Whistleblower Attorney

To qualify as a whistleblower, you must have detailed information about the fraud based on personal knowledge and evidence—not just from public sources like the internet or news. However, in rare cases, outsiders may succeed with a whistleblower claim. To determine your eligibility under the False Claims Act or other whistleblower statutes, such as the SEC whistleblower program, call our law firm at (877) 561-0000 to speak with a federal whistleblower attorney for a free, confidential consultation.

There are rigorous protections against termination for whistleblowers under the False Claims Act, as well as prohibitions against any form of retaliation. Most whistleblower cases are initially filed confidentially and under seal, so your employer may not be aware of them for the first few years, which inherently adds a layer of protection. The federal whistleblower lawyers at Brown, LLC will help you understand the timetables and potential outcomes of your qui tam lawsuit.

Yes, there are strict timelines for filing whistleblower lawsuits, and only the first whistleblower to file may be entitled to an award. You are not only racing against the clock but also against other potential whistleblowers. If you’re concerned about being the first to file and need support, working with an experienced law firm like Brown, LLC is crucial. Our experienced attorneys can guide you thoroughly and assist you in making a confident and informed decision.

A qui tam lawsuit, also known as a whistleblower lawsuit, is generally filed under the False Claims Act (FCA) and requires a whistleblower attorney. The case must be filed under seal with proper notice given to the relevant government agencies on behalf of the whistleblower, also known as a relator.

Brown, LLC is one of the few firms in the country that has a federal whistleblower attorney division led by the storied and accomplished litigator Jason T. Brown, a former FBI Special Agent and Legal Advisor, who has been featured in Forbes and other high-profile news outlets. Our whistleblower team has handled multiple cases leading to settlements and judgments exceeding a hundred million dollars for the taxpayer and significant whistleblower awards for our clients. Given the complexity of whistleblower cases, it is essential to have an experienced whistleblower lawyer by your side to help present the strongest case and potentially litigate if the government passes on the case.

Securities fraud: This occurs when companies seek to manipulate stock prices through false and misleading statements to investors, insider trading, churning accounts, charging excessive fees, and failing to provide best pricing. An SEC whistleblower lawyer can help you report these violations while potentially keeping your identity confidential throughout the process. Learn more about what to expect from an experienced SEC whistleblower attorney.

Commodities fraud: Addressed through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Whistleblower Program, this involves manipulations of commodity futures, options, and swaps that harm investors and consumers. If you have information about abusive or deceptive conduct by banks, financial firms, or other entities involved in the sale and exchange of commodities derivatives and other financial instruments, a CFTC whistleblower lawyer can help you secure a significant award.

Tax fraud: Reported to the IRS using an IRS whistleblower lawyer, this involves credible information about entities or individuals knowingly evading federal tax liability. If the underpayment exceeds $2 million, you may be entitled to a portion of the recovered amount. Additionally, if tax fraud occurs in New York, the New York False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to privately sue those who knowingly fail to pay state taxes on behalf of the government, potentially leading to major recoveries.

Money laundering: This occurs when money is routed through banks and other financial entities to conceal its source. The Anti-Money Laundering Act provides awards of up to 30% of the proceeds recovered in any judicial or administrative proceeding against a financial institution, business or other entity committing money laundering. One example of money laundering is in the cannabis industry, where banks and other entities have held or routed proceeds of marijuana sales, which, while legal in some states, remain illegal under federal law.

Examples of actionable vs. non-actionable whistleblower cases:

Actionable: You have insider knowledge that a hospital is providing kickbacks to non-employees for Medicare or Medicaid referrals. This is actionable under the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute.

Non-Actionable: Your neighbor is receiving Medicare benefits despite not being eligible. This is not actionable under the False Claims Act because it lacks evidence of systemic Medicare fraud. Although the conduct may be criminal, it is unlikely to lead to a whistleblower award under the FCA. However, consulting with lawyers for whistleblowers who can provide legal advice may help you understand what constitutes actionable fraud and guide you through the potential steps to take.