Whistleblower Lawyer in Financial District, NY
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False Claims Lawyer Financial District
You’ve seen something that shouldn’t be happening. Maybe it’s securities fraud on Wall Street. Government contract overbilling. Medicare fraud that’s costing taxpayers millions. The kind of wrongdoing that keeps you up at night, wondering if you should speak up.
Here’s what most people don’t know: the government wants your information. And they’re willing to pay handsomely for it. Whistleblower awards can range from 10 to 30 percent of the money collected when the monetary sanctions exceed $1 million. We’re talking about real money – sometimes millions of dollars – for information that helps stop fraud and protects the public.
But this isn’t just about money. It’s about doing what’s right while protecting your career, your reputation, and your future. That’s where we come in.
Qui Tam Attorney Financial District
We bring Wall Street-level legal expertise to individuals who need it most. For 20 years, our founder represented Pfizer, Citibank, Texaco, Sony, and other multinational companies in their most important lawsuits, including arguing in the U.S. Supreme Court. Now we use that same high-level experience to protect whistleblowers.
We’ve won an $80 million settlement in an employment discrimination class action against Sodexho Marriott, more than $5 million for nurses who were not paid proper wages, and helped dozens of whistleblowers earn large financial rewards while protecting their reputations and careers. In the Financial District, where relationships and reputation mean everything, we understand the delicate balance between seeking justice and protecting your professional future.
You won’t get shuffled around to junior associates or paralegals. Our principal attorney, John Howley, Esq., meets with clients personally to discuss their needs, in addition to handling all strategic decisions, drafting briefs, and appearing in court.
Retaliation Attorney Financial District NY
First, we listen. During your free, confidential consultation, we’ll review what you know and determine the strength of your case. No pressure, no obligation. Just honest advice about your options and what you can realistically expect.
If you decide to move forward, we handle everything. We file the necessary paperwork under seal, which means your identity stays protected while the government investigates. These lawsuits are initially filed under seal in federal court, which initially keeps whistleblowers and their allegations confidential. This allows the DOJ to investigate the defendant for an extended period of time without the alleged perpetrator knowing about the investigation.
Throughout the process, we’re your shield against retaliation. We know how to document everything properly, protect your rights under federal and state whistleblower laws, and position your case for maximum financial recovery. Most importantly, we work to ensure your career and reputation remain intact while justice is served.
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Whistleblower Law Financial District NY
You get comprehensive protection from day one. We handle SEC whistleblower claims, CFTC commodities fraud cases, False Claims Act violations, and employment retaliation matters. Our service includes preparing and filing all necessary documentation, coordinating with federal agencies, and protecting you from workplace retaliation.
In the Financial District, timing is everything. The SEC and CFTC rely on whistleblowers to help them uncover emerging forms of fraud; and, in many cases, engaging with the SEC or CFTC promptly can help to significantly mitigate investors’ and other taxpayers’ losses. We ensure you meet all critical deadlines while building the strongest possible case.
You also get our commitment to transparency. We explain every step of the process, keep you informed of developments, and help you understand your options at each stage. And because we work on contingency, you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not pay us any attorneys’ fees unless you win.
How much money can I receive as a whistleblower in New York?
Whistleblower awards can range from 10 to 30 percent of the money collected when the monetary sanctions exceed $1 million. The exact amount depends on several factors: the quality of your information, how much the government recovers, and which program applies to your case.
For SEC cases, the SEC has awarded securities fraud whistleblowers over $100 million in cash awards for their valuable information. The SEC paid a record $57 million to whistleblowers in 2016 alone. Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers may receive between 15-30% of recovered government funds. The FCA is a highly effective law, distributing over $8 billion in awards since 1986.
The key is having original, high-quality information that leads to a successful enforcement action. We help you understand whether your information qualifies and position your case for maximum recovery.
What protections do I have against retaliation in the workplace?
You have significant legal protections under multiple federal and state laws. Employees who complain about workplace discrimination, or who notify authorities about illegal business practices conducted by their employers, are protected from retaliation in the workplace by whistleblower laws. Any action that could be interpreted as a punishment or penalty used against you after you make such a claim or complaint is strictly prohibited by federal legislation.
If retaliation does occur, you can recover substantial damages. Relief can include reinstatement, compensation for lost wages and benefits, civil penalties up to $10,000, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and more. In New York, employees generally have 2 years to file a whistleblower retaliation claim under Labor Law Section 740. The clock starts when the retaliatory action occurs, such as termination or demotion.
We document everything from the beginning to build a strong retaliation case if needed, and we work proactively to prevent retaliation from occurring in the first place.
How long does the whistleblower process typically take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case and which agency is involved. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is only supposed to take 60 days to determine whether it will intervene in the case, but some cases can take several years. If the DOJ decides to intervene, it will be responsible for controlling and prosecuting the action.
SEC and CFTC cases often move faster than False Claims Act cases, but even those can take 12-24 months or longer. The government needs time to investigate your allegations, gather additional evidence, and build a case. After filing a lawsuit, the government will investigate the claim and evidence. The whistleblower need not have all the evidence themselves; the investigation can uncover new evidence or witnesses.
While waiting can be frustrating, remember that thorough investigations lead to better outcomes. We keep you informed throughout the process and help you understand what’s happening at each stage.
Do I need to have documents or proof before contacting a lawyer?
No, you don’t need to have all the evidence before calling us. You do not need to have witnessed the misconduct yourself nor have documentary evidence. And you do not need to be an American citizen, resident, or company. What matters most is that you have credible information about potential fraud or misconduct.
During our initial consultation, we’ll help you understand what information is most valuable and how to safely preserve or obtain additional evidence if needed. Consider what documents may be accessible to you naturally in your line of work at your company and collect evidence under the guidance of your NYC whistleblower attorney.
The key is acting quickly. If you are going to make a whistleblower claim for a financial reward, it is imperative that you speak up as quickly as possible. Waiting may allow crucial evidence to be lost or destroyed and can even implicate you in the crime. We’ll guide you on the right approach for your specific situation.
Can I remain anonymous when reporting fraud?
In many cases, yes. The confidentiality of the whistleblower can be protected. Different programs have different confidentiality protections, but most federal agencies work hard to protect whistleblower identities, especially in the early stages of an investigation.
You can report fraud anonymously through a third party like a lawyer or public interest organization. These entities can then file a qui tam lawsuit (a lawsuit filed on behalf of the government) without revealing your identity. We can file your complaint and work with the government on your behalf while protecting your identity throughout the process.
However, complete anonymity isn’t always possible, especially if your case goes to trial or if you’re the only person who could have had access to certain information. We’ll discuss the confidentiality protections available in your specific case and help you weigh the risks and benefits.
What if I was involved in the wrongdoing I want to report?
Your involvement doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from receiving a whistleblower award, but it can affect the amount. Even if you may have been involved to some extent in the misconduct, there are avenues for you to blow the whistle effectively, especially if the whistleblower participated in the wrongdoing unknowingly or at a superior’s direction.
The fact that an individual participated in the fraudulent conduct does not preclude a reward. Instead, the whistleblower’s involvement may be used by the IRS as a basis to reduce the reward. The government considers factors like whether you were coerced, whether you tried to stop the misconduct, and how much you contributed to the fraud.
What matters most is coming forward before the misconduct is discovered through other means. Waiting may allow crucial evidence to be lost or destroyed and can even implicate you in the crime. Perpetrating or becoming implicated in the fraud can reduce your chances of receiving a reward. We help you navigate these complex situations while protecting your interests.
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