I. The Legal Snapshot: A Quick Summary Whistleblowers filing at year-end face unique risks that do not exist in July. The “first-to-file” bar under the federal False Claims Act requires you to be the very first person to file a lawsuit to claim a reward. However, NJ state courts typically hold a recess between…
I. The Legal Snapshot: A Quick Summary Filing a whistleblower claim before the end of the year is often strategically important due to strict, short statutes of limitations—some as short as one year under state law. Critical considerations include documenting the employer’s fraud with specific evidence, understanding the difference between the federal False Claims Act…
Introduction: Exposing Fraud and Protecting the Truth You’ve seen something wrong at work — false invoices, billing for services never rendered, or government contracts padded with hidden costs. You’re torn between silence and conscience. This is where the False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam lawsuits come in. These laws empower ordinary employees, contractors, and…
Overview of CEPA: New Jersey’s Whistleblower Law You Spoke Up. Now You Need Protection. You saw something at work that didn’t sit right. Maybe it was unsafe conditions, financial fraud, or discrimination. You reported it—because it was the right thing to do. Now you’re worried: Will I be punished for speaking up? What are my…
The decision to blow the whistle is an act of immense courage. You’ve done the right thing, but your employer’s response will be purely tactical and legal. At this point, your noble intentions are no longer a defense—only a strategic legal mind can protect your job, identity, and claim. Filing a whistleblower case under New…
Introduction: You Did the Right Thing—Now What? You saw something wrong: fraud, safety violations, discrimination, or outright lawbreaking. You spoke up. But now, the stress has begun. You’re wondering if HR is really on your side. You’re worried about your job. You might even be facing retaliation already. In New Jersey, you don’t have to…
Introduction: Are You Being Punished for Doing the Right Thing? You noticed something wrong at work—fraud, safety violations, illegal practices—and you did the right thing. You spoke up. But now, you’re being isolated. Demoted. Written up. Or worse—terminated. Retaliation against whistleblowers isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal under New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA). At Swartz…
It takes immense courage to challenge your employer. When you observe fraud, corruption, or activities that endanger public safety, the first question is always: “Is what I saw serious enough to be legally protected?”. The Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) is New Jersey’s answer. CEPA’s legal umbrella covers a far wider range of wrongdoing than…
Introduction: You Spoke Up—Now You’re at Risk You did the right thing.You reported fraud. Exposed discrimination. Objected to unethical practices.Now, suddenly, you’re being left out of meetings. You’ve been given a poor performance review. Or worse—you’re being pushed out. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At Swartz Swidler, we’ve seen how courageous workers are…
What to Expect and Why It Matters Thinking About Reporting Your Employer? You Don’t Have to Risk Everything to Do the Right Thing You’ve seen something illegal, unethical, or dangerous happening at your job—fraud, safety violations, discrimination, harassment, or abuse of power. You want to speak up. But you’re not sure how to protect yourself.…