McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA is pleased to announce that Principal Attorney and head of the firm’s Investor Claims practice group, Hugh Berkson, has been recognized with the 2026 Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA) Robin S. Ringo Lifetime Achievement Award. Hugh was presented with this award in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions to PIABA over the course of more than two decades of his membership in the Association.
Hugh has been a longstanding member of the Association, having previously held positions as Director of the Board, Vice President, and ultimately President for two terms. Throughout the course of his leadership, PIABA made efforts to strengthen its relationships with regulators, key legislators, and industry groups. Under Hugh’s leadership, the Association also made meaningful strides in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through a handful of initiatives.
A major focus of Hugh’s first term as president was the problem arising from unpaid arbitration awards. While investors are required to address their disputes with their stockbrokers in arbitration, all too often the brokerage firms are destitute and unable to pay when arbitrators find the firms acted wrongfully. His efforts brought media, regulatory, and legislative attention to the issue, and he remains committed to pushing for a remedy.
Another large focus of Hugh’s presidency was addressing the growing problem of registered investment advisers’ (“RIAs”) use of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration clauses, which often prevent investors from holding their advisers accountable for wrongful conduct. Under Hugh’s leadership, PIABA brought national attention to the issue through press releases, media events, and an op-ed, helping prompt meaningful engagement with legislators and paving the way for broader efforts to address unpaid arbitration awards involving all financial professionals.
This recognition reflects Hugh’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to investor advocacy and his years of dedicated work to protect investors, hold financial professionals accountable, and advance meaningful reforms within the securities industry.
If you are interested in learning more about Hugh, click here to visit his professional bio.