How To Choose The Right Whistleblower Attorney

Whistleblowers are courageous individuals who share information about fraud against the federal government. Whistleblower lawsuits can be complex and require an experienced lawyer to guide the client through each step of the litigation process. Many law firms will have a page on their website mentioning that they handle whistleblower cases. However, it is essential to look further and determine if they do.

Experience

In whistleblower cases, attorneys must put the client’s interests first and be able to navigate complex issues while protecting their client’s rights. When you have information about a company that is cheating the government, the right attorney can help you pursue a whistleblower lawsuit and receive a portion of any reward money the government awards.

When choosing a whistleblower lawyer, finding one with extensive experience is essential. The leading whistleblower attorney in your city or state will have a track record of successful client rewards recoveries. They will also have a history of working closely with government agents and investigators.

The right attorney will understand the laws that protect whistleblowers, including the False Claims Act and state qui tam statutes. They will know how to file a whistleblower lawsuit in federal court and state courts, and they will be able to advise you on whether the government will open an investigation and what type of evidence is needed.

Reputation

A whistleblower attorney’s reputation matters. They should be a professional and well-respected attorney in the legal community and have a track record of bringing success to whistleblower cases. You should be able to determine this by reading their reviews and testimonials. Whistleblower law is a complex field that can involve multiple government agencies and a wide variety of types of fraud and wrongdoing. In addition, these claims are usually time sensitive and must be filed promptly to protect the whistleblower’s right to receive compensation for their claims.

To be successful, your attorney should have a significant amount of experience in the relevant field and be familiar with the specific rules and regulations of the government agency involved. In our firm, for example, we have extensive experience with the False Claims Act, bringing successful cases against Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, healthcare fraud (including California private insurance fraud and Illinois systemic insurance fraud), defense contractor fraud, pharmaceutical fraud, and financial/ securities fraud including SEC and CFTC whistleblower rewards programs.

Fees

The cost of a whistleblower case is not cheap. It requires the time and resources of a law firm that can handle complex legal matters and often long-term litigation. You want a firm that can devote the resources to your case so you have confidence you will get the attention your case needs from beginning to end. You should also ensure the lawyer you are considering specializes in whistleblower cases. False Claims Act whistleblower cases and SEC whistleblower submissions can be complicated. Misinterpretation of these laws could be harmful to your case. Ask for examples of the lawyer’s success with whistleblower cases.

A good whistleblower attorney will have a track record of working closely with government attorneys and agents. The more a whistleblower attorney works with government lawyers regularly, the better your chance of obtaining a substantial award when your case is successful. The most important consideration is whether you feel comfortable discussing your case with your potential lawyer. Whistleblower cases are typically kept under a seal of secrecy, meaning that you cannot discuss the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney. Doing so may inspire others to file a whistleblower lawsuit before you and bar your case from being filed.

Communication

Whistleblowers need a lawyer who is responsive and dedicated to working with them. If you’re considering a whistleblower case, look at how attorneys handle their cases and review testimonials online. Be wary of law firms that appear to be referral services and do not disclose this fact on their websites.

You should also ask attorneys to provide you with sample whistleblower cases they have prosecuted. This will help you determine whether they have the experience and track record to be successful in your case.

A good whistleblower attorney will be able to explain the legal options available in your case and discuss the best way to proceed. They will be able to give you advice on the type of information you can provide to investigators, how the government will process that information, and whether it is likely to result in a reward. It’s also important to determine if an attorney has experience with the False Claims Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and other whistleblower laws. You want an attorney who knows these laws inside and out and understands how to protect you from retaliation. In addition, you should consider an attorney’s knowledge of how to work with the IRS and other government agencies on these types of cases. They should be able to walk you through the entire process and help you win your case.