Experienced Whistleblower Lawyers

Protect your rights and potentially receive an award. Our experienced whistleblower lawyers offer confidential consultations and aggressive representation for whistleblowers reporting government or corporate fraud, waste, and abuse under U.S. whistleblower programs.

We’ve helped our clients win some of the largest whistleblower awards in history, such as the case of Bradley Birkenfeld, a former UBS banker in Switzerland, who blew the whistle on a massive tax evasion scheme under the IRS whistleblower program and awarded $104 million for his information.

We go up against the most powerful people and organizations in the world, such as the case of Howard Wilkinson, a former Danske Bank manager who exposed a $230 billion money laundering scheme that moved dollars to New York with help from Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, and Deutsche Bank.

However, there are many reasons why you should hire our firm to handle your whistleblower claim.

• Experience Backed by Results: We have nearly four decades of combined experience with a reputation for being one of the most ethical whistleblower law firms in the world.
• Proven Track Record: We have a long history of winning cases dating back to 1988, with successful recoveries in Qui Tam, IRS, SEC, CFTC, AML, FCPA, and other related cases.
• Deep Legal Understanding: We have been intimately involved with regulators in helping them develop effective whistleblower programs to ensure whistleblowers are protected and compensated.
• Dedicated Client Focus: We are dedicated to our clients above all else. That means listening to your needs and working efficiently to accomplish your goals and get results.
• Collaborative Culture: Our lawyers work as a team to help whistleblowers understand their rights and legal options. And more importantly, to help them win their case and maximize outcomes.
• Federal and Corporate Representation: Our whistleblower lawyers represent whistleblowers in both the public and private sector and are barred in many state and federal courts.

Employees, contractors, and vendors are crucial for exposing illegal or unethical activity within government organizations or corporations, or by individuals. That is why the U.S. government pays substantial awards and offers strong protection to insiders who come forward with credible information.

Our whistleblower lawyers are here to help provide you with legal support and leading guidance so that you can come forward safely and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Our team consists of world-renowned attorneys, including Michael D. Kohn, Stephen M. Kohn, and Allison Lee, a former SEC Commissioner, and now co-chair of the SEC and CFTC practice group at Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto.

There are several agencies that administer whistleblower programs. However, whistleblowing can be a complex process, and those who come forward must follow strict guidelines when filing their claims, which vary depending on the agency. They must also be prepared to embrace the aftermath of blowing the whistle, which may include retaliation or other emotional stress.

For over 35 years, our firm has been winning major cases involving a wide range of whistleblower claims in both the United States and internationally. Since then, we have worked with numerous agencies, such as the SEC, IRS, AML, and DOJ, to ensure their whistleblower programs are effective.

Given our intimate knowledge whistleblower law, as the co-authors ourselves, we are well positioned to help whistleblowers maximize the success of their claims. We represent whistleblowers including:

Government

• False Claims Act & Qui Tam
• Defense Contract Fraud
• Healthcare & Pharma Fraud
• Medicare & Medicaid Fraud

Financial & Investment

• Securities Fraud
• Commodities Fraud
• Tax Evasion
• Mortgage Fraud

International

• Anti-Money Laundering
• Foreign Corruption & Bribery
• International Crimes
• Environmental Crimes

Fraud Specific

• Crypto & Digital Assets
• Illegal NDAs
• ESG Violations
• Cybersecurity Violations

U.S. laws strongly encourage and reward the reporting of fraud and misconduct. Here are some of the most impactful programs:

• False Claims Act (FCA): Rewards those reporting fraud against the U.S. government (15-30% of recovery). Protects against retaliation.
• Dodd-Frank Act (SEC & CFTC): Rewards those reporting securities and commodities fraud (10-30% of sanctions over $1M). Offers strong anti-retaliation.
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA): While no direct reward, FCPA violations reported to the SEC can qualify for Dodd-Frank rewards. Prohibits bribery of foreign officials.
• IRS Whistleblower Law: Rewards reporting significant tax fraud (15-30% of recovered funds).
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Program: Rewards reporting money laundering and sanctions violations (up to 30% of recoveries over $1M).
• Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) & Enhancement Act (WPEA): Protects federal employees from retaliation for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Protects employees of public companies from retaliation for reporting corporate fraud.

These laws have specific requirements and timelines. Contact us for a free consultation to understand how they apply to your situation.

Some whistleblower programs allow you to file claims by yourself – however, we don’t recommend it given how complex the rules are. If you have information and would like to come forward with original, credible, and timely information, get in touch with our whistleblower lawyers today. The process is as follows:

1. Initial Consultation: The process starts with a free and confidential case evaluation to discuss your situation. In many cases, we only get paid if we win your case.
2. Case Assessment: We’ll evaluate all the evidence that you provide us with to assess the strength of your claim and help guide you on legally obtaining evidence if there isn’t enough.
3. Filing and Assistance: Our expert whistleblower lawyers will devise a tailored strategy to maximize your chances of success, file all necessary claims, and help you navigate the process.
4. Correspondence: We’ll work with the agency or parties processing your claim, and actively participate in the investigation, including you (the whistleblower) when required.
5. Negotiation: We’ll advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected and that you get monetary compensation for your actions.

It’s Important to Act Quick

If you have information, it’s important that you act quickly, as many programs require you to be the first to file to become eligible for an award and protection. In many cases, if someone blows the whistle before you, or if the government finds out about the case before you submit a claim, you will not be eligible as a whistleblower.

You Must Have Substantial Evidence

Most agencies require original, credible, and timely evidence. This means, strong evidence that clearly points to fraud, misconduct, waste, abuse, or corruption, and which is not yet known to regulatory authorities. There are also strict statutes of limitations in most cases, and for award claims.

Cooperation May Be Required

It’s likely that you’ll be required to participate in the investigation. If you filed a claim anonymously or hired an attorney, your attorney can help you throughout the entire process and be the intermediary between you and the regulatory agency. Keep in mind: award percentages increase when a whistleblower participates.

Be Prepared for Retaliation

Retaliation can come in many forms, from being terminated or having your pay reduced, to being harassed, denied promotion, or sequestered from the rest of your colleagues. There is no limit to the creative tactics a company may use. Under most whistleblower programs, retaliation is absolutely prohibited.

Understand Your Rights

It’s important to fully understand your rights before you blow the whistle, and also the life to come after. We suggest reading Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right (Lyons Press, 2023) during the early stages of the whistleblower claim process.

Since 1988, Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto has represented courageous whistleblowers who report fraud, misconduct, or abuse, and seek rewards under various U.S. whistleblower award programs and international laws. Our approach is guided by our dedication to quality, team spirit, and commitment to core values. Fill out an intake below to get in touch with our whistleblower lawyers for a free consultation.