KKC Associate Speaks at AU Law Review Labor and Employment Spring Symposium

On February 6, 2026, Benjamin Calitri, an associate attorney at leading whistleblower firm Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto, participated in a panel hosted by the American University Law Review. Moderated by Professor Jonathan Rusch, Calitri spoke alongside panelists Hampton Dellinger, the former head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, and Christina Milnor, a securities and white-collar enforcement attorney, on whistleblower protection and policy, as well as navigating barriers to effective enforcement of anti-fraud laws.

The panel began with a discussion of how whistleblower protections and economic crime enforcement have changed since the beginning of the new administration. Calitri provided insight into the process law firms use to decide whether to take a case. He said it is important to weigh whether federal law enforcement agencies are focusing on certain types of fraud. For example, crypto used to be a target of criminal enforcement, but the Securities and Exchange Commission is now looking to connect it with other types of fraud. In addition, attorneys may choose to file more cases under the whistleblower statutes that cover the types of fraud the government is still vigorously enforcing, such as the False Claims Act. Calitri explained that attorneys should shift strategies to adjust to changes in the government’s enforcement priorities.

In addition, panelists discussed why companies feel the need to retaliate against whistleblowers, with Calitri distinguishing between irrational and rational retaliation. He made the distinction between emotional retaliation and retaliation aimed at protecting economic gains from engaging in fraudulent practices. It is important that whistleblowers be adequately protected against retaliation. Lastly, Calitri responded to questions from the student audience, as the panelists provided words of encouragement to future whistleblower lawyers. “It was an honor to be on such a distinguished panel and have the chance to speak with future lawyers about what a career representing whistleblowers looks like,” said Calitri.