SEC Takes Aim at Anti-Whistleblower Employment Agreements

© 2016 The Texas Lawbook.

By Bill Mateja and Jason Hoggan of Polsinelli

(Sept. 13) – On Aug. 15, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued its second fine in six days to an employer for drafting severance agreements that restricted former employees from collecting awards as whistleblowers. The fines – totaling $605,000 between the two companies – signify a continued, distinct shift toward enforcing rules against employment agreements that impede the SEC’s whistleblower program.