California’s Trusted Whistleblower Attorneys

Employees who come forward about wrongdoing often suffer severe backlash, including termination. There are plenty of reasons to keep quiet, but there are also strong legal protections for those brave enough to speak up about illegal or unethical conduct.

• Do you have knowledge of illegal actions by your employer?
• Have you witnessed blatant safety violations?
• Were you coerced to engage in criminal acts?
• Have you suffered retaliation for reporting violations?
• Are you worried about your job or safety?

California and federal whistleblower laws protect those who report fraud, environmental abuses, safety violations and other illegal activities. You cannot be fired. You cannot be transferred, reassigned, demoted, or otherwise punished or intimidated for doing the right thing.

Bryant Whitten, LLP, has obtained settlements and verdicts for workers who suffered wrongful termination and other whistleblower retaliation. We can help you report illegal activities through a qui tam action or represent you if you have suffered any adverse employment action.

We handle whistleblower cases in the Central Valley, the Bay Area and surrounding Northern California. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Strong Advocacy For Whistleblower Retaliation

We represent employees who experienced retaliatory discharge or other backlash after making whistleblower reports of activities such as:

• Defrauding the government (Medicare billing, federal agency contracts)
• Fraud, reporting or accounting violations under Sarbanes-Oxley
• OSHA violations in the workplace
• Illegal dumping or pollution
• Bribery and corruption

Asserting And Protecting Your Whistleblower Rights

Sometimes whistleblowers suffer retaliation after bringing illegal activity to the attention of a supervisor or upper management. Sometimes the retaliation occurs after the whistleblower’s identity is revealed when the government files a formal qui tam lawsuit against the company. Reprisal can take many forms:

• Discharge or transfer
• Demotion or stripping of job duties
• Negative performance reviews or job references
• Harassment, reprimands and a hostile work environment

We have held major corporations accountable for wrongful termination and retaliation, including numerous whistleblower cases. Accomplished trial lawyers Amanda Whitten and Shelley Bryant are not afraid to go all the way to a jury – no matter who the employer is – to obtain justice for you.

Why Hire Bryant Whitten, LLP

We understand the courage it takes to speak up about workplace wrongdoing. As experienced whistleblower attorneys, we provide more than just legal representation – we offer steadfast support during what may be one of the most challenging periods of your career.

• 100% for employees: We represent employees only, never employers. This focus means we never face conflicts of interest that could compromise your case.
• No upfront costs: Many whistleblowers would pay thousands to attorneys who then lose interest in their cases. Our firm does not collect a penny until we win your case. This ensures that you receive top-notch legal service regardless of your financial situation and the circumstances of your case.
• Proven success against industry giants: We do not back down from powerful opponents. Our law firm has successfully challenged major corporations, including Walmart, Bank of America and Starbucks.
• Tailored whistleblower strategy: We develop customized legal approaches based on your specific situation, industry and the nature of the wrongdoing you have witnessed.
• Courtroom-focused preparation: Our lawyers prepare every whistleblower case with the expectation that it may reach the courtroom, which often results in stronger settlements.

Our firm is a confidential space where you can learn your rights and discuss your situation without fear of judgment or retaliation. You have taken the brave step of speaking truth to power – now let our dedicated whistleblower lawyer take on the burden of protecting you from retaliation and securing the rightful compensation for you.

Trusted Whistleblower Attorney Delivering Results In California

Our whistleblower attorneys have successfully stood up to companies of all sizes, securing justice for clients who risked their careers to do what’s right. Here are just a few examples of how we have helped whistleblowers rebuild their lives after facing retaliation:

• Secured a $1,000,000 settlement for a food company CEO and CFO who were fired after refusing to participate in illegal price fixing schemes and unlawful food labeling practices.
• Obtained an $800,000 settlement for a finance manager terminated after standing against fraudulent activities at a dealership.
• Recovered $660,000 for a restaurant manager who lost her job after reporting other managers for sexually harassing staff members and manipulating time cards to deny workers overtime pay.

These results represent more than just financial recovery – they are proof of our dedication to protecting people who speak against workplace abuse. When you work with a whistleblower attorney from Bryant Whitten, LLP, you gain a passionate advocate with a proven track record in California courts who will stand beside you every step of the way.

Key California Whistleblower Protection Laws

Northern California is home to Silicon Valley tech giants, financial institutions and government agencies. This creates a competitive business culture that can sometimes pressure employees to overlook violations in the workplace. This makes strong whistleblower protections particularly important in the region. Here are some of the critical policies that safeguard whistleblowers in the state:

• Labor Code Section 1102.5: This state law shields workers from retaliation when they report illegal activities to government agencies or people with authority to investigate within the company.
• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): While primarily known for preventing discrimination, FEHA prohibits retaliation against employees who oppose unlawful practices in the workplace.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Act: This federal law creates significant protection for employees of publicly traded companies who report securities fraud, shareholder fraud, or violations of Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

California whistleblower laws typically offer broader protections than their federal counterparts. State laws cover more types of employers, allow longer filing deadlines and often provide more substantial remedies. Additionally, California laws permit direct lawsuits in court, whereas many federal laws require first filing with administrative agencies. This makes it crucial to work with a whistleblower attorney who understands both systems to maximize your protection.

Common Signs That You Are Facing Retaliation

Recognizing retaliation early allows you to protect your rights and build a stronger legal case. If you experience any of these warning signs after reporting illegalities in your workplace, you may be dealing with retaliation:

• Managers exclude you from meetings you previously attended.
• You receive an unexpected negative performance review.
• Coworkers avoid interacting with you socially or professionally.
• Your work responsibilities decrease significantly, or your workload increases to unreasonable levels.
• Management denies your requests for training or professional development.
• Your access to resources or information becomes restricted.

If you notice any of these changes, it is crucial to document each incident carefully with dates, times and witnesses. This documentation will strengthen your case if you need to take legal action.

Why Speak Up?: The Importance Of Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers keep workplaces safe and hold companies accountable when they report violations that harm employees and the public. When brave individuals come forward, their actions often lead to meaningful improvements in company practices. These changes prevent injuries and ensure all workers receive fair treatment. Our nation’s laws recognize the courage it takes to speak up by offering legal protection to whistleblowers.

What To Do If You Suspect Retaliation

When facing potential retaliation for whistleblowing, taking the right steps in the proper order can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s what you should do:

1. Document everything related to your case. Write down dates, times and details of all incidents.
2. Report the retaliation to your HR department or supervisor in writing, keeping a copy of your records outside of your work email, in case they cut off your access.
3. Consult with a whistleblower attorney who can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
4. Avoid confronting your employer verbally – everything should be in writing. 
5. Do not resign without talking to an attorney first. Leaving your job might make it harder to prove retaliation later.

Following these steps carefully will help strengthen your position and preserve important evidence for your case. 

Contact A Whistleblower Retaliation Attorney For A Free Case Review

Reach out to our whistleblower attorneys for an explanation of your rights and a free evaluation of your retaliation claim. We are here to protect you from further adverse action and hold the employer accountable.

Call our whistleblower lawyers at any of our California locations:

• Fresno: 559-216-1265
• Beverly Hills: 805-328-6206
• Sacramento: 916-827-2576
• Oakland: 510-901-0774
• San Francisco: 415-830-8941

All consultations are completely confidential. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.