NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND

The National Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund is an independent public interest law firm dedicated to providing pro bono assistance to whistleblowers by helping them locate attorneys willing to represent them in retaliation cases.

About the Program

The Attorney Referral Program (ARP) seeks to match whistleblowers with attorneys willing to take on their cases. Whistleblowers seeking assistance can fill out a secure intake form and submit basic information about their cases confidentially. Because matching whistleblowers with attorneys is difficult, we strongly recommend that all whistleblowers continue to try to locate an attorney while their intake is under review.

Intake Process

Whistleblowers must complete a secure online intake form, providing essential details about their case. This information enables the ARP to assess potential matches within its network of attorneys.  All communications and information submitted through the intake process are protected by attorney-client privilege to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Legal Resources

Because matching whistleblowers with attorneys is difficult, we strongly recommend that all whistleblowers continue to try to locate an attorney while their intake is under review and educate themselves on their rights. Also, in the strongest possible terms, we recommend getting a copy of Rules for Whistleblowers, which will help them explain their case to prospective attorneys.

Filing Deadline

Be aware that all whistleblower laws have a statute of limitations that requires claims to be filed in a timely manner. Missing a filing deadline can result in a whistleblower losing their case. Whistleblowers must learn about their rights and continue seeking counsel even though they submitted an intake to our program.

Notice: You are NOT represented by an attorney until and unless you have a signed written representation agreement with an attorney.

Submit an Intake

The intake form, and all communication with the Fund, are protected under the attorney-client privilege to the fullest extent permitted under law.

What’s Next?

Program Overview

Learn more about the NWLDEF free Attorney Referral Program for whistleblowers.

Intake Process

Learn about the intake process.

Learn Your Rights

Read in-depth FAQs to learn your rights and protections as a whistleblower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Whistleblower?

There is no uniform definition of a whistleblower. However, the definition commonly used includes someone whose loyalty is to the truth, becomes an informant to the government on corporate crimes, or seeks monetary rewards under various whistleblower programs.

Read Full FAQ

If you are facing whistleblower retaliation as a result of whistleblowing, immediately obtain legal counsel from a whistleblower attorney. The reason is simple – what you blow the whistle on and the method you use to make your disclosure will determine your rights going forward.

Read Full FAQ

  1. Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right (Lyons Press, 2023)
  2. Law Library: A Companion to Rules for Whistleblowers
  3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Whistleblower Protection Program
  4. SEC Office of the Whistleblower
  5. CFTC Whistleblower Program
  6. Office of Special Counsel
  7. National Whistleblower Center FAQs
  8. Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto FAQs
  9. Whistleblower Network News FAQs

Reporting to internal compliance programs should be done with extreme caution, as the majority of programs are established to protect the company. There is a long history of whistleblowers experiencing retaliation, such as termination, shortly after reporting their concerns. Thus, if you see something, we suggest you speak with an attorney who can advise you on your rights, protections, and potential outcomes.

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