When it comes to locating the appropriate whistleblower lawyer for you, the internet may be a great resource. However, you should be warned that some websites exaggerate the experience and success of legal firms representing whistleblowers. Websites that have been created by lawyers but are actually referral businesses target whistleblowers.
Choosing a Whistleblower Attorney
How do you select a whistleblower lawyer? If you’ve discovered an issue and are determined to take the right step by naming it out, then this is among the first things you should consider asking yourself. Whistleblowers are courageous individuals who risk their lives and careers in danger to expose corruption, fraud, and greed. But, these cases can be time-consuming and difficult.
This list contains things to consider before hiring an Atlanta whistleblower lawyer, regardless of whether you’re looking for a qui tam case or whistleblower suit before the SEC or CFTC.
Success with Whistleblower
Check to see whether the lawyer has the expertise and results in the particular whistleblower case you have (such as “qui tam” lawsuits or SEC whistleblower claims). While they claim to have won large cases, some law firms cannot tell you if they have won cases involving whistleblowers. So instead, find concrete examples of their accomplishments.
The Areas of Expertise of Lawyers
Although some lawyers and companies may make it appear that they represent whistleblowers on their websites, the reality is that they do not. In addition, whistleblower rules such as the False Claims Act and Dodd-Frank are complicated, and their meanings could make your case unfavorable. Find out more about internal compliance right here.
Lists of Whistleblower and Cases
Is it true that whistleblower cases posted on a law firm’s site were actually brought to court and investigated? For example, some companies offer samples of whistleblower cases as though they were their own when they are not.
Is it a Law Firm or a Referral Service?
Websites developed by referral firms appear to be legal firms. These companies gather cases and then offer them to law offices who will pay a cost. You need to ensure that you choose a lawyer who is actually working on the qui-tam suit. On the site, look for the names and contact details of the attorneys. If there aren’t any lawyers on the list, it’s likely a referral site and not a legal service. Another indication is the website’s absence of an actual location. If the site doesn’t have an address or mailbox number, it’s probably a referral service.
Location
Whistleblowers can be represented by lawyers from across the country. If an attorney is interested in representing you, they recommend that they pay for your travel costs to meet with you.
Experience Working with US DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and IRS
The likelihood of winning a qui-tam whistleblower case is significantly increased if the government is involved. This is because the government’s involvement in whistleblower claims filed with the SEC, CFTC, and IRS must be left wholly to the appropriate agency. Find out about the legal firm’s earlier efforts to persuade the government to investigate and join other whistleblower cases and the outcome. Learn more about SEC cybersecurity enforcement here.
Any client who chooses Finch McCranie LLP receives the benefits of their entire whistleblower team’s combined years of experience, expertise, and experience, including years in the DOJ’s top leadership. In turn, the SEC has a track record of successfully representing whistleblowers and other clients in difficult cases and has established relationships with judges and officials.
Conclusion
Whistleblower lawsuits can be costly and long-winded. If the attention of many lawyers is required simultaneously, a legal firm should have additional attorneys available to help. Furthermore, a law firm must pay numerous out-of-pocket costs, including the cost of enlisting experts to conduct studies to buttress the whistleblower’s claims and, in some instances, costs associated with litigation.
