In a qui tam lawsuit, a private individual brings an action on the government’s behalf. The False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §3729-3733) authorizes qui tam actions against parties who have defrauded the federal government. The whistleblower bringing the action, also called a relator, must inform the United States of...
Some people might think that catcalling (such as whistles, suggestive comments, and sexual advances) at their workplace is just an unpleasant part of their job that they have to endure. This is untrue. Some might be asking, is catcalling sexual harassment? The answer is yes in many circumstances. If...
You see something at work that crosses a line. A safety report gets backdated. A complaint disappears from the system. A policy is quietly rewritten to excuse prior misconduct. In all of these situations, speaking up feels risky—and it is. Whistleblowers often face retaliation, career setbacks, and emotional stress....
You reported misconduct at work, maybe fraud, a safety violation, or harassment. You believed you were doing the right thing. But then, the facts shift, and the evidence does not pan out. Or maybe you misread the situation. Now you are wondering, What happens if a whistleblower is wrong...
If you work in healthcare and are considering reporting unsafe practices or fraudulent billing, you might wonder: Which state and federal whistleblower laws protect me? And what are the differences? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Both state and federal laws offer safeguards for healthcare whistleblowers, but the rules, remedies,...
On June 9, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered final judgments against San Francisco-based startup NDB, Inc. and its CEO, Nima Golsharifi, in a case brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The case is a reminder that even in the...
Discrimination and retaliation claims require a plaintiff to prove that they suffered an “adverse employment action.” Under state and federal law, adverse employment actions encompass much more than termination or demotion. Rather, adverse employment actions include any employer conduct that materially and negatively affects the terms, conditions, or privileges...
Sexual harassment at work isn’t just a one-time problem. It can leave lasting damage. Maybe your boss makes a rude comment about your looks in a meeting. Maybe a coworker touches you without asking. Maybe someone corners you after hours and says something that makes you feel unsafe. You...
Earlier this month, the SEC awarded $6 million to a pair of whistleblowers whose tip led to a significant enforcement action. This award is just the latest in a string of multi-million-dollar payouts designed to incentivize individuals with insider knowledge to report securities fraud and investor deception. If you’re...
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, you may be wondering: How long do I have to take legal action? The answer depends on federal and state laws. The statute of limitations for sexual harassment claims in Texas varies based on the type of sexual harassment claim you file...
You spoke up. You reported the inappropriate jokes, the texts, the looks. And then? Nothing. No investigation. No response. No change. You’re not imagining the silence—and you’re not without options. What can happen to employers who ignore harassment issues is serious, and California law makes it clear: inaction is...
There’s often a moment when things shift. A joke that crosses the line. A stare that lasts too long. A comment that makes you pause. At first, you might question your reaction—was it really that bad? But over time, the pattern becomes clear. You’re being sexually harassed at work....