How to Find a Whistleblower Attorney
Being a whistleblower and exposing unlawful activities in your workplace takes serious courage. It isn’t a quick or easy process.
According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), of the 3,199 whistleblower claims that received determinations in 2020, 918 yielded a positive outcome for complainants. Over 500 withdrew and 1,117 were dismissed.
Does this mean you should give up right now? No. But it does mean that you need legal whistleblower representation that can match the gravity of your situation.
What to Look for in a Whistleblower Attorney
1. Extensive experience
Whistleblower cases aren’t easy to win. So, you need an attorney with extensive experience in the False Claims Act and other areas of whistleblower law. Their expertise will help you collect information and gather the right evidence.
2. A successful track record
Experience only goes so far. You also have to look at the results of that experience. Before you hire a lawyer, ask them for examples of whistleblower cases they’ve worked on and see how often they win. If they have a great track record of positive results, they are more likely to win your case.
3. Thorough knowledge of whistleblower laws
Whistleblower cases are unique and present various legal issues. You can’t choose just any lawyer; they must have a specialization in litigating whistleblower cases. Extensive knowledge about whistleblower laws helps ensure they will not misinterpret provisions and harm your case.
For example, whistleblower retaliation lawyers and wrongful termination attorneys may be similar to whistleblower attorneys, but carrying through with a successful whistleblower claim is a different ballgame entirely. The latter requires a broad knowledge of whistleblower laws while the former two are more focused.
4. Dedication to upholding clients’ best interests
A great whistleblower attorney is one who will listen to your concerns and answer your questions clearly. Being a whistleblower is already a daunting task, especially with the possibility of retaliation from the individual or company you reported about. An attorney who has your best interests and can help protect you is invaluable.
How to Find a Whistleblower Attorney
With the traits of a good whistleblower attorney clearly defined, below are the steps you need to follow to find one.
1. Gather preliminary evidence
While you don’t have to have all the evidence you need upfront, it is helpful to have something to support your claim before meeting with an attorney. What tipped you off on the fraud? Was it a document you saw or a conversation you overheard? Make sure you’re ready to relay these when you find an attorney.
2. Conduct online research for whistleblower attorneys
Use the list of attributes above for your research and choose a law firm or a lawyer that ticks all the boxes. This way, when you consult with them, you’ll know you’re getting legal advice from a knowledgeable whistleblower attorney who can confirm whether you have a case or not.
3. Interview your choices
Once you have a list of potential law firms, get in touch with them. During the consultation, you’ll have the chance to ask them about whether you have a case or not. You may also get a better understanding of their process until you find the one who will take on your case.
Get the Legal Advice You Need
Whistleblower Info Center is an online resource for whistleblowers. We help people who put themselves on the line to report wrongdoing, whether they’re still with the company or a victim of wrongful termination for exposing the truth.
If you need information on how to file a claim or where to hire an attorney, you can find answers here. Schedule a free consultation today.
Your submission is privileged and confidential. We will not share your information without your permission.
Contacting us doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. By evaluating your potential case, we aren’t agreeing to represent you, and you aren’t obligated to engage us. That requires a formal written contract.