July 11, 2013
I am a sharelder at McCausland Keen Buckman, a law firm that represents individuals and institutions with disputes against the securities industry. I frequently resort to the arbitration services of FINRA Dispute Resolution during the course of my practice. I am currently on the board of directors of the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association and serve on FINRA's National Arbitration and Mediation Committee.
I write to give full support to the above referenced rule change, which will make the all-public panel avialable to all customers without the need to affirmatively elect that option. This amendment will reduce confusion and promote fairness in the arbitration process.
I respectfully request that the Commission promply approve this rule change.