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Andrew S. May

Financial markets and services Attorney at Chicago, IL

5.0   21 reviews

also known as May Law PC

  • Licensed for 28 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1995
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Andrew

Learn Andrew’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Financial markets and services
    45%
    • Defend individuals and companies under investigation by exchanges and other regulatory bodies. • Represent a number of money managers — including a nationally known author on the financial markets — commodity pools, Forex traders, private funds, hedge funds and proprietary trading firms. • Represent many long-standing broker-dealers, investment advisers and futures introducing broker clients in a quasi General Counsel role. • Assist clients with change in laws and regulations— includi

    24 years, 75 cases

  2. Securities and investment fraud
    20%
    Defend individuals, companies and entities in arbitrations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and National Futures Association (“NFA”).

    26 years, 75 cases

  3. Arbitration
    15%

    26 years, 45 cases

  4. Business
    15%

    28 years, 50 cases

  5. Securities offerings
    5%

    26 years, 35 cases

I am an attorney and counselor at law. The tag phrase for my firm is "A fresh approach to a venerable profession." Essentially, that means the the law is a profession and not a business!  Clients' interests should be and are, at my firm, placed ahead of the firm's own interests.

 

May Law, PC, is a Chicago, Illinois, based law firm prepared to handle legal issues involving compliance, regulation, and helping businesses achieve best practices to prevent arbitrations, disputes and litigation. When faced with compliance issues or regulatory investigations involving commodities, derivatives. FOREX, futures, options or securities, May Law, PC, is also prepared to protect your interests and investment. The firm also sets up commodities, FOREX, futures, options and securities firms.

 

May Law, PC, offers the services of a Chicago attorney with industry knowledge and experience for options and securities in cases/matters involving:

 

Securities Investigations and Enforcement Proceedings:
May Law, PC, has particular expertise in defending Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) f/k/a National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), state blue sky agency, and exchange investigations and enforcement proceedings. Some of the firm’s greatest successes have been in this arena. Because of the firm’s frequent contacts with enforcement offices, it often sees enforcement matters concluded through devising innovative undertakings and avoiding unwelcome corrective measures.

Photos and videos

Attorney Andrew May in his firm's library.

Contact Andrew

Similar lawyers nearby

May Law, PC
118 North Clinton St.
Suite 100
Chicago, IL, 60661

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  21 customer reviews
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Posted by Richele | March 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional
Andrew May is a consummate professional. He has provided me with excellent legal advice and service over the years. Andrew is also well versed in FINRA laws and will work hard to resolve your issues. Highly recommend!
Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best securities lawyer period!!
I have been a client of Andrew May for over 10 years. He has helped my numerous times and has always done a great job! He is very knowledgeable on all the securities issues I have needed help with and has been someone I can count on. He will always do what ever he can to be sure YOU are well represented!!
Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Knowledgeable, Sensible, Ethical
When I found Andrew I had a mountain of regulatory trouble and despite 16 years in the industry, no knowledge or experience in how to deal with it. He calmed my mind and helped me make sensible decisions that were both ethical and protected me. I will continue to use him for all my business legal needs. Highly recommended.
Posted by Kevin | August 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Andrew May Cares about his clients
Andrew handled all my needs well and in a timely manner. That's just what you need when you hire an attorney. And he's treated me to a beer more than once. You can tell Andrew truly cares and I like that a lot.
Posted by Mark | July 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Andrew May was referred to me and from the very beginning he was very helpful, knowledgable, as well as personable. I felt comfortable with him right away. I definitely would recommend Andrew.
Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
FINRA Inquiry
I am so thankful that I found Andrew May. I was working with another attorney on the FINRA inquiry and my case didn't go anywhere I felt my first attorney didn't know what he was doing and I was very frustrated. When I found Andrew May on-line my case was resolved in 2.5 months vs 5 months with another attorney. Andrew knew what he was doing. With a single letter form Andrew FINRA made the decision to close my case with no fees or suspensions. I am very grateful for help I got from Andrew. Now on I will always consult Andrew before I finalize any decision in my business. I would recommend him to any advisor who faces the challenges in his or her business. Very thankful for his help.I wish I was working with him from the beginning of my case.
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Posted by Randy | June 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Prompt Expertise
I had a customer compliant and subsequent FINRA investigation. Andrew was prompt and knowlegeable in his advice to me. A very experience lawyer and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expert Advice
Andrew helped me navigate a disclosure issue. He was thorough, prompt and professional in his approach. He is very knowledgeable and demonstrated strong expertise in securities law and regulatory matters.
Posted by Jesse | January 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experienced lawyer
Andrew was understanding about my situation and flexible when I needed him to be. Explained all avenues we could yake and worked with me to form a solid plan. His experience showed throughout the process.
Posted by Reid | December 10, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best possible result!
After interviewing 3 attorneys, I hired Andrew May to assist me with a FINRA inquiry and a licensing matter with my previous firm. For me, these were uncharted and potentially very troubled waters. Andrew not only guided me through, but he did it in a reassuring and confident way. The results were 100% in my favor, and I couldn't have been more pleased. When you are interviewing attorney's to represent you, I would definitely recommend one of your calls be to Andrew May.
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Posted by John | September 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
AMAZING
Andrew was amazing. He made a difficult situation end on a positive note. I would definitely use Andrew May again and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal services
Posted by Stacey | August 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Andrew May is thorough and attentive
I am very pleased with the work Andrew has done for my company. He is attentive, calmand knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him to friends and clients.
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2015
Excellent Work
Andrew stood up for my rights with the State of Illinois Securities Department and reached a favorable outcome on my behalf, effectively resulting in me not accepting any legal wrongdoing and reducing the original six-figure proposed fine to zero. He did an outstanding job.
Posted by Karen | March 23, 2015
May review
I am currently a client of Andrew May. He is working on a FINRA issue for me. During my 35 year career, I have worked with numerous attorneys in various situations. Andrew is by far my favorite attorney to deal with. He is extremely knowledgeable about the securities industry. He is very easy to get along with and very patient. Andrew does what he says he is going to do! I would recommend Andrew to anyone who has a FINRA issue.
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Posted by Earl | December 16, 2014
Contract review and negotiating advice from Andrew May
I engaged Andrew to review and comment on a sales agency agreement for my firm. He did a thorough review of the proposed agreement, walked me through the document, made observations and suggestions, and helped me with negotiation points to consider. He was very timely getting the document reviewed and responding to my questions. I appreciated his assertive approach in formulating our response to the originally proposed document. Well done.
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Posted by Yan | July 10, 2014
The lawyer you can trust
Andrew is a great lawyer! I have talked to a few other attorney before him and I just didn't feel right. Then I saw his information and I am glad that we hired him and since then, I can sleep tight without worrying about the case. Andrew is confident and professional, meanwhile he's also very patient and willing to take the time to explain to me how he's going to handle the case. We trust him and if we need a lawyer in the future ( I hope not), I will talk to him first.
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Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2012
Andrew May is a successful attorney specialized in Financial Services Industry and Securities Law
Andrew May is an excellent attorney who cares about his clients. Thanks to his hard work, I am be able to continue working in the Financial Services Industry. He successfully dealt with FINRA and helped me keep my investment licenses after being wrongly accused of fraud. He is extremely knowledgeable of Securities Laws and worked with my former employer, a leading global firm, to remove the fraud language from my U5. I recommend Andrew May to anyone facing a FINRA preliminary inquiry or investigation. Thanks Andrew for helping me clear my record and avoid getting my licenses suspended or revoked.
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Posted by Andy | September 12, 2011
Highly Recommended
I recently used Andrew's services after he was recommended by a colleague. I was thoroughly impressed by his expertise. I utilized his services over a period of about six months. As my project progressed, it often demanded a lot of his time without much warning. He was able to remain flexible to my schedule and my seemingly volatile project was managed flawlessly.
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Posted by Jose Cruz | September 6, 2011
Excellent Attorney
I have received Andrew's legal counsel for over a decade and he has served as my companies main business attorney for the last 6 years. He has excelled at giving great guidance throughout. He has worked with me on forming an C Corp and most recently on an LLC. He does all my yearly week and has knowledgeable and fast responding staff. If you are looking for an attorney that will not only respond quickly, perform timely and give sound legal directions; I can strongly recommend Andrew May.
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Posted by John | July 28, 2011
Great Attorney!
I have hired Andrew May multiple times over the years. I have known him both personally and professionally for over 16 years. Andrew has represented me in a variety of legal matters from a non-compete/non solicit employment issues, articles of incorporation, wills and trust, fire damage subrogation, and defamation of charter concerns. Andrew has always provide sound legal advise and produced excellent results. Andrew's best qualities are his responsiveness, billing rates, and keen interest in protecting his clients interest. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone, he will do a great job for you!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 275-400 per hour
  • Contingency 30%-45%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.3 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • President
  • May Law, PC
  • 2006 - Present
  • Partner
  • Lewitas & May
  • 2004 - 2006
  • Associate
  • Henderson & Lyman
  • 2000 - 2004
  • General Counsel
  • Access Financial Group
  • 1996 - 2000
View all work experience

Education

  • DePaul University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • Bachelors of Arts
  • 1992
  • Illinois Institute of Technology - Kent College of Law
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • Broker-dealer seeks declaratory and injunctive relief that it need not participate in FINRA arbitration
  • Defendants' Motion to Dismiss denied

Associations

  • Options Alliance
  • Legal Counsel
  • 2013 - Present
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • Securities Committee
  • 1998 - Present
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Securities Committee
  • 1997 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Clients' Choice Award - Financial Services
  • AVVO
  • 2015
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • AVVO
  • 2012

Publications

  • Counsel's Corner - Compliance Watch
  • EXPUNGEMENT OF MATERIALS FROM THE CRD, IS FINRA RULE 2080 THE ONLY WAY?
  • 2012
  • Counsel's Corner - Compliance Watch
  • FINRA's New Suitability Rule
  • 2012
  • Counsel's Corner - Compliance Watch
  • Outside Business Activities, FINRA Rule 3270
  • 2012

Speaking Engagements

  • Practice Management
  • Business Organizations
  • 2009
  • Introduction to Business Law
  • Securities Laws
  • 2007

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (14)
Endorse Andrew
Securities offerings Attorney | May 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Working with Andrew was a pleasure. We worked on a complex securities offering and we hired him as an expert in the field. He was easy to talk to, diligent at working through problems, and willing to navigate through the myriads of changes the client requested. I strongly endorse Andrew May."
Arbitration Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Corporate and incorporation Attorney | Nov 05
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Business Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. We shared a client on a particularly delicate and unique business/real estate matter and he performed admirably. My client was more than satisfied with his services. Since then I have referred several matters, mostly business litigation, and have heard nothing but praise."
Securities offerings Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Securities and investment fraud Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"In my experience, Andrew is hard working, ethical and intelligent. I fully endorse this lawyer."
Corporate and incorporation Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Securities and investment fraud Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Andrew is a highly respected and ethical attorney who is very knowledgeable about his practice area. He is a fine litigator as well"
Business Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Andrew May for 15 years and have had the opportunity to observe him and his practice. He is conscientious and has the ability and experience to represent his clients with the utmost conviction. Additionally, he is well-respected by his peers and the judiciary. I highly endorse Andrew."
Financial markets and services Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I know Andrew is a client friendly and good lawyer that I highly recommend to any lawyers or prospective clients."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Securities and investment fraud Attorney | Nov 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Andrew May. He vigorously represents his clients at an affordable price. Kim Elkjer"
Securities and investment fraud Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. May has demonstrated his knowledge of securities/commodities law and general legal precepts. He is adept at integrating and applying his knowledge and helping to achieve a good outcome for all. Since meeting as opposing counsel, Mr. May and I have consulted on a referred a number of cases to each other. His insights are clear, concise, accurate and useful."
Financial markets and services Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. If you want to know if a lawyer knows what he is talking about, you can read his published answers to questions here on Avvo and review his website and see what his clients have to say about him. When you do that for attorney May, you will realize that he knows the law and cares about making sure his clients get correct and to-the-point advice so they can make their best decisions on legal matters. If you have a Business Law or Finance Law question and his office is anywhere near you, I think he is your answer. I recommend him to you."
View more endorsements
Contracts and agreements
Divorce and separation
Criminal defense
Estate planning
Estate planning
General practice
Commercial real estate
Real estate
Workers compensation
Personal injury
Chicago Financial markets and services Lawyer Andrew S. May
Andrew S. May
Financial markets and services Attorney
Chicago, IL
Licensed for 28 years
Free Consultation