Whistleblowing Reward Programs
There are some instances where a whistleblower could potentially receive a monetary reward from the government for exposing certain wrongdoing, usually a percentage of funds recovered by the government from the company, as mandated by federal and state laws. These programs fall under various US federal and state agencies depending on the issue and the […]
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Talking to a lawyer about private company matters is never a breach of your NDA. What you say to a lawyer, from your first words, is protected by the client-attorney privilege.” Mary Inman, Partner at Constantine Cannon LLP “It is not always safe to communicate government misconduct to your lawyer. It is especially risky to […]
Working with Regulators
In many instances it will be important to involve a regulator during the process of speaking out. A regulator is someone who works at a local, state, or federal agency who oversees your company’s compliance with certain laws and regulations. If you disclose information to a regulator with or without a rewards program (e.g., SEC, […]
Working with the US Congress or UK Parliament
If you believe a federal law may have been violated by your company’s practice, there may be reason to involve Congress. While members of congress can be some of your most powerful allies, working with them can be a confusing process with long delays and high stakes, so the information below is meant to provide […]
Working with the Press
“An aggressive phone query from 60 Minutes can be more effective at nipping retaliation than 100 hours from a top lawyer billing $500 per hour.” Tom Devine & Tarek F. Maassarani, The Corporate Whistleblower’s Survival Guide: A Handbook for Committing the Truth (2011), p. 88 While speaking to a reporter can trigger certain source protections, […]
Working with Colleagues, Unions & Civil Society
Solidarity is the best protection. It’s hard to discredit 10, 40 people. Retaliation becomes counterproductive.” Tom Devine, Legal Director of the Government Accountability Project “Working with coworkers to build support for changing company practices and reporting internally may work for some things, but there will likely come a time when the company doesn’t want to […]
Working with Lawyers
Talking to a lawyer is not a breach of your NDA. What you say to a lawyer is protected by the attorney–client privilege.” Tyler Shultz, Theranos whistleblower “A well-informed and sympathetic attorney can offer assistance at every step of the whistleblowing process, not just in the courtroom against retaliation. An attorney can help you prevent […]
Talking to Family and Friends
It can be useful to get a consensus from your family and those close to you on how to move forward so they understand how they will be impacted by your speaking out.” Tom Devine, Legal Director of the Government Accountability Project “It’s important to make sure your family is starting this journey with eyes […]
Building a Team and Solidarity: Introduction
“Unlike a career or skill learned over time, safely disclosing information isn’t typically an art that people are able to practice . . . The best way to combat this lack of experience is by working with a partner — a person or group that has been through the process before and can help navigate […]
Fifteen Lessons Learned
The quotes below are from whistleblowers and lawyers we interviewed to compile this section. Their stories and experiences are varied. While some quotes below may contrast with others, each is an honest account of what that person’s experience entailed. Each person’s path is unique. Lesson 1 Do not wait to talk to a lawyer. Talk […]
