From 1992 to 1996 I worked in a “big firm” commercial litigation practice that included securities, environmental, intellectual property, employment, contract, and fraud issues. In 1994, I began to focus my practice on False Claims Act qui tam relator whistleblower actions, and in 1996 I started a solo practice that has grown to be the Bothwell Law Group.
In the mid-1990s, I was asked to join with other pioneers in the field to start the first national False Claims Act qui tam plaintiff’s bar. I focus exclusively on representing False Claims Act qui tam relator whistleblowers and am recognized nationally for my contributions to and success in the field. I am frequently solicited as a speaker and trainer at state, local, and national levels and for input into national and regional strategies, analysis, and argument concerning all aspects of the False Claims Act and qui tam representation. I have helped shape the scope of False Claims Act law and am acknowledged by scholars and practitioners as a national leader in the field.
I have pioneered a strong pro bono practice of advising less experienced attorneys, mentoring attorneys new to the field of False Claims Act litigation, and providing amicus briefs on important issues. In my capacity as founder and managing partner, I have trained several attorneys now practicing in the area. I and my firm have measured up to defense lawyers at some of the largest firms in the nation, have been referred clients from opposing counsel, and have been asked to make presentations on the False Claims Act by and with many of the leading defense attorneys.
I have litigated every aspect of qui tam litigation including matters between relators and the government. I have been instrumental in obtaining outstanding settlements in a variety of cases resulting in the maximum relator’s share being voluntarily offered by the government. I have mediated relationships between various relators’ counsel with differing views on first to file status and have been invited to join as co-counsel with the first to file in cases where my client was second or third to file. I have been lead counsel in cases against some of the largest federal contractors as well as some very small entities. I have been sought out by bankruptcy trustees on matters involving the False Claims Act and qui tam matters as well as being invited to represent the bankruptcy estate in litigation. In all my cases, have failed to successfully mediate only one case—and that case was dismissed by the Court before the parties could reconvene the second round of mediation.
I am presently admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Georgia, the Eastern District of Michigan, as well as in the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh, Sixth, Ninth, and D.C. Circuits.