The False Claims Act (FCA) is well-known as one of the most powerful tools in the government's arsenal to combat fraud, waste and abuse anywhere government funds are implicated. The U.S. Department of Justice has recently issued statements and guidance indicating some new thinking about its approach to FCA cases that may signal a meaningful shift in its enforcement efforts. But at the same time, newly filed FCA cases remain at historical peak levels and the DOJ has enjoyed eight straight years of nearly $3 billion or more in annual FCA recoveries. As much as ever, any company that deals in government funds—especially in the government contracting sector—needs to stay abreast of how the government and private whistleblowers alike are wielding this tool, and how they can prepare and defend themselves.

Please join us to discuss developments in the FCA, including:

  • The latest trends in FCA enforcement actions and associated litigation affecting government contractors;
  • Updates on the Trump Administration's approach to FCA enforcement, including developments with the Yates Memo, guidance on cooperation credit in FCA cases, and DOJ's use of its statutory dismissal authority;
  • Notable legislative and administrative developments affecting the FCA's statutory framework and application; and
  • The latest developments in FCA case law, including recent Supreme Court jurisprudence and the continued evolution of how lower courts are interpreting the Supreme Court's Escobar decision.

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PANELISTS:

John W.F. Chesley is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office. He represents corporations, audit committees, and executives in internal investigations and before government agencies in matters involving the FCPA, procurement fraud, environmental crimes, securities violations, antitrust violations, and whistleblower claims. He also litigates government contracts disputes in federal courts and administrative tribunals.

Jonathan M. Phillips is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office where he focuses on compliance, enforcement, and litigation involving government contractors, as well as other white collar enforcement matters and related litigation. A former Trial Attorney in DOJ's Civil Fraud section, he has particular experience representing clients in enforcement actions by the DOJ and Department of Defense brought under the False Claims Act and related statutes.

Erin N. Rankin is an associate in the Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm's Litigation Department. She represents clients on government contracts matters relating to contract claims, bid protests, suspension and debarment proceedings, voluntary disclosures and government investigations, and she is well-versed in conducting internal investigations and defending against civil False Claims Act allegations brought by qui tam relators. She has substantial litigation experience representing clients before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

James Zelenay is a partner in the Los Angeles office where he practices in the firm's Litigation Department. He is experienced in defending clients involved in white collar investigations, assisting clients in responding to government subpoenas, and in government civil fraud litigation. He also has substantial experience with the federal and state False Claims Acts and whistleblower litigation, in which he has represented a breadth of industries and clients, and has written extensively on the False Claims Act.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.