The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is designated as the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act. It provides employees protection against retaliation by public companies named in the Act because the employee provided information to the employer, a Federal agency, or Congress relating to alleged violations of Federal laws concerning fraud or securities rules and regulations. Employees are also protected against discrimination when they have filed, or participated in a proceeding filed or about to be filed against a company named in the Act for a violation or alleged violation. This is also known as the "Whistleblower" Act for the protection it affords to those disclosing to the proper authorities damaging information about their employers.

An employee who is successful under Sarbanes-Oxley may be awarded make-whole relief, including reinstatement with the same seniority status that the employee would have had but for the discrimination, back pay with interest, and compensation for any special damages sustained, including litigation costs, expert witness fees and reasonable attorney's fees.

If you need the help of an attorney in regard to Sarbanes-Oxley Act issues, we invite you to contact The Ottinger Firm for a free consultation about your case.