Live Event
The Rising Tide of Retaliation and Whistleblower Claims: What It Means for Employers
Wednesday, October 20
- 7:00 AM PDT
New Laws
With the recent enactment of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub.L. 111-203, H.R. 4173), signed into law by President Obama last July, Congress has passed yet another law creating whistleblower protection for employees who complain about a perceived corporate "wrongdoing."
Dodd-Frank is not alone. The recent financial crisis has also spawned other new whistleblower protections, including those under the new health care legislation and the Restoring American Financial Stability Act.
New Remedies
Dodd-Frank adds an additional, potentially lucrative remedy for whistleblowers: They can earn a "bounty"—or a share of any monies received as a result of fraud they report—in addition to damages they may recover after a jury verdict.
Dodd-Frank also appears to make void and unenforceable any pre-dispute mandatory arbitration of these claims. Instead, employees will be guaranteed the right to a jury trial.
What Does This Mean for You?
While only a few years ago, federal whistleblower protections were limited to companies involved in highly regulated industries, these laws now cover every industry and put all companies—large or small, publicly traded or privately owned—at risk.
Your employees also now have powerful weapons and an added incentive to make a claim.
How Should You Respond?
Preparation: "The best defense is a good offense"
Our program will focus on new legislation, existing state and federal retaliation whistleblower protections, and recent verdicts and developments in this expanding area, including:
- Why whistleblower and retaliation claims are skyrocketing
- How courts across the country are treating the issues
- What should your risk and compliance programs look like
- How to handle a complaint
- Tips on avoiding and addressing these claims
Speakers will include experienced Littler shareholders, Philip M. Berkowitz, Barbara E. Hoey, and Gregory C. Keating.
Registration and Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Seminar: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Please register by October 15, 2010.
This program has been approved for CLE and SPHR/PHR credit. Non-transitional credit, not acceptable for newly admitted attorneys. There is no charge for this program.
Questions and Special Accommodation Requests: Please contact Kellie Nurko at knurko@littler.com or 973.848.4752.
