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.
In the most recent “Getting to Know Whistleblower Attorneys” feature, National Whistleblower Center (NWC) recently spotlighted whistleblower lawyer, Eric L. Siegel.
Siegel is admitted to various bars, including the District of Columbia, New York, U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, the U.S. Court of Claims and the United States Supreme Court, in addition to various federal and district courts. He has conducted jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts throughout the United States.
He also represents clients before various administrative federal and state agencies, including but not limited to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPS), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In this Sunday Read, we learn more about Siegel’s take on the trends in the whistleblower landscape, where the future of the practice may be headed, and the value of participating in the NWC’s Attorney Referral Program (ARP).
An Interview with Eric L. Siegel
Earlier in our dialogue, you mentioned how fulfilling National Whistleblower Center’s ARP has been for your career. Let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits of the program – for you and the client. Could you highlight or estimate the total awards you’ve secured for whistleblowers?
Over the last 7-8 years, I have secured more than $2 million on behalf of whistleblowers in terms of awards. This does not include make-whole relief on behalf of clients who have claimed whistleblower retaliation, which is the lion’s share of my whistleblower cases.
What would you say to attorneys considering joining the ARP?
I highly recommend the program. It is an opportunity to pursue potentially good whistleblower cases given that NWC is the primary clearinghouse for those affected by speaking out. It is also a way to pay it forward by helping the organization pursue legislative fixes and advocacy to make the system work better to protect whistleblowers.
What would you say to whistleblowers who are seeking help through the ARP?
I would encourage any person who believes they have been subjected to adverse actions at work due to their speaking out about illegal or inappropriate behavior that may be violative of a federal or state whistleblower law to reach out for assistance.
The intake process at NWC is strong and responsive in referral matters quickly to attorneys who are knowledgeable and skilled to handle these cases. As for myself, I handle cases all over the country from referrals from NWC. For those whistleblowers who live in rural areas of the country or smaller cities where access to whistleblower lawyers is challenging, NWC can connect you with more skilled and sophisticated counsel to consider representation.
As NWC recently noted, the SEC Whistleblower Program experienced a steep decline in awards in the prior fiscal year. What is your reaction when you see such a sharp drop? For example, is it an anomaly or do you have to re-strategize certain cases?
It is regrettable that there is a decline. I am not ready to conclude that it is politically driven and that it may just be an anomaly. As a result of my discussions with colleagues, I have had to re-think what cases I file with the SEC Whistleblower Program because the vast majority do not get investigated by the SEC. Nonetheless, I am still filing Tips, Complaints, and Referrals Forms (TCRs) on behalf of clients. With that said, I advise clients that we should also be looking at other legal avenues to seek relief because SEC enforcement efforts are not guaranteed and, if they do move forward, many do not result in enforcement actions.
Looking ahead, what developments in whistleblower law or culture – whether in how agencies respond, how courts treat retaliation, or how the public views these cases – give you the most hope? And where do you think advocates like you can further move the needle?
Given the number of statutes protecting whistleblowers, I am hopeful that people will continue to come forward to do the right thing and hold alleged wrongdoers accountable. Notwithstanding my impression that federal agencies are pursuing enforcement actions to protect whistleblowers less and less given their stretched resources, I see a growing number of attorneys joining the whistleblower practice to fill in the gaps.
What is your hope, or words of wisdom, for the next generation of whistleblower lawyers and advocates?
If you practice in employment law, it is a logical extension to include whistleblower cases as part of your case dockets. The law continues to evolve and provides the elements for effective advocacy. Seek out mentors to answer your questions as you continue to build your knowledge in this area. I wish you all the best.
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NWC thanks Eric L. Siegel for his honest insight and perspective. Join NWC’s mailing list, subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn, and follow us on Medium to receive all notifications!
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 who interested in joining the network and become 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.
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This story was written by Justin Smulison, a professional writer, podcaster, and event host based in New York.
