Small investors facing problems with securities investments have few places to turn for help in upstate New York. Now they can turn to the Securities Law Clinic at the Cornell Law School. The clinic provides free legal services to investors in central New York who have suffered losses due to fraud or other improper conduct.

Cornell law students, under faculty supervision, will help small investors by reviewing cases and assisting them in recovering investment losses. The students will evaluate whether a client was sold an inappropriate security and provide legal representation if the claim requires arbitration.

Public education is another focus, says William A. Jacobson, associate clinical professor at Cornell Law School and the clinic's director. "The idea is to educate people, so that when they're approached to buy an illegal investment, they'll ask the right questions," he says.

The clinic also provides speakers for community organizations on topics related to investment fraud prevention and online articles on investor protection.

At the same time, the clinic gives Cornell law students hands-on experience interviewing potential clients, assessing their claims, preparing pleadings and negotiating settlements.

To schedule an appointment with the Securities Law Clinic, call 607-254-8270, e-mail securitieslawclinic@cornell.edu or visit the Securities Law Clinic's Web page at http://securities.lawschool.cornell.edu.