Best Vermont Whistleblower Attorneys

Whistleblowers are people who see illegal, fraudulent, or unethical activities within their workplace, and report these violations to a government agency. Without whistleblowers, many serious violations of the law by individuals and employers would never become known. The specifics of federal and state whistleblower protection laws vary quite a bit, but the singular goal is to encourage workers to report important safety or ethical violations without fear of retaliation.

Whistleblower protections come from several diverse sources. The federal government has laws protecting you from retaliation for filing a claim or reporting a violation. Many states have whistleblower protections, as well. Common forms of whistleblower protections include:

• Confidentiality
• Non-retaliation provisions
• Legal remedies
• Whistleblower hotlines and reporting channels
• Whistleblower reward programs

There are several types of wrongdoings that can be reported by whistleblowers, depending on the nature of their organization or industry. Whistleblower protection laws generally encourage the reporting of misconduct that poses a threat to the public. Some types of activities that whistleblowers report can include:

• Fraud and financial misconduct
• Corruption and bribery
• Workplace harassment and discrimination
• Health and safety violations
• Regulatory violations

Specific steps and procedures for reporting wrongdoings vary from state to state. Consulting with a whistleblower attorney can help you understand the process and requirements for your area. Some general guidelines for reporting wrongdoings as a whistleblower include:

• Gather information
• Understand whistleblower policies and legal protections
• Internal and external reporting
• Consult legal counsel
• Maintain confidentiality or anonymity
• Follow up

Consider the following when researching different lawyers and law offices that practice in the field of whistleblower claims:

Comfort Level - Are you comfortable telling the lawyer personal information? Does the lawyer seem interested in solving your problem and providing the legal help you need?

Credentials - How long has the lawyer been in practice? Has the lawyer worked on many other whistleblower or qui tam cases?

Cost - Does the lawyer offer a free consultation? Is the lawyer paid up front, or after your case is complete? Can the lawyer estimate the full cost of your case?

City - Is the lawyer's office conveniently located? How far away is the law office from your home?