The Jacobs Law Firm is among a small number of boutique litigation firms that represent both individual plaintiffs (i.e., “relators”) and corporate defendants in federal and state whistleblower actions.  Because we represent clients on both sides of the docket, we bring unique perspectives to whistleblower actions.  Whether we’re pursuing a relator grievance or defending a business, we leverage our extensive courtroom experience and formidable trial skills to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.  

Whistleblower statutes are important because they provide a means for exposing fraud and misconduct. But because of the large financial incentives involved in whistleblower actions, they often lack merit.  For that reason, we carefully assess all prospective whistleblower-related representations, and only accept those matters we truly believe in.

What is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is an individual with knowledge of illegal conduct.  Whistleblowers are often employed by entities allegedly engaged in illegal acts.

QUI TAM LAWSUITS AND COMPENSATION

Whistleblowers who expose fraud against the government can file a qui tam lawsuit on the government’s behalf.  The whistleblower is called a “relator,” and the government is considered the actual plaintiff.  These proceedings are sealed while law enforcement agencies within the government investigate, and the government has the right to join (or “intervene”) in the action. 

Whistleblowers are entitled to substantial compensation if they prevail in court.  Depending on whether the government intervenes, whistleblowers can receive between 15% and 30% of all proceeds ultimately awarded to the government.

ANTI-RETALIATION PROVISIONS

The federal Whistleblower Protection Act and the California Whistleblower Protection Act prohibit employers from retaliating against whistleblowers.  Retaliation can take many forms, and may include termination, demotion, denial of promotion, reduction in work hours or pay, denial of benefits, failure to hire or rehire, intimidation, threats or harassment, blacklisting, or the creation of intolerable working conditions, among others.

TYPES OF WHISTLEBLOWER CASES

Whistleblower claims often involve health care providers, investment firms, financial institutions, and government contractors, and may implicate any of the following unlawful practices:

• Health care fraud: billing for services not provided; overbilling for services; treating and claiming reimbursements for non-beneficiaries.
• Financial institution fraud: embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.
• Securities fraud: Ponzi and pyramid schemes; high-yield investment fraud; advanced-fee schemes; foreign currency fraud; broker embezzlement.
• Federal or state government contractors: embezzlement; theft or misuse of government property; bribery or kickbacks; procurement fraud; price-fixing; cost mischarging; grant fraud.

CONTACT US ABOUT YOUR MATTER

If you have knowledge of misconduct – or if your company has been accused of misconduct, contact The Jacobs Law Firm for a complimentary and confidential consultation today.