National Security/FBI
Since 1993, Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto has represented whistleblowers whose work involves them with national security, most often as employees at the FBI. With help from KKC, our clients have exposed problems at the FBI’s crime lab, inside certain post-9/11 counterintelligence activities and due-process procedures, and with programs that allow FBI officials to collect private data on American citizens without a warrant.
First Victory for FBI Whistleblowers: In Whitehurst v. FBI, our attorneys successfully represented the first-ever FBI whistleblower, Dr. Frederic Whitehurst, a forensic scientist and ballistics expert. Dr. Whitehurst’s disclosures led to major reforms at the FBI crime lab, including a new requirement for outside accreditation. This case spurred an executive order by President Clinton establishing whistleblower protections for FBI employees.
Media coverage of the Whitehurst case.
Retaliation in the FBI Counterterrorism Division: In Youssef v. Mukasey, our attorneys currently represent Bassem Youssef, who as the highest-ranking Arab-American agent in the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division experienced discriminatory retaliation after reporting serious mismanagement in the bureau’s war on terror.
Media coverage of the Youssef case.
Major Recoveries for FBI Employees: In FBI whistleblower cases such as Turner v. Gonzalez, KKC has successfully recovered millions of dollars for FBI agents.
Media coverage of the Turner case.
Special Agent John Roberts was profiled
on CBS's 60 Minutes. November 2004.