Practice Areas

Based in Novato, Bartley Law Offices represents clients throughout California in whistleblower qui tam actions, as well as wrongful termination and sexual harassment cases. With his extensive knowledge of the legal aspects of employer-employee relations, Daniel Robert Bartley also provides employment contract counseling.

False Claims Act Qui Tam / Whistleblower Cases

Qui tam, or "whistleblower," lawsuits fall under the federal False Claims Act or similar state or local laws. The False Claims Act allows private individuals with knowledge of past or present fraud committed against the federal government to bring suit on behalf of the United States. If a whistleblower successfully exposes fraud on the government, he or she receives a share of the government’s recovery, which may be up to three times the amount of money actually lost. In order to bring a qui tam action, it is not necessary to suffer personal harm on account of the defendant’s fraudulent claims or acts; rather, the plaintiff is acting as a stand-in for the government.

With qui tam claims, it is imperative to contact an attorney who is fluent in orchestrating and carrying out False Claims Act lawsuits. In fact, individuals are prohibited from bringing qui tam actions pro se (without a lawyer) because the plaintiff is acting on behalf of the government’s interests. Accordingly, the government may intervene in the suit once it has been notified of the claim, which is desirable because suits with the government attached have a higher success rate than those without.

Mr. Bartley devotes a substantial portion of his practice to representing whistleblowers and building suits under the False Claims Act. Defendants in these cases include higher education entities, hospitals, equipment manufacturers, construction contractors, counties, and defense contractors. In one case, Mr. Bartley represented plaintiffs in a False Claims qui tam case against the University of Phoenix that ultimately settled for $78.5 million.

Wrongful Termination

A termination that breaches an employment contract and/or California or federal law may give rise to a wrongful termination claim. Along with discrimination, other employer actions that constitute wrongful termination include retaliation, termination as a result of refusing to commit an illegal act, and failure to follow proper termination procedures.

Mr. Bartley has successfully represented hundreds of people, including secretaries, sales representatives, accountants, vice presidents, and CEOs, in wrongful termination cases against major corporations and government entities.

Sexual Harassment

Cases of sexual harassment require representation that is both assertive and compassionate. Mr. Bartley possesses the sensitivity and experience to handle sexual harassment cases expeditiously, and he thoroughly understands both quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment. Past cases have involved claims on behalf of both men and women, same-sex sexual harassment, and alleged harassment by high-level executives, physicians, attorneys, and others.

Employment Contract Advice and Counseling

Proactive legal counseling regarding employment contracts and employer-employee relations is important to a business’ operations and productivity. Furthermore, taking preventative measures, such as properly handling employee complaints and disciplinary actions, and making sure personnel policies are consistently enforced, can be crucial to minimizing the likelihood of employment lawsuits arising.

Often, the simplest way to facilitate employer-employee relations is to have expertly-drafted contracts in place. Mr. Bartley has extensive experience with executive employment contracts, covenants not to compete, non-disclosure agreements, and trade secret agreements. The Bartley Law Offices also helps employees and employers understand their rights and obligations, both under existing contracts and when drafting new ones.

Seek Experienced Representation

Complex employment law claims require experienced and dedicated legal representation; Mr. Bartley’s practice has focused on select employment law matters for decades. For additional information regarding qui tam suits, whistleblower protections, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment claims, please contact the Bartley Law Offices today.