Marlan Wilbanks Honored for Lifetime of Service to Whistleblower Advocacy
In October 2022, Marlan Wilbanks received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement award at the Taxpayers Against Fraud Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The award recognized his exceptional dedication to fighting fraud, mentoring legal professionals, and educating the public on the False Claims Act. He was presented with a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln, inscribed with:
“For Your Many Years of Extraordinary Service As Attorney, Mentor, and Educator on Behalf of the Taxpaying Public.”
This honor reflects Marlan’s unwavering commitment to holding corporations accountable and protecting taxpayer dollars through whistleblower litigation.
See the Taxpayers Against Fraud’s article here.
A Legacy of Fighting Fraud and Protecting Whistleblowers
As the founding partner of Wilbanks & Gouinlock, LLP, Marlan Wilbanks has dedicated his career to representing whistleblowers in False Claims Act (FCA) cases, commonly known as “qui tam” lawsuits. His work has led to the recovery of over $2 billion from corporations and individuals engaged in fraudulent activities against the U.S. government.
Marlan’s whistleblower clients have helped expose Medicare and Medicaid fraud, pharmaceutical fraud, grant fraud, and defense contractor fraud, among others. His firm has achieved landmark settlements, including cases ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.
A National Leader in Qui Tam Litigation
Marlan currently serves as lead counsel in numerous FCA cases filed in federal courts across the nation, including in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, California, Tennessee, Maryland, and Washington. He has successfully litigated against large hospital chains, pharmaceutical companies, and government contractors accused of defrauding federal and state programs.
His work has been widely recognized in national media, with coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, NBC, ABC, Fox News, and numerous legal periodicals. In 2014, Marlan and his firm were named Whistleblower Lawyers of the Year by Taxpayers Against Fraud, and his clients were recognized as Whistleblowers of the Year in 2014 and 2018 for their role in securing major recoveries, including a $65 million settlement against Prime Healthcare and an $85 million settlement against Halifax Health.
Protecting Whistleblowers from Retaliation
Marlan is also a fierce advocate for whistleblower protection, ensuring that those who come forward to expose fraud are legally protected from retaliation. His firm has successfully secured financial compensation for whistleblowers who were wrongfully terminated, demoted, or harassed after reporting fraud. Under whistleblower protection laws, Marlan has obtained substantial recoveries for his clients, including back pay, front pay, and damages for loss of employment opportunities.
A Commitment to Legal Education and Advocacy
Marlan is widely regarded as an expert in False Claims Act litigation and is frequently invited to speak at national legal and compliance conferences. He has conducted seminars on whistleblower law for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and other legal organizations across the country. He has also led law school seminars on case analysis, expert witness preparation, and trial strategy, helping train the next generation of whistleblower attorneys.
Champion for Child Protection and Legal Reform
Beyond his work in whistleblower law, Marlan is deeply committed to fighting child sexual abuse. He co-founded the Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) Clinic in partnership with the University of Georgia School of Law. This first-of-its-kind legal clinic provides free legal services to survivors of child sexual abuse while training law students to assist in representing victims.
Marlan also serves on the Board of the House of Cherith and Faith, organizations dedicated to helping survivors of exploitation and abuse.
A Respected Leader in Legal and Academic Circles
Marlan currently serves as:
- Chairman of the University of Georgia School of Law Board of Visitors
- Trustee and Executive Committee Member for Young Harris College
He has been honored with multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, including from:
- Taxpayers Against Fraud
- The Daily Report
- Habersham Central High School
A Lifetime of Advocacy and Impact
Marlan Wilbanks’ work has had a transformative impact on the legal profession, government accountability, and taxpayer protection. Through his tireless advocacy, landmark cases, and dedication to education, he continues to be a leading force in the fight against corporate fraud and government waste.