Developing a whistleblower case requires a law firm with deep resources to build and carry your False Claims Act or other whistleblower claim through prolonged litigation and investigations. The firm you choose should have top-tier attorneys with a proven record of success in challenging large corporations. Do you know about corporate fraud, protocol violations or other workplace illegality? Federal laws offer legal protection and monetary awards for people reporting such activities.

Representation in Court

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you in a whistleblower case is vitally important. The law firm that you select will have a significant impact on the success of your claim. Look for a firm with a history of successful whistleblower cases and considerable experience in the specific industries involved in your case. The types of whistleblower claims that can be brought include allegations of illegal or unethical actions, fraud, and mismanagement within an organization. Often, these allegations are centered on violations of federal laws, such as workplace safety, environmental regulations, and financial institution compliance.

Moreover, government employees can become whistleblowers by reporting concerns about their superiors’ actions that violate laws or create dangers to public safety. When choosing a whistleblower attorney, it is important to consider the lawyer’s professional accolades and their track record of successful whistleblower reward recoveries. This information can be found on the firm’s website or in their attorney’s bio. While one attorney can file whistleblower cases, it is more common for whistleblower attorneys to work with other attorneys in their law firm. When you are speaking with potential lawyers, make sure to ask how many lawyers will be working on your case. This will help you ensure your patient receives the full attention it deserves.

Representation in Negotiations

Whistleblower attorneys are familiar with the nuances of laws covering various issues, such as securities law violations (like insider trading), commodities violations (like price fixing), and banking fraud. They can help clients file complaints and take other steps to expose illegal activities. Whistleblowers may be entitled to significant rewards depending on the case and the laws involved. While blowing the whistle on unethical or illegal practices can be a noble endeavor, it is not without risk. If the claims are substantial, a company or organization might try to defend itself by attempting to retaliate against you. An experienced whistleblower attorney will serve as a shield, protecting your rights and interests throughout the process. A whistleblower lawyer can also negotiate for immunity on your behalf. This is especially important if the company or organization involved in the fraudulent activity is large and has significant legal resources. When selecting a whistleblower attorney, consider the firm’s reputation, expertise and experience, and any awards or recognition it has received. Many whistleblower attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will only pay if you win the case.

Representation in Arbitration

If you’ve discovered that your employer is cheating shareholders, defrauding the government or otherwise violating public policy, it is often illegal to be punished for standing up for what’s right. A whistleblower attorney can help you hold your employer accountable. Your lawyer may need to invoke various laws and statutes, from SEC whistleblower rules to qui tam and other whistleblower laws. The best whistleblower lawyers are intimate with the laws and know how they apply in different scenarios. It’s also important that your attorney has experience with arbitration. This form of dispute resolution is less formal than court but still requires extensive documentation and often includes testimonies under oath. A whistleblower attorney with experience with arbitration can better protect your rights and interests. For example, a Wisconsin whistleblower recently sued his former employer for retaliation based on his report to the SEC. The company required all employees to sign a pre-litigation arbitration agreement. Still, federal law and SEC rules allow retaliation claims to be brought in court, even if an employee has signed such an agreement. The lawyer should also be familiar with the arbitration process and able to address any questions or concerns during your case.

Representation in Retaliation Cases

Whistleblowing on corruption and illegality is a noble courage that should never be undertaken alone. A law firm offers strong legal representation to protect and empower whistleblowers in retaliation cases. Lawyers can help you fight for reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and other damages. They can also file a qui tam lawsuit to initiate a government investigation into the wrongdoing you’ve reported. They can help you draft a compelling disclosure statement that details the suspected misconduct and why you believe the government should investigate. During the process, they can keep your identity confidential, especially when you’re reporting on a large or complex company with virtually unlimited resources. When the government does open an investigation, it can help you build a solid case based on evidence of your employer’s misconduct and the impact this behavior has had on you. Depending on the type of retaliation you’ve suffered, they may be able to recover compensatory and punitive damages. Retaliation by employers is illegal. Various federal laws, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII, prohibit punishment of employees who report certain types of wrongdoing. State laws are even broader, forbidding retaliation for reporting on practically any kind of wrongdoing. Examples of retaliation include denial of promotions, refusal to transfer, reduced salary, bonuses, and benefits, harassment or intimidation, creating intolerable work environments, and assigning undesirable tasks and schedules.