Hermosa Beach, CA – December 13, 2025 – Adam Ross Shipley (CRD# 6482848), a registered representative with Emerson Equity LLC and Northwoods Financial Partners LLC, is facing investor allegations filed through FINRA arbitration. The complaint, filed in October 2025, alleges breach of fiduciary duty, violations of securities statutes, breach of contract, and violations of Regulation Best Interest in connection with real estate security investments. This article reviews the publicly available FINRA BrokerCheck disclosure and provides information for investors who may have experienced similar issues.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: Adam Ross Shipley
CRD #: 6482848
Firm: Emerson Equity LLC / Northwoods Financial Partners LLC
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Years in Industry: 10
Number of Disclosures: 1
Customer Complaint Against Adam Ross Shipley
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, a customer dispute was filed against Adam Ross Shipley on October 3, 2025(FINRA Case #25-02092). The complaint is currently pending arbitration.
The claimant alleges the following:
- Breach of Contract and Warranties
- Promissory Estoppel
- Consumer Protection and Deceptive Trade Practices Act Violations
- Violations of Securities Statutes
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Claims Under Common Law
- Vicarious Liability
- Violation of Regulation Best Interest
The complaint involves real estate security products. While the alleged damages are listed as $0.00, claimants are seeking an award between $100,000 and $500,000, including all direct and/or consequential damages, statutory and/or punitive damages, plus interest and costs, including attorney’s fees. The claimants reserve the right to amend the amount at any time during hearings.
The complaint specifically seeks recovery for all sums lost in the account on any or all transactions made or not made, lost opportunities incurred as a result of acts and/or omissions, rescission of any or all transactions, punitive damages, pre-award and pre-judgment interest on all sums invested, and all costs of proceedings including legal fees.
The complaint arose while Shipley was registered with Emerson Equity LLC in California, where he has worked since July 2021.
Pattern of Complaints and Risk Factors
While each case is unique, complaints of this type may indicate concerns related to unsuitable investment recommendations, inadequate risk disclosures, or a breach of fiduciary duty. Investors should carefully review account statements and seek legal guidance if similar issues occurred in their accounts.
Can Investors Recover Losses?
Investors who experienced fiduciary duty violations or were recommended unsuitable or high-risk investments may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.
Patil Law, P.C. has over 15 years of experience representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities litigation, with more than $25 million recovered for clients across 1,000+ cases. We provide a free, confidential consultation to review your potential claim. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover money for you.
About FINRA Arbitration
FINRA arbitration is a streamlined dispute resolution process for securities-related claims. It offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional court litigation. Most cases are resolved within 12-16 months. Claims generally must be filed within six years of the incident. Investors who have experienced investment fraud can pursue claims through this process.
Adam Ross Shipley’s Registration History
According to his BrokerCheck record, Adam Ross Shipley has been in the securities industry since 2015. His registration history includes:
- Northwoods Financial Partners LLC (Hermosa Beach, CA) – October 2024 to Present (Investment Adviser Representative)
- Emerson Equity LLC (San Mateo, CA) – July 2021 to Present (Registered Representative)
- Emerson Equity LLC (Irvine, CA) – July 2021 to October 2024 (Investment Adviser Representative)
- National Asset Management, Inc. (Newport Beach, CA) – March 2016 to July 2021
- National Securities Corporation (Newport Beach, CA) – February 2016 to July 2021
- Select Planning Group, Inc. (Irvine, CA) – April 2015 to July 2015
Shipley is currently registered with FINRA and licensed in 14 U.S. states and territories, including California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
Related Brokers and Firms
If you lost money working with Adam Ross Shipley or other registered representatives at Emerson Equity LLC, you may have legal options. Patil Law represents investors with claims involving various forms of misconduct. Real estate securities, including REITs and real estate funds, have been associated with numerous investor complaints. For more information about REIT losses, please review our practice area page.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) requires broker-dealers to act in the best interest of retail customers when making a recommendation of any securities transaction or investment strategy. Violations of Reg BI can form the basis for broker misconduct claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the complaint against Adam Ross Shipley?
The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty, violations of securities statutes, breach of contract, consumer protection violations, and violation of Regulation Best Interest related to real estate security investments. The case is currently pending in FINRA arbitration.
Can investors recover losses involving Emerson Equity LLC?
Yes. Investors who experienced unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentations, or other forms of broker misconduct while working with Emerson Equity advisors may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration. The firm and its registered representatives are held to industry standards requiring suitable investment recommendations and compliance with Regulation Best Interest.
What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a dispute resolution forum where investors can bring claims against brokerage firms and financial advisors. It is typically faster and less expensive than court litigation. An arbitration panel reviews evidence and testimony before issuing a binding decision. Most securities customer agreements contain mandatory arbitration clauses.
What does “unsuitable investment” mean?
An unsuitable investment is one that does not align with an investor’s financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, or investment time horizon. Brokers have a regulatory obligation to make suitable recommendations based on information they obtain from their clients. Recommending high-risk or illiquid investments to conservative or retired investors is a common form of unsuitability.
How do I look up a broker on BrokerCheck?
Visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck website at brokercheck.finra.org. You can search by the broker’s name or CRD number. The system will display the broker’s employment history, qualifications, and any disclosure events, including customer complaints, regulatory actions, or criminal matters.
What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
First, document all account statements, communications, and investment recommendations you received. File a complaint with FINRA and your state securities regulator. Then, consult with a securities attorney who can evaluate whether you have grounds for a FINRA arbitration claim. Time limits apply, so it’s important to act promptly.
About Patil Law, P.C.
Patil Law, P.C. is a securities litigation firm dedicated to representing investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, and securities fraud. Founded in 2018 by attorney Chetan Patil, the firm focuses exclusively on FINRA arbitration and investment loss recovery.
With over 15 years of combined experience in securities law, Patil Law has successfully recovered more than $25 million for clients across 1,000+ cases. Attorney Chetan Patil earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Attorneys Gabriela Dubrocq and Patricia Herrera earned their law degrees from University of Miami. The firm handles cases nationwide involving unauthorized trading, churning, unsuitable investments, breach of fiduciary duty, and failure to supervise.
Patil Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless the firm successfully recovers money on their behalf. All consultations are free and confidential.
Contact Patil Law for a Free Consultation
If you lost money while working with Adam Ross Shipley or any other broker at Emerson Equity LLC or Northwoods Financial Partners LLC, Patil Law, P.C. can help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your situation and discuss your legal options.
Call us today at 800-950-6553 or email info@patillaw.com.
Our experienced securities attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration.
The information in this post is based on FINRA BrokerCheck records and public filings. Allegations described are pending or unproven and may be contested. All investors are entitled to fair treatment under securities laws. This is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
