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.
Features
Fallout from the 'Panama Papers'
Among the first things we learn as defense attorneys is to keep informed and alert about events that may spawn or affect actions taken by prosecutors. This article sets forth an example of how one stays sensitive to what may be happening in the closed venues of prosecutors' offices.
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