When you decide to blow the whistle on misconduct by your employer, you must find an attorney who understands the complexities of whistleblower law. It’s also essential to hire an attorney who can work well with you and keep you updated on the status of your case.
Whistleblower cases are complex and time-consuming. It would help if you had a firm with deep resources to build a strong case and defend you from retaliation.
Whistleblower cases are crucial in uncovering and addressing misconduct, promoting transparency, and protecting the public interest. To help regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies hold people and organizations accountable for their actions, whistleblowers regularly act as vital sources of information. The legal protections provided to whistleblowers are critical in motivating people to come forward and report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
Experience
One of the bravest things a person can do is expose unlawful and unethical practices, yet doing so carries some danger. Therefore, you must have an experienced and knowledgeable legal team in whistleblower law to protect your rights and help you get the best results possible.
Look for attorneys and firms with extensive experience in the law that applies to your case. Additionally, it would be best if you closely examined the kinds of cases the attorney has previously handled and whether or not those instances succeeded.
The most crucial aspect of most whistleblower cases is convincing the government to intervene on your behalf. A lawyer with prior experience working on whistleblower investigations – especially in the same agency that would investigate your case – is a massive advantage because they will already know what to expect and how to present your evidence best.
Patience
One study says that being patient isn’t just good for your relationships; it also helps you be more productive and thrive at work.
A whistleblower lawyer also needs patience, mainly when working on complex cases. For example, a False Claims Act case often takes years to develop and will involve many stakeholders, including the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Some ways to hone your patience include reading classic books—especially ones with lengthy descriptions—and spending time outdoors, where nature is calming. You can also practice mindfulness and gratitude exercises, which have been linked to increased patience. Finally, anticipate the situations that will test your patience and prepare beforehand.
Commitment
As noted, whistleblower cases can take an extended period. During that time, you will work closely with your lawyer and must trust his or her judgment. Attorneys with a good reputation and a long track record of success can increase your chances for a successful outcome.
Different types of fraud have different laws that apply so that you will want an attorney with experience in your type of case. If you have information about healthcare fraud, securities fraud, or government contract fraud, look for attorneys with that type of experience.
You may be unable to find evidence of an attorney’s track record on their website due to confidentiality concerns. Still, a reasonable attorney should be willing to provide you with detailed references or testimonials about their work. Attorneys should also be willing to explain the fees they charge in whistleblower cases, which are generally on a contingency basis and paid from any reward money received from the government.
Flexibility
A whistleblower case is a lengthy process, and you will work closely with your lawyer for an extended period. Flexibility in scheduling and approach to work is essential so you can work together well.
A flexible workplace allows teams to approach objectives differently without causing conflict or distraction. A flexible workforce is better equipped to handle obstacles as they come up, which is essential for success in a corporate climate that is changing quickly.
Whistleblower laws encourage workers to report fraud and wrongdoing, often awarding them substantial rewards and protecting them from retaliation. But it’s critical to find a lawyer who knows how these laws work and has the flexibility to tailor their approach to each unique case.
Confidentiality
The best whistleblower lawyers maintain confidentiality. This is important because a whistleblower case often involves confidential and sensitive information. A lawyer who does not respect this can jeopardize your case.
A lawyer should also be able to protect you from retaliation from your employer. This can include harassment, demotion, or even termination. A good whistleblower law firm will ensure that your identity remains private throughout the process, mainly if you blow the whistle on large corporations or powerful government entities.
It is also crucial to understand your attorney’s fee structure. Many whistleblower lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they prevail. You must get all of the details regarding this upfront so there are no surprises down the road.
A whistleblower case can take years to develop, so you must choose a lawyer willing to work with you for an extended period. This will increase your chances of success. It would help to avoid a lawyer who wants to bill you upfront or by the hour.
