The Whistleblower Process
Thinking of blowing the whistle on fraud against the government? Here’s what you can expect.
Whistleblowers help protect the taxpaying public from corporate greed. But before you choose an attorney, you may want to know what you’re in for. If you choose to step forward and expose corruption, what will that process look like, and what can you expect each step of the way?
To answer your questions, let’s review our five-step whistleblower process.
Learn More: Should I quit my job?
Step 1: We talk
Step 1: We talkThe first thing we’ll do is have a 100% confidential, free conversation. After, we can advise you on your options.
During this step, you’ll share what you know with us.
Our responsibility during this step is to use our decades of combined experience to evaluate your claim for you. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of moving forward.
Step 2: We shake
Step 2: We shakeIf you’re comfortable, we’ll move forward. We will only take your case if we think we can be successful.
Many whistleblowers want to hear more at this stage about what protections against retaliation are available under the law.
We will discuss your concerns with you. We want there to be no surprises later. Our team is led by a former U.S. Attorney, so we know the whistleblower process very well.
Step 3: We strategize
Step 3: We strategizeThis is where we roll up our sleeves. We’ll research similar cases, investigate your situation, gather evidence, and let you know our recommended approach.
You don’t have to worry about any payment at this stage. Part of our You-First Policy is that we will only take a fee out of the reward. If you don’t get a reward, you don’t owe us a fee – guaranteed.2
Our goal is to build a case that we think will pique the government’s interest. The government only takes a limited number of cases and their involvement can be a tremendous benefit.
How do we know what the government looks for in a whistleblower case? The head of our team used to be part of the government. Before helping private whistleblowers, Bill Nettles served as the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina. During his tenure, Bill’s office brought the state of South Carolina to one of the top four in the country for whistleblower recoveries.1
Step 4: We act
Step 4: We actOnce we believe we’ve built a compelling case, we will help you file a complaint with the court and submit it to the U.S. Attorney. The complaint will include your information on the fraudulent activities, plus your supporting evidence. The Department of Justice will either pursue the case themselves, or you will have the option to allow us to pursue the case for you.
Your responsibility during this step is to cooperate with government attorneys investigating the allegations. The greater your cooperation and participation, the greater your reward can be at the end.
Our responsibility during this step is to fight for your protection from premature exposure and retaliation. Your initial complaint will be filed “under seal” to protect your identity. And even if your employer discovers your identity through other means, if they retaliate against you for whistleblowing, you are entitled to compensation.
If the government chooses not to intervene, we have the resources to continue to pursue the case on their behalf, if we decide together it is in your best interests to do so. A successful case without government participation may entitle you to a much greater reward.
Step 5: Your possible rewards
Step 5: Your possible rewardsOur goal is to get you the largest possible reward. We will negotiate with the government to try to get you the maximum award – up to 30% of the government’s recovery. You may also be entitled to damages if you have suffered any retaliation against you related to the government fraud.
If you receive a reward, you helped the government recover significant taxpayer dollars. You have made a real, positive change in the world. Ready to get started? Let’s talk. Call us today at 1-888-292-8852.
Text Us“Bill has the ability to ‘think outside the box’…which makes him extremely effective as an advocate for his clients.” 1 — Attorney who previously worked with Bill
Awards we’ve won
For standards of inclusion for awards listed, visit bestlawyers.com, thenationaltriallawyers.org, superlawyers.com, farrin.com/business-nc-power-list, and millondollaradvocates.com. National Trial Lawyers Top 100 designation is for 2022. Regarding the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we do not represent that similar results will be achieved in your case. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately. Firm award is for the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. Attorney awards are for attorneys with the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin.
Contact the Carolina
Whistleblower Attorneys
If you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to speak with a whistleblower lawyer about what you know, let us set the record straight.
- Corporate ethics hotlines can be risky and may lead to termination. If you’ve already done this, call us immediately.
- Your coworkers could be aware of the fraud – or complicit in it – and you should not talk to them about it.
- The first claim to be filed under the False Claims Act can proceed – if you’re not first, you’re at a serious disadvantage and may get nothing (another reason not to speak to your coworkers about it).
- A confidential discussion costs you a few minutes, but could save you time, stress, and money.
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