WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 9 From Compliance to Consequences: Retaliation in the C-Suite With Christine Hintze, Phillips & Associates C-suite executives and other high-level employees have intimate knowledge of a company’s inner workings, including potential compliance practices, which makes these employees particularly vulnerable to whistleblower retaliation. Many professionals who raise concerns about corporate misconduct such as financial fraud, patient safety, or regulatory compliance issues believe that their companies will protect them and responsibly address their concerns. However, whistleblowers are often pushed out, sidelined, or targeted after lodging their complaints. That is where a lawyer may step in. New York and New Jersey have comprehensive laws protecting whistleblowers, which may be utilized by employees who have been terminated or otherwise retaliated against by their employer. “Whistleblower” Complaints Employees who push back on, or complain about policies or practices of their employer that they reasonably believe are in violation of a law, rule, or regulation, may be protected if they are retaliated against after reporting these issues to a supervisor. Below are a few examples of practices, which may be considered a “protected” whistleblower complaint. Whistleblowers at the Top Are Speaking Out— But at What Cost? In corporate America, silence often protects power. But when C-suite executives and senior professionals break that silence to report fraud, safety risks, or unethical practices, the consequences can be swift—and brutal. Despite the growing strength of whistleblower protection laws in New York and New Jersey, highlevel employees are still finding themselves isolated, demoted, or quietly pushed out for doing the right thing. In this feature, Christine Hintze of Phillips & Associates exposes the hidden tactics used to retaliate against corporate whistleblowers— and explains how strengthened laws like New York’s updated whistleblower statute and New Jersey’s CEPA offer a vital legal lifeline. From financial misconduct to patient safety risks, the message is clear: speaking up can come at a price, but silence could cost even more. Contact PHILLIPS & ASSOCIATES 45 Broadway, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10006 Request Your Consultation: Tel: (866) 229-9441 newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz