The government doesn’t catch most fraud on its own. It relies on private citizens who are brave enough to speak up and bold enough to file a complaint. Under the False Claims Act (FCA), these insiders are called qui tam relators. So, what is a qui tam relator? They’re private citizens with the ability to file lawsuits on behalf of the United States and potentially share in the government’s recovery.
At Reese Marketos LLP, our False Claims Act lawyers have represented qui tam relators in some of the most significant FCA cases in U.S. history, including a billion-dollar trial judgment against a major pharmaceutical company, an eight-figure jury trial verdict, and eight and nine-figure pretrial settlements. Our litigators know how to build powerful whistleblower actions, protect your rights, and pursue a fair relator award under the law.
What Is a Qui Tam Relator?
Under the False Claims Act, a “relator” is the person bringing a qui tam action in the government’s name.
But what is a relator as defined by the FCA in practice?
Here’s what sets them apart:
- They must possess information about fraud involving government money or programs;
- They must file a sealed complaint in federal court, triggering a confidential DOJ investigation;
- They might be entitled to a portion of the recovery – as high as 30% – if the case results in a settlement or trial court judgment; and
- They must act first; the FCA only rewards the first relator to file a valid claim on a given fraud.
The law rewards initiative, not imitation. Filing early, with strong evidence, matters.
Who Can Be a Qui Tam Relator?
Anyone who witnesses wrongdoing and fraud against the government can be a qui tam relator. Many relators are rank-and-file workers who witnessed wrongdoing on the job.
There’s one thing they all share: knowledge of fraud that involves government funds.
Qui Tam Relator False Claims Act: How It Works
A False Claims Act case filed by a qui tam relator unfolds in several key stages:
- Filing a sealed complaint. Through an attorney, the relator submits a sealed filing in federal court.
- Government investigation. The DOJ investigates the claim while the case remains sealed.
- Intervention decision. If the DOJ intervenes, the government takes the lead. If not, the relator’s legal team may proceed alone.
- Litigation or settlement. The case is resolved through settlement or litigation.
No matter who leads the charge, the relator’s role is critical. Without their evidence and initiative, the fraud might never be discovered and rectified.
What Do Qui Tam Relators Receive Under the False Claims Act?
Under the FCA, qui tam relators may be eligible for a percentage of the government’s recovery, depending on the government’s involvement:
- If the government intervenes in the case, the relator may receive up to 25% of the recovery; or
- If the relator proceeds independently, the award may increase up to 30%.
Why Does Working with the Right Firm Matter?
Whistleblower claims are high-stakes.
Not every law firm knows how to navigate the False Claims Act. And even fewer know how to take on billion-dollar fraud cases against some of the world’s most powerful companies. Choosing the right firm can mean the difference between being ignored and being taken seriously from day one.
At Reese Marketos LLP, we concentrate on a select number of complex, high-impact FCA cases and prepare each case with the rigor and focus required for trial.
Our team has:
- Secured a $1.64 billion FCA judgment against a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary;
- Secured a $100 million pretrial settlement with PharMerica;
- Won a $36 million jury verdict against MD Helicopters;
- Earned national recognition for its results from media and the whistleblower support community, including from American Lawyer Media, Law360, and the Anti-Fraud Coalition; and
- Litigated against Fortune 500 companies, healthcare giants, and government contractors across the U.S.
Ready to Step Forward?
At Reese Marketos LLP, we represent whistleblowers in high-stakes FCA litigation. We’ve handled some of the most complex and consequential qui tam cases in the U.S., and we know how to protect our clients at every stage, from sealed filings to trials. Contact us online or call (214) 382-9810 for a confidential consultation.