This article highlighting the background and traits of a qualified whistleblower lawyer is sent as part of NWC’s “Sunday Read” series. For more information like this, please join our mailing list.
National Whistleblower Center (NWC) launched the “Getting to Know Whistleblower Attorneys” feature to explore the qualities and motivations of some of the field’s leading practitioners.
One of the champions of whistleblower law is Eric L. Siegel, whose legal career began in the early 1990s as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division. Following that unique role, Siegel entered private practice in various capacities – he founded his first law practice and even formed his own investment firm before launching Eric Siegel Law in 2024.
Based in Washington D.C., Eric Siegel Law focuses on civil rights, business, employment and real estate matters as well as whistleblower claims. Siegel has earned several accolades for his advocacy, such as an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale and a 10.0 AVVO rating.
In this Sunday Read, NWC speaks with Siegel to learn how whistleblower law is a cornerstone of his practice and the ways in which his participation in the Center’s Attorney Referral Program has benefited whistleblowers.
An Interview with Eric L. Siegel
How did your early experience with the DOJ impact or shape your perspective generally and through the whistleblower lens?
I honed my skills as a civil litigator when I served as a trial attorney at the DOJ. I was blessed to have great mentors who put me to the task each day of analyzing facts and law in a meticulous manner to marshal the evidence. I truly enjoyed my chapter at DOJ and use those same skills today to review whistleblower matters to make the strongest cases I can on behalf of clients. It is all about leverage when it comes to resolving such disputes.
Years later, my comfort level in the courtroom and my work on behalf of hardworking people who want to do the right thing became an extension of representing the people of the United States of America as a DOJ attorney.
Tell us about your law firm and how your whistleblower practice stands out or intersects with others.
My practice is principally focused on employment-related disputes, disability rights claims and False Claims Actlitigation. Within my employment law practice, the vast majority of clients I serve allege retaliation for engaging in whistleblower activity, whether under a federal or state statute. These cases are special to me because of the intellectual rigor involved to demonstrate cause and effect.
Whistleblower cases are driven by a timeline of events. The employee makes disclosures that call out violations of law, rule or regulations, dangers to public safety or other wrongdoing; we deem those disclosures “protected” by a given statute. The employee comes to me because on the heels of those disclosures, an adverse employment action happens to give rise to their damages.
In contrast, while I handle a number of discrimination cases – as one can imagine – they are much more difficult to prove by circumstantial evidence. Whistleblower retaliation cases make sense to juries, again because it is a harm that results from speaking out about unlawful or wrongful conduct in a company, a non-profit, or public sector employer.
Since your early days as a practitioner, how has the whistleblower landscape changed – for better, worse, or in interesting ways?
Over the years, the number of federal statutes that have been passed and subject to increasing enforcement by the federal and state governments has clearly been on the rise. More and more states have also passed whistleblower laws to protect private sector and public sector employees, not just government employees, as was the case in the past. That is good. People should not be afraid to call out wrongdoing and should be protected.
When did you join NWC’s attorney referral program (ARP)? And how has the experience been?
I joined the referral program in 2018 and have found the work with NWC to be very gratifying. The cases referred range in merit, but it is always worth the effort to consider a potential client’s case and to vindicate their rights.
I received referrals of good cases to help those who have been victimized by their companies or federal agencies as a result of their speaking out on illegal or wrongful behavior, and also, I have found the mentorship and comradery with other whistleblower lawyers very rewarding. It is nice to have a cadre of lawyers to answer questions and provide advice regarding cases and fact patterns as they unfold.
What is an example of a successful whistleblower case you’ve worked on through ARP?
I represented a whistleblower who raised potential Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Whistleblower violations in a given company. Through settlement discussions prior to filing with the Department of Labor, we were able to persuade the employer that it would be better to resolve the matter pre-complaint than face not only the prospect of an OSHA investigation, but likely the matter would be removed to federal court to go before a jury. I prefer court over administrative hearings, primarily because a jury raises the stakes.
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NWC thanks Eric L. Siegel for his honest insight and perspective. Make sure to join NWC’s mailing list, subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn, and follow us on Medium to receive all notifications and for the conclusion of our dialogue with Eric and his success with NWC’s Attorney Referral Program!
Get to know other whistleblower attorneys, such as:
- Dean A. Zerbe
- Max Rodriguez
- Mychal Wilson, Esq.
- Jacey Messer, Esq.
- John McKnight
- Will Kramer
- María de los Ángeles Estrada
- Vivek Kothari
The “Getting To Know Whistleblower Attorneys” series will continue.
NWC Resources For Whistleblower Lawyers
Attorneys in NWC’s ARP program are invited to whistleblower attorney meetings, listed on NWC’s website, and recognized as supports of NWC in addition to receiving dozens of client referrals annually.
Lawyers interested in joining the network and becoming a member of the ARP should visit The National Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Resources For Whistleblowers
The decision to come forward is not one to be taken lightly, nor should selecting a whistleblower lawyer. NWC provides resources that can connect you with the right legal professional.
Neither the NWC nor the Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund can provide legal advice as part of the LAP intake process. Always remember an attorney does NOT represent you until and unless you have a signed written representation agreement with an attorney.
Fill out the secure intake form.
You can also learn more about the type of whistleblower lawyer needed for your claim in Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right, written by NWC Founder and Chairman of the Board Stephen M. Kohn.
Support NWC
NWC works tirelessly to strengthen whistleblower programs and educate the public about their value. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our work relies on donors like you.
Donate today to help us continue advocating for whistleblowers.
Special Offers: Donors of $50 or more will receive a free copy of Stephen M. Kohn’s latest book, Rules For Whistleblowers: A Handbook For Doing What’s Right.
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This story was written by Justin Smulison, a professional writer, podcaster, and event host based in New York.
