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 whistleblower 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 on a confidential basis. Because of the difficulty of matching whistleblowers with attorneys, we strongly recommend that all whistleblowers continue to try to locate an attorney while your case is under review.

Intake Process

To begin, whistleblowers must complete a secure online intake form, providing essential details about their case. This form enables the ARP to assess potential matches within its network of attorneys who may be interested in representing the whistleblower. All communication and information submitted through the intake process are protected by attorney-client privilege to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Legal Resources

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

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.

Filing Deadline

Be aware that all whistleblower laws have a statute of limitations that requires claims be filed in a timely manner. Missing a filing deadline can result in your losing your case. It is imperative that you learn about your rights and continue seeking counsel even though you have submitted an intake to our program. You are NOT represented by an attorney until and unless you have a signed written representation agreement with an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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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.

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  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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