False Claims Act cases (sometimes called Qui Tam or Whistleblower cases) provide a mechanism to recover funds that have been stolen from the government through fraud by corporations, such as pharmaceutical companies, defense contractors, and hospitals, and individual wrongdoers, like doctors or dentists. These cases have enjoyed broad bipartisan support and recognition as an important tool to protect our public funds, because they are not “anti-business” in any way—only “anti-fraud.”

The government may discover the “false claims” or fraudulent conduct and pursue these cases directly, or individual whistleblowers may identify the false claims and bring them to the attention of the government, pursue the case on behalf of the government and receive a portion of the recovery as an incentive for serving the public good.

How Our Qui Tam Experience Can Help

The extensive experience of Baron & Budd Qui Tam attorneys Pat O’Connell and Jan Soifer in working closely with government lawyers, together with the firm’s resources, additional attorneys and staff, give the firm’s whistleblower clients the substantial resources needed to prevail in complex false claims cases.

It is an undisputed fact that Qui Tam litigation is more successful when the government's lawyers are persuaded to intervene. But attorneys working at the state and federal levels are strapped for time and resources; they must invest wisely by choosing to join only the cases that present the greatest chances for success. Pat and Jan have both worked years for the government and they understand what’s important to building a good solid case. Of course, they know how to present a Qui Tam suit to the jury, but they also know how to make the case right at the beginning where it perhaps counts the most—to the state and federal attorneys who will determine whether to get involved in the first place.

Because of their years of experience in False Claims Act litigation, working with the government and in private practice, Baron & Budd’s Qui Tam lawyers are well known to lawyers working at the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office and with the offices of many state Attorneys General. Such experience and recognition fosters an atmosphere of trust and cooperation that is critical for the success of the litigation during both the government's investigation phase and during the prosecution of the lawsuit in court.

Finally, Baron & Budd offers its Qui Tam lawyers the backing of a substantial law firm with more than 30 years’ experience representing plaintiffs in litigation on a massive scale against some of the richest and most powerful corporations in America. Baron & Budd has over 50 lawyers with offices in multiple states. Qui Tam litigation is not for the faint of heart; it can be long, costly for the firm handling the case and hard fought. Baron & Budd has the reputation and resources, both legal and financial, to go the distance to protect its clients—to protect what’s right.

rssQui Tam / False Claims Act Related News

December 3, 2008

Surgical device maker AtriCure investigated for False Claims Act violations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has informed AtriCure, the manufacturer of surgical ablation devices, that the company is under investigation for possible False Claims Act violations. Read More

December 2, 2008

San Francisco avoids False Claims Act suit by returning federal law enforcement grant money

The City of San Francisco has consented to return federal law enforcement grant money in order to escape being named in a False Claims Act suit by the U.S. Department of Justice. Read More

December 1, 2008

San Diego sues fire-cleanup contractors under California False Claims Act

San Diego's City Attorney, Michael Aguirre, has sued contractors hired by the city to clear homesites destroyed in the 2007 wildfires. The City's suit, filed under California's False Claims Act, alleges that two contractors falsified records and intentionally overbilled the city by more than $2 million. Read More