Why Work With Our Whistleblower Lawyers?
Phillips & Cohen represents whistleblowers in cases brought under federal and state whistleblower reward programs. Our attorneys represent whistleblowers in the US and around the world. That is all we do. And we do our work well.
Phillips & Cohen is the only law firm that has won awards for its clients under three different whistleblower reward programs: the False Claims Act, through “qui tam” whistleblower lawsuits, the SEC whistleblower program, the IRS whistleblower program.
Types of Whistleblower Cases We Handle
Whistleblower cases typically involve reporting fraud against the government or financial markets. These cases arise under several federal or state-level laws and programs, each with its own rules, protections, and reward structures. Below are the primary types of whistleblower cases our attorneys handle.
Qui Tam / False Claims Act Cases
Qui tam cases are brought under state and federal False Claims Acts and involve fraud against government programs or contracts. Whistleblowers, also known as relators, can file lawsuits on behalf of the government and may receive a portion of any recovery.
Common examples include healthcare fraud, such as Medicare or Medicaid overbilling, illegal kickbacks, and defense contractor fraud involving overcharging or supplying defective products to the government. These cases often involve complex schemes that result in significant financial losses to taxpayers.
SEC Whistleblower Cases (Securities Fraud)
SEC whistleblower cases involve violations of federal securities laws and misconduct in financial markets. Individuals who report original information to the Securities and Exchange Commission may be eligible for monetary awards.
Examples can include insider trading, accounting fraud, misleading financial disclosures, market manipulation, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and money laundering. These cases often involve publicly traded companies, financial institutions, or corporate executives.
IRS Whistleblower Cases (Tax Fraud)
IRS whistleblower cases focus on tax violations, including underreporting income or hiding assets to avoid paying taxes. The IRS Whistleblower Program allows individuals to report significant tax fraud and receive a percentage of the funds recovered.
Common cases include offshore tax evasion, corporate tax fraud, and individuals concealing income through complex financial structures. These cases often involve high-value claims and detailed financial evidence.
CFTC Whistleblower Cases (Commodities Fraud)
CFTC whistleblower cases involve fraud and misconduct in commodities, derivatives, and futures markets. The program provides incentives for reporting violations that impact market integrity. Examples include market manipulation, spoofing, and other illegal trading practices.
Other Types of Whistleblower Cases and Fraud We Represent
Our whistleblower cases also involve a wide range of additional fraud types across government programs, financial markets, and regulated industries, including:
- Healthcare and pharmaceutical fraud
- Medicare Advantage and risk adjustment fraud
- Laboratory and diagnostic testing fraud
- Kickbacks and illegal referral schemes
- Defense contractor and procurement fraud
- Small business and set-aside contracting fraud
- Grant and research funding fraud
- Customs and import duty fraud
- Banking and financial institution fraud
- Cryptocurrency and digital asset fraud
- Anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance violations
- Disaster relief and emergency program fraud
Explore a more comprehensive list of common types of qui tam whistleblower cases.
How to Know If You Have a Whistleblower Case
Not all misconduct qualifies as a whistleblower case. Most successful claims involve fraud tied to government programs, public funds, or violations of federal financial laws. Understanding whether your situation meets these criteria is the first step.
Speaking with an attorney early in the process can help you avoid mistakes and protect your ability to file a claim. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a whistleblower attorney and how legal guidance can impact the outcome of your case.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, start by reviewing Do I Have a Whistleblower Case? which outlines the key factors attorneys consider when assessing potential claims.
You can also explore whistleblower examples and real cases to see how similar cases have been brought forward and resolved. These examples provide useful context for the types of fraud that may qualify under federal whistleblower laws.
Because whistleblower laws are complex and vary by program, many individuals have questions about eligibility, confidentiality, and potential rewards. Whistleblower FAQs address common concerns, including how cases are filed and what protections may apply.
If you believe you may have a claim, the most effective next step is to seek a confidential evaluation from an experienced whistleblower lawyer.
Notable Whistleblower Case Results
Our successful cases include:
- The largest healthcare fraud settlement ($3 billion – GlaxoSmithKline).
- The largest civil settlement of a healthcare fraud case involving solely kickback allegations ($400 million – DaVita Healthcare Partners).
- The largest amount ever paid by a defense contractor in a qui tam case ($325 million – Northrop Grumman).
- Largest settlement ever paid by a medical lab company for a faulty product ($302 million – Quest Diagnostics).
- A whistleblower lawsuit against Wall Street banks that exposed the practice of yield burning was settled for more than $220 million.
- The first and largest settlement by an electronic health records vendor involving healthcare fraud and kickback charges ($155 million – eClinicalWorks).
- The largest cash settlement related to Iraq War fraud ($108.75 million- KBR).
- One of the largest SEC whistleblower rewards ($40 million) was paid to our international clients.
Working with our whistleblower clients, we have helped governments and defrauded investors recover more than $12.8 billion as a result of our whistleblower cases. The whistleblower rewards we have won for our clients total more than $1 billion.
Speak With a Whistleblower Attorney
If you believe you have information about fraud or misconduct and are considering blowing the whistle, the next step is to speak with an experienced attorney. Whistleblower cases are complex and time-sensitive, and how you report the information can directly affect your ability to file a claim and recover an award.
At Phillips & Cohen, our attorneys focus exclusively on representing whistleblowers. We evaluate potential claims, determine which laws and programs apply, and guide clients through every stage of the process, from initial review to filing and government investigation.
Your consultation is confidential. You do not need to be certain that you have a case to reach out. If your information qualifies, we can explain your options, the potential risks, and the steps involved in moving forward. Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation.