge that I would be part of the foremost financial services expert witness group in the country. I knew that I would have educational opportunities as well as obtaining knowledge of ethical considerations in being an effective expert.
I get to see a good number of expert situations and when they are not in my areas of expertise, I know with my membership in SER where to go to find an appropriate expert.”
Jim Kyprios, member since 2021
In order of importance to me, I am a SER member for the following reasons: To be part of an organization that will help me facilitate meeting and building relationships with attorneys; Expert witness education, continued professional development, and learning; Membership fellowship, mentoring, support, and networking”
David Hinman, member since 2022
I was interested in becoming an expert witness but had no idea where to start. I joined SER and attended my first conference in 2023. The membership was welcoming, encouraging, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Last year I worked on nine cases, testified several times in front of FINRA, I have been deposed and recently selected by FINRA to be a panelist at an upcoming FINRA arbitration. So, yes, it was the right move to kick off my career as an expert.”
James Karabas, member since 2023
SER adds value to my solo practice in several ways. The Webcasts are on point and I enjoy the opportunities to meet and share experience with colleagues, old and new, at the annual conferences.”
Jeff Holik, member since 2020
Top three reasons for membership are: The great specific webinars that the organization provides; The annual conference, a great place to hear about trends of what is happening in the securities regulatory, arbitration, mediation, and litigation area and also a great networking opportunity in which you can meet people that have all sorts of niche practice areas, which is helpful for when you might need help with their specialty; and Other professionals that you can call on for advice.”
Eric Kronvall, member since 2023
I would say the main reason to be a part of SER is the networking/membership advantages. Since most members are independent practitioners, SER can provide a corporate, in-house like environment where you can learn from colleagues. and collaborate with other experts so you can offer clients a broader range of expertise. The annual conference and the various webinars give you exposure to ideas and areas of expertise and practice management that you would most likely not have access to and the friendships forged that make you make you feel like you are part of a wider network.”
Jerry DeNigris, member since 2012
