Unbeknownst to her, William Blair client Josephine DesPart’s account status was changed from non-discretionary and commission-based to discretionary and fee-based. On top of it all, the two former William Blair brokers set up a fake email account where her account statements were shifted. The two brokers defended themselves against the 88-year-old widow’s lawsuit, explaining they didn’t intend to conceal transactions from her. Attention Morgan Stanley Smith Barney clients: the two brokers in question, William Ross and Brian Kasal are now employed there, so keep an eye on those accounts. See the Investment News story here. http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091118/FREE/911189976/1094/INDaily01
