Motley Rice LLC

Sometimes a single voice can bring about justice for many. Motley Rice supports whistleblowers who feel corporate wrongdoing should be uncovered.

Filing a whistleblower claim can be a complex and trying endeavor. However, a number of regulations have been implemented in recent years that increase the protections and rewards available to those willing to step forward for the sake of the public interest. We know that confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and we protect our clients to the best of our ability.

Our Experience Representing Whistleblowers

Motley Rice attorneys worked with one of the most well-known whistleblowers, Jeffrey Wigand, whose story was depicted in the movie The Insider. Wigand, a former executive with tobacco company Brown & Williamson, blew the whistle on the company for intentionally producing its cigarettes with chemicals such as ammonia and coumarin to increase nicotine delivery to the smoker. During his whistleblower journey, Motley Rice attorneys were with him every step of the way.

Motley Rice attorneys have represented numerous individuals in a broad range of whistleblower lawsuits, including SEC and qui tam, as well as those who have exposed fraudulent practices by companies such as:

• Defense procurement contractors
• Financial services companies
• For-profit colleges
• Healthcare providers
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Tobacco companies

In all cases, we work with potential whistleblowers to protect their rights and help them file accurate and thorough reports through the applicable institution.

Whistleblower cases vary depending on the type of information being made available as well as the type of institution(s) that the information concerns.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Whistleblower

Of all whistleblower protection provisions, the SEC whistleblower program established by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act contains some of the strongest. There are numerous types of improper acts that give rise to an SEC whistleblower claim, including corporate fraud, insider trading and theft of funds.

Qui Tam Whistleblower

Qui tam whistleblowers are typically private citizens who have significant, original information regarding past or present fraud against the government and file a suit on the government’s behalf. While healthcare fraud comprises the bulk of qui tam cases, qui tam whistleblower suits may also involve fraudulent billing of government entities or off-label marketing of pharmaceuticals, among others.

Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC), IRS and Other Whistleblower Programs

Several programs exist that cover a broad range of areas where covert wrongdoing may occur. CFTC whistleblowers are also covered by the Dodd-Frank Act and bring similar confidentiality terms and potential rewards. Along with provisions and protections for IRS and CFTC whistleblowers, other programs work to protect the rights of whistleblowers in a number of trades and occupations.

MOTLEY RICE LLC

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Policy

Motley Rice LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national original, disability, status as a veteran or on any other basis prohibited by law.

The principles of equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination apply to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, disciplinary matters, compensation and benefits.

All employment decisions shall be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity, and only job-related qualifications will be considered in making hiring and promotion decisions.

Employees joining Motley Rice will attend an orientation session that is designed to share information regarding policy, procedure and benefits. Benefits are not denied based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, status as a veteran or on any other basis prohibited by law.

Motley Rice formally evaluates employees’ performance annually. The process allows for feedback on areas of accomplishment and opportunities for improvement. Performance is evaluated without consideration of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, status as a veteran or on any other basis prohibited by law.

Motley Rice has Disciplinary Action Procedures and does not unfairly discipline any employee based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, status as a veteran or on any other basis prohibited by law.

The Human Resources Director is responsible for fair and consistent application of policy and procedures on a day to day basis. All personnel who are responsible for hiring and promoting employees and for the development and implementation of programs or activities are charged to support these policies.

Any Motley Rice employee found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.