Qui Tam Section: [VIRTUAL] False Claims Act Today – District of Arizona

**Program hosted in (ET) time zone**

Hosted by the FBA’s Qui Tam Section, often in cooperation with local FBA chapters, “The False Claims Act Today” is a discussion series that examines the details of real-life FCA practice in specific jurisdictions. Sessions typically focus on a single federal district and feature an experienced local panel that includes an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district; a federal judge; a relator-side attorney; and a defense attorney.

We hope to resume in-person sessions of “The FCA Today” in 2021, but for now we are conducting them online via the Zoom platform. For this session on the District of Arizona, attendees can expect a brief overview of the FCA process, including a review of case law in the Ninth Circuit, and a detailed look at:

” The types of FCA case most welcomed by the district’s U.S. Attorney Offices;
” How D. Ariz. prosecutors work with Main Justice to investigate complaints and weigh intervention;
” How D. Ariz. judges evaluate seal extensions and seal violations;
” The local impact of the Supreme Court’s recent FCA decisions; and
” Where D. Ariz. prosecutors fall in national debates over the viability of medical necessity cases, DOJ dismissal of relator-led cases, and other issues.

This webinar does not carry CLE credit. Registrants will receive Zoom login details on the day before the event.

Registration for this event is now closed.

About the Presenters

R. Scott Oswald – Chair, FBA Qui Tam Section (moderator)

Scott Oswald is an accomplished trial lawyer who has brought more than 40 trials to verdict. His cases have recovered more than $300 million in judgments and settlements. A fellow of the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, he received his law degree from Howard University and honed his skills at Trial Lawyers College, founded by the legendary Gerry Spence. Mr. Oswald litigates employment and whistleblower actions nationwide. Among his results:

• First jury verdict under new whistleblower protections in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013|
• First Sarbanes-Oxley Act liability verdict to withstand appeal
• First jury verdict under 2009 anti-retaliation provisions of False Claims Act
• First Dodd-Frank Act retaliation lawsuit to reach discovery in federal court

Mr. Oswald is chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Qui Tam Section and immediate past chair of the FBA’s Professional Ethics Committee. Lawdragon ranks him as one of the top 500 plaintiff-side employment lawyers in the country.

Patrick M. Klein – Senior Trial Counsel, Fraud Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division

Patrick Klein is a Senior Trial Counsel in the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. The Fraud Section is charged with investigating and prosecuting claims brought under the False Claims Act, and Mr. Klein has been with the section for 13 years. Mr. Klein investigates and prosecutes FCA cases nationwide, including in Arizona and elsewhere in the Ninth Circuit, and has received The Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention as well as multiple Office of Inspector General awards for his efforts. Mr. Klein is always happy to get back to Arizona, and previously worked in Phoenix for both Gallagher & Kennedy and Fennemore Craig, and is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona.

Lon R. Leavitt– Partner, Halunen Law

As a partner at Halunen Law, Lon Leavitt represents whistleblowers nationwide from a variety of industries in qui tam actions under the False Claims Act. An experienced and respected former Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Leavitt has deep expertise with the False Claims Act. He has handled dozens of investigations and cases that collectively returned tens of millions of dollars to the United States government.

Robert J. Milligan– Shareholder, Milligan Lawless PC

Robert J. Milligan is a Shareholder in the Phoenix, Arizona law firm of Milligan Lawless, P.C. and specializes in health care law. Mr. Milligan limits his practice to the representation of individuals and companies in the health care and life sciences industry. In addition to his law degree, Mr. Milligan has an LL.M. in Biotechnology and Genomics.

Hon. John Joseph Tuchi– U.S. District Judge, District of Arizona

Judge John Tuchi was nominated by President Obama for a Federal District Judgeship on September 19, 2013, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 14, 2014. From 1998 until his confirmation, Judge Tuchi served in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, holding multiple positions, including Chief of the Phoenix Appellate Division, Chief of the Criminal Division, Senior Litigation Counsel, Tribal Liaison, Chief of the Phoenix Office, and United States Attorney. As a line prosecutor, Judge Tuchi handled narcotics, firearms and immigration cases, and specialized in computer crime and financial fraud.

Prior to serving in the United States Attorney’s Office, Judge Tuchi was an associate with the law firm Brown & Bain P.A. (now merged with Perkins Coie LP), from 1995 to 1998. He served as law clerk to the Honorable William C. Canby, Jr., on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1994 to 1995. Judge Tuchi also practiced as an engineer and computer systems consultant in the defense industry prior to attending law school.

Registration

Registration for this event is now closed.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be made for cancellations received after the close of business on October 10, 2020. No-shows will be billed. Substitutions may be made at any time upon notification. Please contact Ariel White at awhite@fedbar.org with cancellation and/or substitution requests.

CLE

Please note that CLE credit is not offered for this webinar.

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If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact sections@fedbar.org.