Whistleblower Protection
Blowing The Whistle Is the Right Thing To Do.
California has some of the most robust whistleblower protections in the United States, designed to protect employees in both the public and private sectors from retaliation when they report illegal, unsafe, or unethical activities.
Understanding Whistleblower Protections
California has several different sets of laws that have been designed to protect individuals from retaliation in the workplace when they report illicit activities. Whistleblowers are individuals who report wrongdoing within their organizations. Despite the potential for facing severe retaliation, whistleblowers are entitled to robust protection under these laws–laws that ensure employees can report workplace misconduct without fearing job loss or negative impacts on their career advancement.
Blowing The Whistle Is The Right Thing To Do
Whistleblowers play a key role in protecting American workers, businesses and the government by assisting authorities in identifying and rooting out fraudulent activity. You don’t have to go it alone. The Whistleblower Protection Advocates at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are highly-skilled and prepared to guide you through the process of reporting these violations while ensuring your legal rights are protected.
Common Types of Illegal Activities
SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation has extensive experience handling various whistleblower cases in both the private and public sectors. Common issues warranting whistleblower actions include:
Embezzlement
Improper Overtime Payments
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Government Contractors
Misuse of State Property
Conflicts of Interest
Improper Expense Reimbursements
SEC and Financial Fraud
False Time and Attendance Reporting
Sales Tax Fraud
Medicare and Medicaid Fraud
When you want to voice your concerns regarding these (or other) issues in your workplace, our experienced Employment Law Attorneys are prepared to guide you through the process of reporting these violations while ensuring your legal rights are protected. Our legal team stands ready to help you use statutes like the False Claims Act to shed a light on wrongdoing, fight for justice and pursue rewards you may be entitled to for your actions.
General Workplace Protection (Labor Code)
California Labor Code § 1102.5 is the State’s broadest Whistleblower Law. It prohibits employers from retaliating against any employee who discloses information to a government agency or a supervisor if they have reasonable cause to believe a violation of law has occurred.
- Who Is Covered: Most private and public sector employees, including contractors and interns.
- Key Protection: Your employer cannot fire, demote, or harass you for reporting suspected violations of Federal, State, or Local Laws.
- New For 2025: Employers must display an updated Whistleblower Notice in the workplace informing you of these rights.
California Whistleblower Protection Act (CWPA)
The California Whistleblower Protection Act (CWPA): Government Code § 8547 provides explicit statutory protections for State Government Employees who report “improper governmental activity,” such as waste, fraud, or abuse of authority.
- Reporting: Complaints are typically filed with the California State Auditor.
- Anti-Retaliation: It is illegal for any State Official to use their authority to intimidate or threaten a Whistleblower.
Legal Remedies And Compensation
If you have been retaliated against for Whistleblowing in California, you may be entitled to:
- Job Reinstatement: Getting your former position and seniority back.
- Back Pay: Compensation for lost wages and benefits (sometimes double back pay under the False Claims Act
- Civil Penalties: Employers can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
- Attorney Fees: Courts may award reasonable legal fees to Whistleblowers who win their case.
If you suspect illegal activity, you can contact the California State Attorney General’s Whistleblower Hotline at 1.800.952.5225.
It is a courageous act to come forward as a Whistleblower to report wrongdoing. Due to the complexities, risks and highly-charged emotional aspects that accompany a Whistleblowing action, you may find it advantageous to work with a law firm that has specific experience in this area. Let SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, serve as your skilled advocate. There is no charge or obligation for your initial consultation. Call 909.884.6451 Today to discuss your options. Or use our convenient online Contact Form.
California False Claims Act (CFCA)
The California False Claims Act (CFCA) targets fraud against the Government, such as a contractor overcharging a State agency.
- Qui Tam Lawsuits: This allows private citizens to file a lawsuit on behalf of the Government.
- Financial Rewards: Whistleblowers (called “Relators”) may be eligible to receive 15% to 50% of the funds recovered by the State.
- Retaliation Protection: The CFCA includes specific provisions to protect Whistleblowers from being harassed or fired for their involvement in a CFCA case.
California Fair Employment And Housing Act (FEHA)
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color or national origin. This means employers, employment agencies and unions cannot discriminate against job seekers, employees or independent contractors. This law also protects employees who witness such discrimination and report it (Whistleblowers).
Common Forms Of Prohibited Retaliation
California law defines retaliation broadly. It is not limited to being fired; it also includes:
- Ethnic Slurs
- Offensive Comments
- Racially Charged Jokes
- Demotion
- Deniel Of A Promotion
- Loss Of Promotion
- Undeserved/Unjustified Negative Performance Review
- Threats or Intimidation Of Any Kind In The Workplace
- Racial Segregation
Racial Discrimination in the workplace is barred under Federal law as well. When you work with our lawyers, you can be confident that we will thoughtfully consider all of your options in order to create the best possible claim for damages. Our objective in every case is to put our clients in the best possible position for success, whether a case is resolved in settlement, or goes all the way thru trial.
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What to do if you need to report an issue against your employer...
At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, we have been handling Whistleblower cases Since 1981. We have a highly-experienced team of experts to assist us with investigating cases and holding employers accountable. If you are being retaliated against for exposing wrongful conduct or policies in the workplace, contact us to learn how we can put our experienced team to work for you.
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Witnessing illegal activities in the workplace should not deter you from reporting them. SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation stands ready to help navigate the complexities of Whistleblower Laws and ensure robust protection for those who come forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.