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) recently spotlighted the perspective of Vivek Kothari, one of leading whistleblower practitioners of the West Coast of the U.S., as part of the continued the “Getting to Know Whistleblower Attorneys” feature.
Kothari is a former federal prosecutor who specializes in investigating and litigating whistleblower claims under the False Claims Act. He also serves as the Chair of Whistleblower Law Partners, a dedicated practice supported by Dovel & Luner, where Kothari is also partner.
In this Sunday Read, we resume our dialogue with Kothari to discuss the highlights of working with whistleblowers, the sectors that are most susceptible to fraud and waste, and how his practice fights for justice in this challenging area.
An Interview with Vivek Kothari.
Why are there particular industries or sectors more prone to whistleblower activity?
There are some ingredients that make industries more prone to fraud. Fraud will flourish where there’s a reliance on self-reporting and a degree of operational opacity. Sectors like healthcare, customs, cybersecurity, and tech (including AI) often operate on an “honor system” where companies report their own data or compliance. The presence of financial components — such as reimbursements, tariffs, or profits tied to black-box algorithms — creates opportunities for abuse.
These ingredients make it easy to commit fraud — if all you have to do is check a box and avoid paying taxes or check a box and get more money without any meaningful oversight, that’s a recipe for fraud.
What do you love about practicing whistleblower law?
What I love most about practicing whistleblower law is the chance to make a real and lasting impact. By helping individuals expose fraud and wrongdoing, I can be part of driving meaningful change within companies and industries. Whistleblower cases often lead to improved systems, greater accountability, and better stewardship of public resources, which benefits everyone. Knowing that our work not only protects taxpayer dollars but also strengthens ethical practices and safeguards the public interest is deeply fulfilling. It’s a way to amplify the voices of individuals who want to make the world better and ensure that integrity prevails.
What are the highlights of working with whistleblowers?
The highlights of working with whistleblowers are many, but what stands out to me is the challenge and reward of exposing fraud. Fraud operates in the shadows, hidden by layers of deceit, and unraveling those schemes is both fascinating and complex. I enjoy digging into the details, piecing together the puzzle, and presenting a clear, compelling case that shines a light on wrongdoing.
It’s also incredibly meaningful work. Whistleblowers are often up against powerful entities and face immense personal and professional risks to do the right thing. Partnering with them to expose fraud not only helps protect government resources but also contributes to accountability and fairness. Helping my clients navigate this process and seeing their bravery make a tangible impact is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice.
Dovel & Luner is clearly supportive of Whistleblower Law Partners. What do you and the firm provide that helps you stand out from others?
Whistleblower Law Partners, supported by Dovel & Luner, offers a unique blend of mission-driven advocacy and top-tier legal expertise. Our practice is rooted in the belief that whistleblowers play a critical role in ensuring accountability, justice, and the protection of public resources. We are deeply committed to empowering individuals who take the courageous step to expose fraud and wrongdoing, providing them with the legal support and strategic guidance they need to make a meaningful impact.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine the specialized focus of a whistleblower law practice with the resources and reputation of Dovel & Luner, a highly regarded law firm known for its excellence and innovation. This partnership gives our clients access to a deep bench of legal talent, advanced resources, and strong relationships with government attorneys, enabling us to position cases for maximum success. We take a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to craft tailored strategies that align with their goals while addressing the complexities of whistleblower cases.
At the heart of our practice is a dedication to both legal excellence and personal integrity. We understand the challenges whistleblowers face — both personally and professionally — and provide expert representation and compassionate support. Our clients can trust that we are fully invested in their case and their mission to bring about meaningful change. By combining our values-driven focus with the strength of Dovel & Luner, Whistleblower Law Partners is uniquely positioned to help whistleblowers achieve justice and create lasting impact.
How would you describe the pro bono whistleblower services of your practice?
We sometimes encounter individuals who have faced misunderstanding or retaliation from a former employer or others due to sensitive information they’ve uncovered or troubling behavior they’ve observed.
We also take the time to hear their stories, even if they don’t technically qualify as whistleblowers under federal whistleblower award programs. When these individuals are in urgent need of assistance but cannot afford legal fees, and if our capacity allows, we provide support on a pro bono basis.
How do you stay motivated and resilient in what can be a high-stakes area of law?
As a federal prosecutor, I prosecuted everything from gun and drug crimes to white-collar crimes. The gun and drug crimes had the highest penalties, but the white-collar crimes had the greatest impact on the affected communities. Their effects ripple through entire communities, eroding trust, livelihoods, and opportunities. For instance, fraud against government programs or disaster relief funds isn’t just an entry on a spreadsheet — it deprives people of the resources they need to survive and rebuild. That can impact a generation.
My motivation comes from knowing that I, and the whistleblowers I represent, can have a real impact.
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NWC thanks Vivek Kothari for his fascinating insight and perspective. You can learn more about him in the previous installment of Sunday Read. Make sure to join NWC’s mailing list, subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn, and follow us on Medium to ensure you stay informed.
Get to know other whistleblower attorneys, such as:
· María de los Ángeles Estrada
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.
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 fights to bolster whistleblower programs, inform the public and employees in all sectors about available laws and protections, and help connect whistleblowers with the right legal representation. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit our awareness building work is made possible with the support of our generous donors. Please consider donating $100 today to help us continue to educate the public on how to find help when it is time for them to blow the whistle, and donors who donate $100 or more will receive a copy of Rules for Whistleblowers.
