Ex-Edward Jones advisors can’t solicit firm’s clients: Judge

A federal judge granted Edward Jones’ request for a temporary restraining order against two of its former brokers, ordering the duo not to solicit or attempt to solicit any of the firm’s clients.

Processing Content

The dispute arose after advisors Debra Feaser and Michael Eisenbraun moved to Ameriprise’s employee channel from Edward Jones on Nov. 2.

Edward Jones claimed in a lawsuit filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for Eastern District of New York that the advisors had violated non-solicitation agreements and taken Edward Jones confidential information that included client names and contact information. The Staten Island-based advisors denied the allegations, asserting that they took no documents and solicited no clients.

edward-jones-istock.jpg
iStock

Judge Pamela Chen granted the firm’s request while the two sides hash out the dispute in FINRA arbitration.

Judge Chen also ordered the advisors not to solicit any Edward Jones employees to terminate their employment with the firm.

Tim Mattke is CEO of MGIC Investment Corporation and Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation. He also serves as chair of U.S. Mortgage Insurers.

August 21

Getting a foot in the door to the high net worth market can be a challenge, but there are any number of ways in. Six advisors shared how they landed their first high net worth client, from golfing to finding the right CPA.

August 21
1 Min Read
High net worth

Financial Planning's August 2026 continuing education quiz is now open to subscribers. By successfully completing the quiz, advisors can earn one hour of CE credit to maintain professional certifications.

August 21
1 Min Read
Laptop, idea and a serious businesswoman in her office on a review, proposal or project. Work, focus and thinking with a female employee reading an email or doing research while working

But while Edward Jones got its non-solicit request, the judge’s order permits the advisors to speak with clients who have already transferred assets and to accept new transfers of assets from Edward Jones clients.

The two advisors oversaw more than $150 million in assets, Edward Jones said in its lawsuit. (An Ameriprise spokeswoman said they oversaw $215 million). Edward Jones says client assets of approximately $19 million have already transferred over to rival Ameriprise.

A spokeswoman for Ameriprise said the firm and the advisors had no comment on the matter. An Edward Jones spokesman also declined to comment.

Neither the brokers nor their attorney could be reached for comment.

Feaser is an advisor of 24 years and she had been with Edward Jones since 2003, according to FINRA BrokerCheck records. Eisenbraun began his career at the firm two years ago.

Edward Jones is not a member of the Broker Protocol, an industry pact that permits advisors switching firms to take basic client contact information with them. The firm has more than 14,000 brokers in the U.S.


For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Lawsuits Litigation Career moves Edward Jones
MORE FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING
Load More