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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Lindsey M. Williams (202) 342-1903
lmw@whistleblowers.org

First-Ever Guide on How to Effectively Blow the Whistle to be Released on March 1, 2011

WASHINGTON

On March 1, 2011, Lyons Press will officially release The Whistleblower's Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Doing What's Right and Protecting Yourself. Written in the wake of the Dodd-Frank Act and similar new "qui tam" rewards laws that permit employees to obtain multi-million dollar recoveries, the Handbook is the first-ever consumer's guide to whistleblowing. It contains twenty-one clear and comprehensive rules that fully explain the how to effectively blow the whistle.

Whistleblower reward laws now cover most of the American economy, including government contracting and procurement, tax fraud and fraud committed on Wall Street. When properly used the laws are highly successful, and whistleblowers obtained over $3 billion dollars in recoveries for the Department of Justice in 2010.

"Whistleblowers must know their rights. It can make the difference between going to jail or obtaining a million dollar reward, " said Lindsey M. Williams, Director of Advocacy and Development for the National Whistleblowers Center.

In addition to fully explaining the laws covering whistleblower rewards, The Whistleblower's Handbook also explains how employees can save their jobs by qualifying for protection under fifty separate federal anti-retaliation laws. These laws can protect whistleblowers in nearly every segment of the economy, from food safety to consumer protection to environmental enforcement. The Whistleblower's Handbook also covers topics such as taping conversations at work, removal of documents and what proof is necessary to win a retaliation case.

"This book is absolutely critical reading for every American worker. Every year tens of millions of employees witness fraud and misconduct at work. New and powerful laws exist that protect, reward and encourage whistleblowers, it is absolutely critical that whistleblowers know how to follow these laws and qualify for full protection. In the wake of Wikileaks and Dodd-Frank, every whistleblower needs this book " Williams added.

The Whistleblower's Handbook was written by one of America's most experienced and accomplished whistleblower attorneys, NWC Executive Director Stephen M. Kohn. Kohn has successfully represented whistleblowers for over 27 years and wrote the first-ever legal treatise on whistleblower law.

The Zinn Education Project, Teaching for Change and National Whistleblowers Center will be sponsoring an author talk and book signing on March 1st from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Langston Room of Busboys and Poets at 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009.

To set up an interview Mr. Kohn or receive a review copy of The Whistleblower's Handbook contact: Lindsey Williams at lmw@whistleblowers.org or (202) 342-1903.

You can also receive a review copy directly from the publisher by contacting Bob Sembiante (Senior Publicist, Globe Pequot Press) at Robert.sembiante@globepequot.com or 203-458-4555.

Early Reviews of The Whistleblower's Handbook:

"Whistleblowers should do two things: call us at 60 Minutes and read The Whistleblower's Handbook. It's 21 rules lay out the game plan for holding institutions accountable while protecting your job."

Michael Radutzky, Senior Producer 60 Minutes
"As a whistleblower who has successfully won a case against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), I can attest to the fact that this is the definitive Bible for whistleblowers. Written by Stephen Kohn, the premiere whistleblower attorney in the United States, this handbook contains everything you will need to know about blowing the whistle, and surviving."
Jane Turner, FBI Whistleblower and 25 year veteran agent
The Whistleblower's Handbook opens a window into the controversial but vital role of whistleblowers in America's workplace dating from the days of the Civil War. With compelling insider details, practical "rules" and rare insights, Stephen Kohn, the country's leading whistleblower expert, has created the essential overview for CEO's, CFO's, GC's, chief compliance officers, HR and audit professionals, and others who should be knowledgeable about this fundamental aspect of corporate life.
Donna Boehme, former Group Compliance and Ethics Officer, BP plc, and Principal, Compliance Strategists LLC

NWC Briefing Paper to Securities and Exchange Commission on Importance of Whistleblowing

Since 1988, the NWC and attorneys associated with it have supported whistleblowers in the courts and before Congress and achieved victories for environmental protection, government contract fraud, nuclear safety and government and corporate accountability.