Features

The False Claims Act Seal: The DOJ's Position
<b><i>Part Two of a Three-Part Article</i></b><p>Notwithstanding the absence of an explicit gag order in the statute, the DOJ takes the position that, even if the relator properly files the case under seal at the outset, that relator can later “breach the seal,” and be subject to judicial sanction, if he or she discloses the existence of the <i>qui tam</i> to others.
Features

The False Claims Act Seal: Does It Bind and Gag the Defendant?
<b><i>Part One of a Two-Part Article</i></b><p>A company that finds itself the target of a federal fraud investigation often faces the fraught question of whether it may, or even must, disclose the existence of that investigation to third parties, such as its investors, shareholders, major creditors, or insurers. The question can be even more complicated if that investigation is being pursued under the False Claims Act and arises as the result of a sealed <i>qui tam</i> complaint.
Features

Internal Whistleblowers
<b><i>SCOTUS Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape</i></b><p>In June, the Supreme Court granted <i>certiorari</i> in <i>Digital Realty Trust Inc. v. Somers</i>, to review a Ninth Circuit decision regarding SEC whistleblowing protections. The Court's ruling is highly anticipated, as it will clarify the landscape for whistleblower protections.
Features

Follow Up on False Claims Act Actions
The authors discuss several steps to take in order to avoid the pitfalls that could accompany lengthy exposure vis-à-vis state false claims actions.
Features

Internal Whistleblowers
<b><i>Scotus Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape</i></b><p>On June 26, 2017, the Supreme Court granted <i>certiorari</i> in <i>Digital Realty Trust Inc. v. Somers</i>, to review a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision regarding SEC whistleblowing protections. The Court's ruling is highly anticipated, as it will clarify the landscape for whistleblower protections.
Features

Follow Up on False Claims Act Actions
This article discusses what you can do to mitigate against the risk inherent in prolonged exposure. While a 50-state survey is beyond the scope of this article, the authors identify issues that should be on the forefront of your mind if faced with potential state false claims act liability.
Features

<b><I>Escobar's</I></b> Effect on False Claims Act <b><I>Qui Tam</I></b> Actions
The Supreme Court, in <I>Universal Health Servs., Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar</I>, altered the landscape for FCA litigation. In this case, the Supreme Court instructed lower courts to scrutinize the materiality of the false statements to the government's decision to pay a claim; in doing so, the Court raised the bar for successful prosecution of <I>qui tam</I> claims.
Features

The Trump Administration and Compliance
<b><I>What Can We Tell So Far?</I></b><p>How can companies plan for enforcement under the Trump administration? Here are five areas of compliance to consider.
Features

The Scope of the Dodd-Frank's Whistleblower Protection
Is a corporate employee who reports an employer's possible violation of the securities laws to a supervisor or internal compliance officer — but not to the SEC — considered a "whistleblower" entitled to protection from retaliation under Dodd-Frank? Courts that have considered this question have reached differing conclusions.
Features

The Continuing Evolution of the False Claims Act
The number of lawsuits brought under the False Claims Act (FCA) continues to increase. In 2015 alone, relators filed over 600 qui tam complaints — and courts awarded over $3.5 billion — under the FCA.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult CoinWith each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.Read More ›
- Coverage Issues Stemming from Dry Cleaner Contamination SuitsIn recent years, there has been a growing number of dry cleaners claiming to be "organic," "green," or "eco-friendly." While that may be true with respect to some, many dry cleaners continue to use a cleaning method involving the use of a solvent called perchloroethylene, commonly known as perc. And, there seems to be an increasing number of lawsuits stemming from environmental problems associated with historic dry cleaning operations utilizing this chemical.Read More ›
- The Bankruptcy Code's Anti-Discrimination Section and COVID-19The pandemic has spurred analysis of legal issues as businesses grapple with their respective relationships with both private and public entities. In this article, the authors examine Section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code — the anti-discrimination section, and its implications during COVID-19.Read More ›
- New York's Guaranty Law Continues to Divide OpinionThis article discusses the recent developments surrounding the constitutionality of New York's Guaranty Law. In particular, we address the Southern District's view that the statute is unconstitutional and the splintered view of the statute's constitutionality expressed by New York State courts.Read More ›
- Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar InvestigationsThis article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.Read More ›