Whistleblower Lawyer in Manhattan, NYC
Turn Your Evidence Into Justice
You’ve witnessed fraud or illegal activity. Now you need a whistleblower lawyer who knows how to protect you and maximize your reward while navigating complex federal and state procedures.
Why Clients Trust Us
Former Corporate Defense Attorney
Twenty years representing major corporations gives us insider knowledge of how companies think and operate.
Proven Million Dollar Results
We’ve helped clients recover millions in whistleblower awards and secured an $80M discrimination class action settlement.
No Win No Fee
You pay nothing unless we win your case and secure your whistleblower reward or settlement.
NYC False Claims Lawyer
Fraud Costs Taxpayers Billions Every Year
Government fraud schemes steal billions from Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs annually. Whistleblowers are essential to stopping this theft and recovering stolen funds.
When you report fraud with solid evidence, you’re not just doing what’s right—you’re eligible for substantial financial rewards. Federal and New York laws protect you from retaliation while ensuring you receive 15-30% of whatever the government recovers.
The process is complex, with strict deadlines and procedural requirements that can make or break your case. That’s where experienced legal representation becomes crucial to your success.
Manhattan Qui Tam Attorney
The Numbers Don't Lie
In 2024 alone, whistleblowers filed a record 979 qui tam cases resulting in over $2.4 billion in settlements and judgments. The SEC awarded more than $255 million to 47 individual whistleblowers in fiscal year 2024, including a $98 million award split between two whistleblowers.
Since the SEC program began in 2011, the agency has paid over $2.2 billion to 444 whistleblowers. The largest single award in history was nearly $279 million to one whistleblower whose information led to successful enforcement actions.
These aren’t just statistics—they represent real people who took action against fraud and were properly compensated for their courage and evidence.
Brooklyn Retaliation Attorney
Your Legal Protection Just Got Stronger
New York dramatically expanded whistleblower protections in 2022. The state now covers any employee who reasonably believes their employer violated any law, rule, or regulation—not just public safety violations.
These enhanced protections include former employees and independent contractors. Retaliation now includes threats of adverse action, impacts on future employment, and even threats to contact immigration authorities.
If retaliation occurs, you can recover reinstatement, lost wages, front pay, punitive damages, and civil penalties up to $10,000. The statute of limitations doubled from one to two years, giving you more time to pursue your claims.
Whistleblower Process Manhattan
Your Clear Path Forward
Confidential Case Review
We evaluate your evidence and explain your options during a free, confidential consultation.
Strategic Case Development
We prepare and submit your claim following all procedural requirements and deadlines precisely.
Maximum Reward Protection
We monitor for retaliation and pursue maximum rewards throughout the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I receive as a whistleblower in NYC?
Whistleblower rewards typically range from 15-30% of whatever the government recovers through your information. In False Claims Act cases, if the government intervenes, you receive 15-25% of the recovery. If they don’t intervene but you proceed successfully on your own, you can receive 25-30%. SEC and CFTC whistleblower programs offer 10-30% of sanctions over $1 million. Recent awards have ranged from hundreds of thousands to nearly $279 million for a single whistleblower. The exact amount depends on the significance of your information, the size of the fraud, and your level of assistance in the investigation.
What protections do I have against retaliation in New York?
New York has some of the strongest whistleblower protection laws in the country. Under the expanded Labor Law Section 740, you’re protected if you reasonably believe your employer violated any law, rule, or regulation. Protection extends to current employees, former employees, and independent contractors. Prohibited retaliation includes termination, demotion, suspension, harassment, reduced hours, threats of adverse action, interference with future employment, and even threats to contact immigration authorities. If retaliation occurs, you can sue for reinstatement, back pay, front pay, punitive damages, civil penalties up to $10,000, and attorney’s fees. You have two years to file a retaliation claim.
Do I need to be an employee to become a whistleblower?
No, you don’t need to be an employee to qualify as a whistleblower. While many whistleblowers are current or former employees, the law also protects independent contractors, vendors, competitors, customers, accountants, lawyers, healthcare professionals, and other industry observers. What matters is having original, credible information about fraud or illegal activities. You don’t need to have witnessed the misconduct directly or possess documentary evidence yourself—the government investigation can uncover additional evidence. Even if you were involved in the misconduct unknowingly or under a superior’s direction, you may still qualify for protection and rewards.
How long do I have to report fraud and file a whistleblower claim?
Timing is critical in whistleblower cases, and deadlines vary by program. For False Claims Act cases, you generally have six years from when the violation occurred, or three years from when the government knew or should have known about the violation (whichever is later), but no more than ten years total. SEC and CFTC programs require you to provide original information before it becomes public or known to the agencies. You must apply for an award within 90 days after a “Notice of Covered Action” is posted. For retaliation claims in New York, you have two years to file. Because these deadlines are strict and missing them can eliminate your eligibility, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced whistleblower attorney as soon as possible.
Will my identity be kept confidential during the investigation?
Yes, federal whistleblower programs have strong confidentiality protections. You can submit tips to the SEC and CFTC anonymously through an attorney, and your identity is protected throughout the investigation process. The government cannot disclose your identity without your consent, except in limited circumstances such as when disclosure is necessary for a successful prosecution or when legally required. However, there may come a point where your identity needs to be revealed—such as if you need to testify or provide additional assistance. Your attorney can help you understand when disclosure might be necessary and work to minimize any risks. Even if your identity becomes known, you remain protected by strong anti-retaliation laws.
What types of fraud can I report as a whistleblower in Manhattan?
You can report a wide range of fraudulent activities under various whistleblower programs. False Claims Act cases include Medicare and Medicaid fraud, defense contractor fraud, grant fraud, and any scheme involving false claims to government programs. SEC whistleblower cases cover securities fraud, accounting fraud, Ponzi schemes, insider trading, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, and investment advisor fraud. CFTC cases involve commodities fraud, manipulation of futures markets, and cryptocurrency violations. Healthcare fraud includes billing for services not provided, unnecessary procedures, kickbacks, and off-label drug marketing. The key is that the fraud must cause financial harm to government programs or investors, and your information must be original and significant to the investigation.