Hopefully, Boston readers understand that if they report on their employer's misconduct, they are not supposed to be punished for shining a light on the company's misdeeds. But one apparent whistleblower believes that is what happened to him and is now suing his former employer for allegedly retaliating.
For-profit chain of schools said to have bilked govt. out of $11 billion in student aid
Some Boston students may have taken classes from an institution operated by Education Management Corporation. The company runs more than 100 schools nationwide, including the popular Arts Institutes schools for chefs, entertainers and other aspiring artists.
Deutsche Bank must pay $202 million to settle Federal False Claims cases
By now, Boston readers are probably used to hearing about mortgage companies cutting corners, lying to borrowers and otherwise misbehaving. But even with those standards, the recent announcement that Deutsche Bank will pay over $200 million to settle claims filed under the Federal False Claims Act over alleged mortgage chicanery is eye-opening.
DOJ Concludes $1.5 Billion Settlement with Abbott Labs
In the latest of a long line of blockbuster fraud settlements in the pharmaceutical sector, the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") announced last week that it had concluded a $1.5 billion global settlement with Abbott Labs, Inc. ("Abbott"), with a $700 million criminal fine and plea, and an $800 million civil damages settlement. The cases resulted from the qui tam complaints filed by four whistleblowers under the False Claims Act, concerning the "off label" marketing of the drug Depakote. This is believed to be the second largest pharma settlement in history, trailing only Pfizer's $2.3 billion global settlement in 2009.
Bob Thomas and Suzanne Durrell to speak at ABA National Institute
Bob Thomas and Suzanne Durrell of the Whistleblower Law Collaborative are panelists at this year's ABA National Institute on the Civil False Claims Act & Qui Tam Enforcement, which will be held June 6-8, 2012, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, D.C. (brochure.pdf)
Princeton Review hit with Federal False Claims Act suit for alleged overbilling
Any Boston student is likely to be familiar with The Princeton Review, the test-supplies giant that publishes study guides and develops courses for people getting ready to take exams like the SAT, GMAT and LSAT.
Whistleblower Rewards: how do they get that number?
Potential whistleblowers often ask us about the whistleblower reward or share provision of the federal False Claims Act. In particular, they want to know how and when the amount of the reward is determined. This is an important question since any potential whistleblower and his or her lawyer should weigh the potential risks and benefits before filing a False Claims Act qui tam case.
