Whistleblower Protection

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Halunen Law reports that the Firm’s representation of employees and whistleblowers in 2025 produced results that made a difference in the lives of our clients—ensuring their voices were heard. Said Partner Joshua Newville, “We are particularly proud that these cases gave our clients the satisfaction of achieving a measure of accountability from their employers. This accountability will hopefully protect other employees from the discrimination or retaliation faced by our clients. These cases typically involved wrongful terminations in a variety of industries and in businesses ranging from large national companies to small local shops. Besides accountability, these cases provided monetary relief to compensate our clients for lost wages and non-monetary losses, including emotional distress. Resolutions of many of these cases included monetary compensation in the range of six figures.

Halunen Law’s team is passionate about the work we do and the opportunity to hold employers accountable for their illegal conduct. As the Firm moves into 2026, I fully expect we will continue to achieve excellent results for our clients.” 

Halunen Law represents employees on a contingency basis, which means that there is no cost to its clients unless the case successfully resolves.

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Employer poised to challenge state laws protecting workers who use cannabis off the job

MINNEAPOLIS (October 10, 2025) — Halunen Law, a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in employee rights cases, has filed suit against a Texas-based home builder on behalf of a Minnesota realtor who was denied a job because of his medical cannabis use during non-work hours.

The realtor, who was enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis registry, applied for a sales position at a new-construction housing development in the Twin Cities. The builder offered him the job after a lengthy application and interview process but rescinded the offer when a pre-employment drug test revealed the presence of THC metabolites.

“Minnesota authorizes the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes,” said Halunen Law attorney Joshua Newville. “State law generally prohibits discrimination against employees for such off-duty usage. Most employers are thus barred from even testing for cannabis.”

Responding to the lawsuit, the builder argues that Minnesota’s laws are preempted by federal law. “It appears this employer is poised to mount a direct challenge both to States’ rights and cannabis-related worker protections,” explained Newville.

This case raises important questions not only for Minnesotans but also for workers nationwide as more states adopt similar protections. Lawmakers, state attorneys general, and civil rights advocates throughout the country may be closely watching as this matter unfolds.

The case is Bradley Sand v. Weekley Homes, LLC, Hennepin County District Court (Case: 27-CV-25-18190).

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees and whistleblowers who courageously challenge illegal actions in their workplace. Founded in 1998, Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm, with a laser focus on achieving justice and meaningful results for its clients. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

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UnitedHealth Group, the nation’s largest health insurer, has confirmed it is under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for its Medicare Advantage practices. This follows growing scrutiny from media outlets like The Wall Street Journal and STAT News, which raised serious concerns about the company’s billing and care management practices. The DOJ is reportedly investigating possible criminal fraud, and UnitedHealth has now acknowledged receiving both civil and criminal investigative requests.

This is just the latest in a series of crises for UnitedHealth, which has seen the abrupt resignation of top executives, mounting public backlash over care denials, and a massive drop in shareholder value—losing over $277 billion in market capitalization in the past year.

At Halunen Law, we have deep experience representing whistleblowers who expose fraud against the government, including violations under the False Claims Act and retaliation under federal and state whistleblower protection laws. These types of Medicare fraud investigations are precisely the cases we are committed to pursuing.

If you are a current or former employee of UnitedHealth Group or one of its subsidiaries and have information about unlawful conduct—such as inflated billing codes, improper patient care denials, or other fraudulent Medicare practices—or if you’ve experienced retaliation for speaking up, contact Halunen Law immediately. Our attorneys can advise you confidentially about your rights, the risks, and how to proceed safely.

Your courage can make a difference—and we are here to help.

Read CNN’s coverage: UnitedHealth confirms federal investigation into its Medicare practices

In what is believed to be the largest ERISA settlement stemming from poorly performing investment options in a 401(k) plan, UnitedHealth Group will pay $69 million in a class action case filed by plaintiff and whistleblower Kim Snyder. A former employee, Snyder claimed UnitedHealth Group failed to remove investments from a poorly performing Wells Fargo 401(k) plan. In so doing, employees invested in the fund lost hundreds of millions of dollars in potential retirement savings, Snyder alleged. Minnesota District Court Judge John Tunnheim gave final approval to the class settlement on June 12, 2025.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight was the lead counsel on the case. Minneapolis-based Halunen Law attorney Susan Coler served as local counsel, providing legal advice and assistance. The case alleged that UnitedHealth had violated its fiduciary duties under ERISA by prudently and disloyally selecting, retaining, and monitoring the poorly performing Wells Fargo Target Fund Suite.

“This outcome is impressive and gratifying,” said Coler. “Snyder and the legal team worked tirelessly for four years to achieve this result, which will offer a direct financial remedy to class members who have been impacted. It was a pleasure to work with them and contribute to that result.”

Read more about this historic case settlement:

Press Release: Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight Wins Final Approval of Record-Breaking $69 Million Settlement on Behalf of More Than 35,000 Retirement Plan Beneficiaries 

Minnesota Star Tribune: Judge approves $69M class action settlement in UnitedHealth 401(k) litigation

Minnesota Star Tribune: UnitedHealth Group agrees to $69 million settlement over low-performing retirement plan options.

401k Specialist: UnitedHealth Group Agrees to Historic $69 Million 401(k) ERISA Settlement

USA Herald -UnitedHealth Settles $60M ERISA Suit

National Association of Plan Advisors: ‘Historic’ Excessive Fee Suit Strikes $69 Million Settlement

Law360 – UnitedHealth to pay $69M in Suit Over 401(k) Fund Roster

Susan (1)A Partner at Halunen Law, Susan Coler is a member of the Halunen Law False Claims Act (FCA)/Whistleblower Practice Group. She represents whistleblowers who challenge illegal corporate conduct, particularly fraud against the government. Susan represented a relator in an FCA claim against Abbott Laboratories that resulted in a civil settlement of $800 million (total settlement of $1.5 billion), the fifth-largest civil healthcare recovery ever achieved under the FCA. As an MSBA Labor and Employment Law Specialist, Susan has also brought successful retaliation claims in connection with FCA/qui tam cases and as stand-alone actions.

 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN:  Halunen Law is pleased to announce attorney Christopher Empson has joined its Employment Litigation Group. As a member of this team, Empson isChris-2024-web committed to fighting for employee rights and gaining justice for individuals who experience illegal workplace actions. He brings to the group a keen interest and undergraduate studies in psychology, business law, and economics—areas that provide useful perspectives when working to resolve the employment law matters that bring clients to the Firm. Empson is dedicated to providing exceptional client representation consistent with Halunen Law’s goal of achieving transformational outcomes for its clients.

“While serving as a law clerk, Chris became an invaluable member of the firm,” said Employment Litigation Group lead Josh Newville. “He’s an important part of the group, and we are thrilled to have him join our team of talented attorneys. We look forward to his continued contributions in the years ahead.”

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Empson received his law degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. A native of Illinois, Empson has adopted the Twin Cities as his new home. He enjoys the seasonal changes, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends exploring the Twin Cities. 

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees, whistleblowers, and those who have experienced illegal workplace actions. The Firm has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm focused squarely on achieving justice for its clients and creating workplace and societal change. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

In the March 12 article “Dellinger Exit Deepens OSC Politicization as Workers LoseAlly,” Bloomberg Law writer Khorri Atkinson examines the Trump administration’s termination, without explanation, of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger as part of the president’s broader effort to seize control of independent agencies, and the potentially wide-ranging impact of these actions.

Asked to provide his perspective on Dellinger’s departure and decision to drop his case, Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner offered that unless the Supreme Court intervenes in a similar dispute and clarifies the president’s authority to dismiss the head or a member of an independent federal agency, Dellinger’s firing may have set a precedent that allows future presidents to exert greater control over these agencies. He added, “It will be interesting what they do; whether they’ll replace Dellinger with someone more aligned with” the purported objectives of Elon Musk and his Department of Government
Efficiency to weed out fraud and wasteful spending, “or dismantle the Office of Special Counsel because they think it’s unnecessary.”

Read the full article, “Dellinger Exit Deepens OSC Politicization as Workers Lose Ally”

Paul Schinner

As a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

In his “Whistleblowing 101” article, Halunen Law employment attorney Paul Schinner offers key steps for people to consider when blowing the whistle on illegal workplace activity. These include knowing the laws protecting whistleblowers, taking tangible actions to build your case, and seeing the value of having an experienced employment law attorney at the helm. Worth a read, this article offers valuable guidance for potential whistleblowers.

Read the full article as published in the Legal Reader (PDF)

Paul SchinnerAs a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

 

With a successful practice in employment law and False Claims Act cases, Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner

represents whistleblowers who speak up against illegal actions in their workplace. His extensive experience provides real-world insights for his recently published article, “Whistleblower 101: Protection Laws to Know Before You Speak.” Readers will find a useful guide to the statutes that protect whistleblowers along with steps and strategies to consider before blowing the whistle.

Read the full article as published in Attorney at Law Magazine (PDF)

Paul SchinnerAs a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

In a recent Bloomberg Law article, “Trump’s DEI Order Creates Murky Fraud Risks for Contractors,” reporter Khorri Atkinson explores a number of issues including the possibility that the False Claims Act could be used against federal contractors if they do not comply with Trump’s recent executive order prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner weighs in, offering the order is “riddled with ambiguities” and has “no definition section. What jumped out is that the order uses buzzwords that Republicans have used to attack DEI efforts,” and states “the FCA could potentially be litigants preferred legal route.” However, he adds, “It’s very possible to maintain some form of intentional effort to boost inclusivity without running afoul” of the new administration’s order and the law.”

Read the full article as it appeared in Bloomberg Law (PDF)

Paul SchinnerAs a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

 

The United States Department of Justice recently filed a complaint in intervention alleging violations of the False Claims Act by Clarksville Pain Institute, LLC, Pain Institute of Nashville, PLC, Michael Cox, and Debbie Cox, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.

The government began investigating the alleged wrongdoing in response to a lawsuit filed by Halunen Law and Morgan Verkamp, LLC of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act (FCA). Under the FCA, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.

The complaint alleges that the defendants put profit before patients through illegal activities that include subjecting patients to unreasonable and unnecessary testing that was then billed to federal health care programs, and other billing abuses. In some instances, the complaint alleges that patients had to agree to undergo the unnecessary testing if they wanted to receive their pain medications. Moreover, the defendants are alleged to have ignored multiple warnings from consultants, auditors, and insurers that their billing practices did not comport with Medicare requirements.

“We are pleased the United States has intervened in this case and will pursue justice on behalf of the clinic patients and our client, while also recouping United States taxpayers’ funds gained through medical fraud,” said Halunen Law FCA Attorney Susan Coler. “This case demonstrates the power of a single whistleblower stepping forward, courageously challenging an employer’s illegal practices, and bringing the full force of the government to rectify the wrongdoing. Halunen Law is proud to have initiated this case, and we look forward to holding the defendants accountable for their actions.”

Read the U.S. Attorney’s Office Press Release on this Case

About Halunen Law: Offering experienced representation to employees and whistleblowers nationwide, Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful law firm focused on achieving justice and meaningful results for its clients. See halunenlaw.com.

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