January 06, 2017
Sean McKessy in the National Law Journal, 1/6/17.
Sean McKessy, who stepped down in July as the whistleblower office’s first chief, said Friday’s award marks the second time the SEC has deemed it appropriate to waive a procedural requirement.
“The big picture message that this sends is the commission is a body that has discretionary authority to do what justice requires,” said McKessy, who represents whistleblowers as a partner at Phillips & Cohen. He added: “If the equities determine it, or if the equities demand it, the commission can be persuaded to waive the requirements to get to a just result.”
“SEC Makes Exception to ‘In Writing’ Requirement for Whistleblower Tips.”