FCA Champion Takes Over Number Three Spot at DOJ

In a move that should have whistleblowers rejoicing, Tony West is taking over the position of associate attorney general at the Justice Department. West, who has been the head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division since 2009 is taking over for Thomas Perrilli, who leaves the position after three years. The associate attorney general position is largely considered to be defined by the lawyer who holds it, and if West’s focus while heading the Civil Division is any indication, we can expect to see an uptick in False Claims Act enforcement. Since January 2009, the Civil Division has recovered more than $8.8 billion, the highest three year total in department history, all while under West’s watch. West will be replaced in the Civil Division by Stuart Delery, senior counsel to Attorney General Eric Holder.

For more information see:
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2012/02/27/justice-department-names-a-new-no-3/