SOX whistleblower lawyer Jason Zuckerman recently spoke at an ABA seminar titled SOX, OSHA, and Beyond: Litigating Whistleblower Claims at the DOL. Zuckerman was privileged to appear alongside Solicitor of Labor Patricia Smith and Proskauer partner Connie Bertram. The current edition of the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law’s Flash newsletter reports about this outreach program designed to provide practical information and advice about how to navigate the administrative investigative and adjudication processes of whistleblower claims at the DOL:
To say “there has been quite a bit of attention paid to whistleblower claims and lawsuits recently” is likely the understatement of the year. Indeed, the U.S. Senate declared July 30, 2014, as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day” for the second year in row. This resolution came on the anniversary of the first ever whistleblower protection law enacted on July 30, 1778. Things have certainly changed since 1778 and, most significantly, within the past 10 years. It is more critical now, than ever, for labor and employment attorneys, corporate executives, human resources professionals, community and union leaders, and employees to know the evolving rights and responsibilities of whistleblowers and their employers in this ever-changing arena.
Given this backdrop, the Labor & Employment Law Section is pleased to announce it has combined forces with the United State Department of Labor to present SOX, OSHA, and Beyond: Litigating Whistleblower Claims at the DOL. This “must see” seminar will be presented in ten major cities around the country, starting September 18 in Washington D.C.
The DOL now enforces more than 25 whistleblower statutes. The program, accordingly, features a presenter from the DOL, as well as a balanced panel of seasoned practitioners. Attendees will receive practical information and advice about how to navigate the administrative investigative and adjudication processes of whistleblower claims at the DOL.
Topics to be addressed during the seminar include recent changes by the DOL to its whistleblower enforcement program, including changes to complaint and investigation procedures, and legislated increased time limits within which employees may file complaints of retaliation. Speakers will also provide practical tips on litigating whistleblower retaliation claims before the OALJ and ARB, including a discussion of the OALJ’s revised procedural rules and the ARB’s new proposed procedural rules.
