Whistleblowers play an important role in exposing fraud against the government, safeguarding public funds, and holding wrongdoers accountable. Numerous government whistleblower programs allow individuals to report fraud against the government, violations of commodity laws, securities laws or anti-money laundering laws. Under these programs, whistleblowers may be eligible to receive an award.
However, reporting fraud comes with risks, including navigating legal complexities and possible employment retaliation. That is why it is important to understand the benefits of hiring an experienced whistleblower attorney.
1. Navigating Complex Whistleblower Programs with Legal Expertise
While it is possible to submit a whistleblower claim on your own, and it may be tempting to use ChatGPT or another LLM to compose a submission, there are numerous advantages to working with an experienced and successful whistleblower attorney to increase the likelihood of a successful whistleblower claim.
First, whether considering a claim involving the False Claims Act, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), IRS, or DOJ whistleblower programs, it is important to understand that each program has a unique and complex legal framework. A single claim may also fall within the jurisdiction of multiple programs, requiring coordination between the whistleblower and various groups of government attorneys and investigators.
Hiring an experienced whistleblower attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of each whistleblower program and the processes for correctly submitting a whistleblower claim.
2. Build a Strong, Compliant Whistleblower Submission
An experienced whistleblower attorney ensures your complaint is:
- Drafted in a compelling and legally sound manner
- Submitted to the correct agency or court
- Filed within the appropriate deadlines
- In full compliance with all legal requirements
3. Legal Support for Evidence Gathering & Case Building
Legal representation can also help determine the viability of any potential whistleblower claim, assist in gathering evidence, including interviewing witnesses, organizing necessary documents, and working with potential expert witnesses.
4. Representing You in Communications with Government Investigators
An experienced whistleblower attorney also represents your interests when working with government investigators. Human relationships are important to government attorneys and investigators, and whistleblower attorneys are able to develop strong relationships to advance your case, negotiate a settlement, or advocate on your behalf before either the government or a judge.
5. Protecting Your Identity Through Anonymous Whistleblower Claims
The SEC whistleblower program allows individuals to submit tips anonymously—but only if they are represented by an attorney. Other programs, such as those under the False Claims Act or the IRS, generally require the whistleblower’s identity to be disclosed. An experienced lawyer can help protect your confidentiality to the fullest extent allowed by law.
6. Increase the Likelihood of a Successful Outcome
Having the right legal team can help increase your chances of:
- Securing a government investigation
- Receiving the highest possible whistleblower award
- Being protected under whistleblower retaliation laws
7. Work with the Nation’s Leading Whistleblower Law Firm
With an experienced whistleblower attorney, you can confidently know your case has the best chance of success and that you are protected to the full extent of whistleblower protections.
Phillips & Cohen is recognized as the most successful whistleblower law firm, working with clients in the United States and abroad in matters involving all federal whistleblower programs. We have specialized in successfully representing whistleblowers for over 35 years. For a confidential review of your case, contact Phillips & Cohen.