Whistleblowing

We are specialist whistleblowing lawyers who advise on and act for individuals, companies and other institutions, both in relation to contentious and non-contentious matters arising from whistleblowing. We manage litigation from inception to conclusion, including providing advocacy services.

As whistleblowing lawyers, Farore Law collectively brings over 50 years of experience in handling cases involving all types of whistleblowing claims, although our particular focus is on whistleblowing claims against financial institutions, including claims with cross-border jurisdictional issues.

We have a particular expertise in advising clients on the strategic importance of how their whistle-blowing case is argued or defended. For example, we will have detailed discussions with clients on the implications of arguing breach of a particular legal obligation, challenging the whistle-blower’s reasonable belief or arguing bad faith. We feel it is very important for the client to be able articulate what they understand the legal obligation to be, and how it was breached, ahead of drafting the relevant pleadings.

Both the firm and Suzanne McKie KC are ranked as Leaders by the 2023/2024 Legal 500 for the employment law services we provide to Senior Executives. This reflects the dedication and high level of specialist experience our whistleblowing lawyers have in dealing with high value whistleblowing cases, particularly those involving complicated factual disputes. Suzanne McKie KC’s experience working for years with a finance house makes her particularly qualified to handle whistleblowing claims involving investment banks, private equity and asset management companies.

In addition to our expertise in bringing and defending whistleblowing claims in the Employment Tribunals, our expertise in investigation and misconduct means that we are very well placed in acting for senior executives who are regulated by professional bodies such as the FCA and the SRA. We understand the regulatory implications of bringing a protected disclosure and are well placed in advising clients on how to navigate any internal or independent investigations arising from the protected disclosures.

We have also ample experience in advising clients in cross-border employment claims and have significant experience in advising clients on jurisdictional issues.

Examples of recent work include:

•  Acted for a President of a listed company in a multi-million-pound whistleblowing claim concerning allegations of fraud and misrepresentation and involving Respondents based in offshore jurisdictions. The matter was settled for an undisclosed amount. As part of the settlement agreement, the employer exceptionally agreed to set aside findings of gross misconduct against our client.
• Acting for an investment banker against a global investment banking firm involving allegations of sexual misconduct and a culture of sexism and misogyny.
• Acting for a hedge fund executive in a whistleblowing claim involving allegations by the executive of market abuse.
• Acting for a former CFO of a global retail business, in a tribunal claim, alleging significant breaches of legal obligation regarding wholesale breaches of privacy in relation to customers’ data.
• Acting for a medical consultant in a whistleblowing claim against an NHS Trust involving allegations of sexual harassment and a broader culture of sexism and misogyny.
• Acting for a former CEO in a whistle-blowing claim against a private hospital trust, involving allegation of conflict of interest; misuse of funds and harassment by members of the Trustee and Management Boards.