Minneapolis SEC Whistleblower Program Lawyer

You saw something at work that appeared improper or unlawful—falsified financials, insider trading, market manipulation, or another violation of federal securities law. You reported it, or you are thinking about reporting it. Either way, you are in a position that carries real risk as well as real potential reward. Speaking with legal counsel is a prudent step, as a Minneapolis SEC whistleblower program lawyer from our firm can help you throughout this process.

At Wanta Thome, we represent employees who report securities violations to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The decision to report is not simple, and neither is the legal process that follows. Our seasoned whistleblower attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, your options, and the protections the law provides before you decide how to proceed. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

What the SEC Whistleblower Program Offers You

Congress created the SEC whistleblower program under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to incentivize individuals with inside knowledge of securities violations to report the misconduct. As a participant in the SEC’s program for whistleblowers in Minneapolis, you may be eligible for a financial award and federal protections, and an experienced attorney from our firm can help you navigate this process.

To qualify, you must voluntarily provide the SEC with original information about a potential violation of federal securities law. If the SEC takes enforcement action resulting in sanctions exceeding $1 million, you may be eligible for an award. Key program benefits include:

  • Financial awards ranging from 10 to 30 percent of the sanctions the SEC collects through successful enforcement actions
  • The ability to submit your tip anonymously when an attorney represents you
  • Federal protection against employer retaliation under Dodd-Frank
  • No requirement that you be a United States citizen to participate

The program is open to current and former employees, contractors, and others with relevant knowledge. The SEC has awarded billions of dollars to whistleblowers since the program launched, and individual awards have exceeded $100 million in some cases. Speak with our attorneys before submitting your information so you can understand the reporting requirements and the steps available to protect your identity.

What Happens When Your Employer Learns About Your Report?

The fear of retaliation may discourage workers from reporting valuable information. If your employer has demoted you, cut your hours, changed your responsibilities, or terminated you after you raised concerns about securities violations, you may have legal options. Federal law prohibits employers in Minneapolis from retaliating against participants of the SEC whistleblower program, and an attorney from our firm can help you pursue legal remedies if retaliation occurs.

Retaliation under Dodd-Frank can take many forms. It is not always a termination letter. Examples of potential workplace retaliation include:

  • Sudden negative performance reviews after years of positive feedback
  • Exclusion from meetings or projects you previously led
  • Reassignment to a less visible or less desirable role
  • Increased scrutiny or micromanagement that did not exist before

If any of these sound familiar, the timeline matters. The longer you wait to document and act, the more opportunity your employer has to obscure the real reason behind their actions. Each day without legal guidance gives your employer more opportunities to construct a narrative that works against you.

Contact a Minneapolis Attorney About the SEC Whistleblower Program

The SEC whistleblower program exists because Congress recognized that insiders often have information that regulators cannot obtain on their own. Choosing to act on that information is not just a legal decision; it is also a personal one. A Minneapolis SEC whistleblower program lawyer from our firm can help you evaluate the risks, protect your identity, and prepare a detailed submission.

At Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers, we offer a free initial consultation with no obligation to hire us. We will listen to your situation, explain what the law requires, and give you an honest assessment of your options. Do not let uncertainty or fear of retaliation stop you from understanding the protections and remedies the law provides. Contact us today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney.