Hiring a whistleblower attorney is a big decision. Not only do you need a lawyer with experience and training in whistleblower cases, but you also need to choose a firm that has the resources necessary to pursue your case. A whistleblower lawsuit requires a lot of resources, from manpower to expert witnesses and investigators. You want a law firm that is dedicated to helping whistleblowers succeed.
Cost of hiring a whistleblower lawyer
Hiring a whistleblower lawyer is an excellent way to protect yourself from retaliation. A skilled attorney can help you determine the right law to sue and gather evidence for a successful case. He or she can also convince the government to take action. An attorney can also shield your identity to avoid retaliation. These lawyers also have the knowledge and skills to seal cases and recover whistleblower rewards.
If you decide to sue an employer, be prepared for the cost. Whistleblower lawsuits can take years to resolve. They can even go under seal for several years. Even if they are settled, they may go to trial. The average case takes three to four years to reach resolution.
Hiring a whistleblower lawyer is a smart move if you have information that relates to a fraud. If you can provide evidence of the fraud, your lawyer can help you get compensated. Whistleblower lawsuits are often filed under the False Claims Act, which covers cases involving false claims to the federal government. While whistleblowers do face risks, they are generally protected by federal law, which protects them from retaliation. An attorney can help you collect evidence and prepare a compelling lawsuit.
Whistleblowers are often rewarded with monetary rewards. Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers can get as much as ten to thirty percent of the money they recover from a company. And they may be eligible for back pay, reinstatement, and special damages.
Requirements for hiring a whistleblower lawyer
Before you can hire a whistleblower attorney, you should determine the type of whistleblower case you have. There are many types of whistleblower cases, so you need to find a lawyer who has experience in your specific type of case. If you are a whistleblower who is suing Medicare or a defense contractor for fraud, you should look for an attorney who specializes in that particular field of law. Likewise, if you are suing the Securities and Exchange Commission, you should look for an attorney with a background in securities fraud claims.
Once you’ve identified your whistleblower case, you need to gather evidence. The information you gather must be original. Even if you find information on the Internet, it won’t be provable unless you’re the source. Also, information that is based on rumor and innuendo is not reliable. Instead, you need hard facts and documentation from sources you know.
There are federal, state, and municipal laws that apply to whistleblower cases. Whistleblower lawyers must be prepared to communicate with the government about the facts they’ve found. This is typically accomplished through a disclosure statement, which details all of the facts uncovered in the case, names the witnesses, and encloses documents supporting the allegations. While it’s possible to get a reward for your efforts, you must follow the rules and procedures to ensure your whistleblower lawyer gets the reward that he or she is entitled to.
Whistleblower attorneys can work alone or with other lawyers in a law firm. If you choose a law firm, ask to speak to the other attorneys who will work on your case. Find out about their qualifications by visiting the law firm’s website or reading their resume.
Ethics of hiring a whistleblower lawyer
There are ethical issues associated with hiring a whistleblower lawyer. First, there is the issue of confidentiality. While an attorney’s privilege of confidentiality may limit disclosure of confidential client information, the new ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6 allows disclosure of confidential client information when it is necessary to establish the client’s claim. This rule applies to wrongful termination claims, for example. In states that have adopted this rule, courts have held that an attorney’s duty to maintain client confidences is not violated by revealing information.
Another ethical concern is whether a whistleblower will receive recompense for their efforts. A recent study from the Ethics Resource Center found that only 45% of U.S. workers reported workplace misconduct, while only 65% of witnesses of misconduct reported it. This could make a worker wonder whether it’s worth the trouble to report workplace misconduct. However, in the case of a wrongful discharge, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
The ethical issue of hiring a whistleblower lawyer is complicated by the fact that the lawyer must account for the amount of money earned by the client. This is especially true because a lawyer who makes money from whistleblowing activities may be subject to disbarment. In addition, under Dodd-Frank, the identity of a whistleblower is confidential and the lawyer cannot disclose it to their client. This underscores the need for rules of professional conduct.
