Norberg Featured in Compliance Week Whistleblower Series

Securities and Enforcement Litigation partner Jane Norberg was quoted in Compliance Week's "Witness to Wrongdoing" series, a special report detailing the experience of five corporate whistleblowers. Prior to joining Arnold & Porter, Norberg served as Chief of the Office of the Whistleblower of the Securities and Exchange Commission and helped build and develop the SEC's whistleblower program since near its inception.

The first article of the series examines the motivations behind whistleblowers coming forward, as well as the obstacles in their path. Norberg comments that organizations and compliance officers should focus on whether the whistleblower's allegations are right and not "get too caught up in questioning the motive." Norberg notes that this can be a pitfall for companies.

Norberg was also featured in the fourth part of the series discussing retaliation against whistleblowers and how the SEC defines an act of retaliation. She emphasizes how broad the definition is, noting that "retaliation can fall well short of outright firing."

For the conclusion of the series, Norberg discusses the monetary award aspect of the SEC's whistleblower program and how the incentive is a "motivator" for those who might be undecided about reporting to the government.

During her tenure at the SEC, Norberg advised the SEC Chairman and the Director of the Division of Enforcement on emerging whistleblower issues and the development of rulemaking and policies, as well as reported to Congress regarding the program's activities and advised them on whistleblower matters. She joined the SEC in 2012 as Deputy Chief of the Office and was appointed to Chief in 2016. Norberg managed and oversaw record-breaking growth in the number of whistleblower tips received and awards issued to whistleblowers under the program.

» Read the full series (subscription required).