The Anti-Fraud Coalition Conference Highlights Whistleblower Law Developments
Last week, The Anti-Fraud Coalition (TAF) 23rd Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. updated whistleblower attorneys on key developments in whistleblower laws and programs. Getnick Law attorneys Neil Getnick, Margaret Finerty, and Courtney Finerty-Stelzner spoke at the conference on topics addressing developments in whistleblower law and diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (“DEIJ”).
Neil moderated a panel of former whistleblowers who told their stories of finding the courage to blow the whistle on their companies’ wrongdoing and navigating their False Claims Act qui tam cases with the help of their attorneys. During the panel, Neil commended the whistleblowers for their commitment to combatting fraud and bravery throughout their cases. Speaking to the lawyers, Neil remarked that he was honored to be among attorneys who have dedicated their careers to achieving justice through the law.
Margaret spoke on a panel discussing developments in the IRS Whistleblower Office, which addressed the Office’s current efforts to continue improving the IRS Whistleblower Program. Margaret addressed the Office’s recent policy of disaggregating whistleblower awards, under which the Office will pay whistleblowers on a resolved individual claim that is related to another ongoing case. Margaret applauded the IRS for instituting this policy, which enables the IRS to pay whistleblowers earlier than it had before, and discussed additional ways claims could be disaggregated to further expedite award payments.
Courtney spoke on a panel addressing the importance of DEIJ to whistleblower attorneys, with a focus on fostering active allyship. Courtney emphasized the importance of examining one’s own privilege, having open and honest conversations with attorneys from different backgrounds, and speaking up when another person makes a biased remark. Courtney also spoke to the TAF Young Lawyer’s Division (“YLD”) in her capacity as YLD Board Chair.
TAF is a public interest non-profit dedicated to fighting fraud against the government by incentivizing integrity. Getnick Law attorneys have long participated in the TAF Annual Conference and are significantly involved in the organization. Neil Getnick served as the organization’s Chair from 2005-2021 and is currently a member of its President Council. Margaret Finerty is a member of TAF’s IRS Whistleblower Committee. Lesley Skillen is a member of TAF’s Member Education and Communications Committees and serves on its Subcommittee on COVID-19 Pharmaceutical Fraud. Courtney Finerty-Stelzner is the Chair of the TAF’s Young Lawyer Division Board and a member of TAF’s Government Relations and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committees.
Learn more about Getnick Law’s whistleblower practice.