Practice Areas
Whistleblower - Federal (qui tam)
The law Firm of Wilbanks & Bridges has developed a nationally recognized practice involving qui tam litigation. These qui tam suits or "whistleblower suits" as they are commonly referred to, have been a major part of the Firm's practice since 1996. Whistleblower cases routinely involve the firm's representation of individuals who come forward with information concerning various frauds committed against the government. These claims usually involve a relator's knowledge of Medicare or Medicaid abuse or relate to the defrauding of a government entity by a person or corporation in the military defense industry.
The Firm is currently handling whistleblower false claims cases in federal courts across the nation and in various states such as California, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana and Illinois. The successful results obtained for clients in this field of practice have been the subject of newspaper articles and legal periodicals across the country. In 1999 alone, the company successfully settled civil whistleblower cases against prominent defendants which resulted in settlement recoveries in excess of $40 million. In 2001, the Firm represented a relator that received more than $30 million in the largest health fraud settlement in the Department of Justice's history. The Firm has handled litigation that returned over $200 million to the taxpayers of the United States.
Media such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Journal, CNN and Atlanta network television affiliates have covered and reported on the Firm's successful representation of whistleblower clients.
The Firm expects its qui tam litigation practice to grow and thrive into the next millennium. Substantial expertise and resources are available to our whistleblower clients in aid of the prosecution of these important cases. These cases are important and profitable not only for firm clients, but also for the taxpayers of the United States. For every dollar recovered by our clients, approximately 75 to 80 percent of that amount is paid to the government for losses resulting from the fraudulent acts which form the basis of our clients' civil action.
Estate Planning
The Firm advises, counsels, and drafts documents relating to wills and trusts. The Firm is also actively engaged in the probating of wills and the administration of estates, guardianships, trusts, and estate litigation. We advise and counsel on matters involving income, estate, and gift-tax planning.
Business and Finance
The Firm acts as general counsel to a variety of newly formed and existing businesses. We are regional counsel to several national business enterprises, including the hospital industry. The Firm provides legal services to corporate, partnership and proprietorship clients; these services include assistance with financial transactions, negotiation, drafting, and review of contracts.
Business Formation and Transactions
Our Firm provides legal services for the formation of corporations, partnerships, ventures, and limited liability companies. We assist our clients in the negotiation and drafting of business and commercial agreements.
Suite 1075
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-842-1075
Fax: 404-842-0559
Email:mbw@wilbanks-bridgeslaw.com
Email:tmb@wilbanks-bridgeslaw.com