Topics Include:
- An overview of the False Claims Act and its provisions
- Life of a qui tam action from start to finish
- The Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act and its provisions
- Claims under both the FCA and VFATA, as well as uniquely federal false claims cases and uniquely state false claims act cases
- The interplay between the VFATA and the FCA
- Recent cases and hot issues
In the 159 years of its existence, the federal False Claims Act (FCA) has become the single most important tool used to fight fraud in government programs. In fact, since 1986—when the law was substantially modernized—the United States has recovered more than $70 billion. The federal government’s success with the FCA caused the states to take notice, and, in 2002, Virginia became one of the first states to enact a state FCA statute when the General Assembly passed the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act (VFATA).
The FCA and VFATA both make seven broadly defined categories of behavior illegal and impose treble damages, civil penalties, attorney fees, and costs on those who violate the law. The real power of the statute, however, is found in its qui tam provisions, which empower any “person” with non-public knowledge of false claims on the government to retain counsel and bring a claim on behalf of the United States or the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This program, which will be useful to both novice and experienced FCA practitioners, begins with an overview of both statutes and includes a summary of important recent decisions. Attendees will also learn about the somewhat mysterious process of initiating a qui tam action and how to avoid the numerous procedural pitfalls that await the unwary.
The presentation includes uniquely federal false claims cases and uniquely state false claims act cases. This is an area of law in which interest continues to grow, and this seminar will provide the experienced and new attorney with valuable insights to grow their practice. Topics to be discussed include:
- Introduction to the law, including the prohibited acts
- Pleading the case and the importance of Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) and 9(b)
- Interplay between the VFATA and the FCA
- An update on recent cases
- Important practice pointers and tips
ATTENDING IN PERSON ON MARCH 31?
The Bobzien-Gaither Education Center in Richmond/Innsbrook is our new state-of-the-art facility designed with your safety in mind. It features a Centurion air filtration system, which quickly and effectively eliminates viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the facility is thoroughly cleaned before each seminar, and face masks and hand sanitizer will be available.
COVID-19 POLICY FOR LIVE-ON-SITE ATTENDANCE
By attending a live-on-site Virginia CLE® seminar, you acknowledge the health risks associated with COVID-19 and that you MUST follow all Virginia CLE® COVID-19 policies. You may NOT attend a live-on-site program if you have tested positive for COVID-19, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are under any self-quarantine orders per CDC guidelines.
Click here for details about the Virginia CLE® COVID-19 policy. Please revisit the webpage routinely for updates as we are monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. All updates to this policy will be emailed to registrants.
(Last updated March 2, 2022)
| Registration Deadlines: |
| Webcast: |
10 minutes prior to seminar. If you register for a webcast the day of the seminar, your e-mail receipt will include a link to launch the seminar and download the materials. |
| Telephone: |
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar
Call (800) 979-8253 to register up to one hour prior to the seminar |
| Live on Site: |
Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. the day preceding the seminar
Walk-in registration is permitted on a space-available basis |
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE.
Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.
MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.
Can't Attend? E-mail
distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an On Demand or USB seminar.
E-mail
publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program's seminar materials are made available for sale.